Australia is famous for its excellent universities and vibrant student life. What international students need to know now is that there have been policy shifts regarding the post-study work opportunities in Australia. While Australia had relaxed its migration rules during the time of COVID-19, when the post-study work rights were extended, now the extra post-study extensions will no longer be applicable. Today to stay and work in Australia, skills matter, not just degrees.
The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to stay back and work in Australia after they complete their studies. While this is still in place, its conditions have become tighter. The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia is no longer a general pathway. The applications are filtered closely to find whether the skills match with the requirements of Australia’s job market. From 1 July 2024 the old study-related migration streams are replaced with new streams, and the Post-Higher Education Work stream remains at the top; however, with shorter validity, stricter eligibility, and success-driven on occupation demands in Australia.
International students must understand that Australia is not turning away students, but the selection has become more deliberate, where staying long-term now depends on job skills and employability and not just on academic merits. Fields with high demand, such as health, engineering, education, aged care, and technology, are given priority, whereas students in fields with low demand may find themselves in a competitive pathway and will have to find work more quickly than before.
Work-hour limitations have come into being, which reinforces the policy shifts. It shows that while student employment is permitted, it is not a right. This restriction will place a burden on international students, especially Indian students, who depended more often on part-time work to manage the different expenses.
With the narrowed rules regarding post-study pathways, the enrolment trends are expected to change. Universities now have to sell the programs without highlighting the migration outcomes. Some universities are modifying the programs to align with in-demand skill sets, and some institutions are providing strengthened employability support.
To realize your Australian dream, you have to carefully plan your studies, as choosing the program could have a big impact on your future life in Australia. The pandemic visa extensions have been stopped, and staying on is conditional, but making informed choices can make all the difference. Here’s where professionals can help you.
ImmiLaw Global will help you to plan through the complex changing study and post-study rules. We will help you to think beyond your graduation and plan ahead for the skills-based immigration Australia that the job market is demanding. A policy shift doesn’t mean the end of opportunity, but it means you just require smarter decisions.
International students who complete their studies in Australia can apply for Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to live and work in the country.
The stay back in Australia after studies now depends on the skills' relevance and employment prospects in priority sectors (e.g., healthcare, tech, and engineering) and not completely on the degree completed.
While holding a Temporary Graduate Visa does not guarantee permanent residency, it is an important step toward PR in Australia.
According to Australia’s 2025–2026 Migration Strategy, skills and occupation relevance are more important than academic merit. Post-study opportunities for graduates have become narrower.
The international students who want to settle in Australia for the long term have to plan their education carefully. They have to acquire skills that the Australian labour market is looking for.
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