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Two popular pathways post-graduation or mid-study are the Temporary Graduate Visa vs Student Visa. The former offers a bridge to professional life, allowing unrestricted work rights after studies, while the latter keeps you in the academic fold by extending your study period.

Navigating Australia’s immigration landscape as an international student can be both exciting and daunting. After investing time, money, and effort into pursuing higher education Down Under, the next big question often revolves around staying longer to gain work experience, complete further studies, or transition toward permanent residency. 

As of September 29, 2025, Australia’s visa policies continue to evolve, influenced by migration caps, economic needs, and international relations. Recent updates include stricter English language requirements for the Subclass 485 visa, fee hikes across both visa types, and the mandatory Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) requirement for onshore Student Visa applications. 

This article delves deeply into both options, explaining their types, subtypes, eligibility criteria, processes, and associated costs. We’ll compare them side by side with tables for clarity and highlight the latest 2025 changes. Whether you’re eyeing full-time employment or another degree, understanding these visas is crucial for seamless planning.

For those tackling English proficiency tests like the PTE (Pearson Test of English), which is pivotal for both visas, resources such as freeptetest.com provide invaluable free practice tests to boost your scores efficiently.

Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a post-study work visa designed for international students who have completed their Australian qualifications. It replaced older programs, such as the Subclass 457, and aims to retain skilled talent by granting temporary residency with full work rights. 

Unlike study visas, it doesn’t tie you to a specific course—you can work in any occupation, pursue further studies, or travel freely. The visa is valid for 18 months to five years, depending on your stream, qualification, and study location (regional areas often receive additional benefits).

As of 2025, the Subclass 485 operates through two primary streams: the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. The Replacement Stream, which allowed transitions from defunct visas, closed to new applications on July 1, 2024, leaving no revival in sight. 

Applications must be lodged within six months of course completion, and you can’t apply if you’ve held a Subclass 485 before (except in specific second-stream cases).

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This is the flagship stream for graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs from Australian institutions. It’s tailored for those pursuing higher-level skills in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, and business, aligning with Australia’s skilled migration priorities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: Under 50 years at application time (exceptions for PhD holders up to 55).
• Qualification: A degree (AQF Level 7 or higher) completed in Australia within the last 48 months. From December 14, 2024, only CRICOS-registered courses count, excluding some online or short programs.
• Study Requirement: At least two academic years (92 weeks) of full-time study in Australia.
• English Proficiency: Competent English, now with updated 2025 rules effective August 7: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.0), PTE 50 overall (no communicative skill below 36), or equivalent. New tests like OET and Cambridge C1 Advanced have adjusted minimums, emphasizing vocational relevance. Prepare via platforms like freeptetest.com for PTE mocks.
• Health and Character: Standard checks, including police clearances.
• Location Bonus: Studying in regional areas (e.g., outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) adds 1-2 years.

Duration:

• Bachelor’s: 2 years.
• Master’s (coursework): 2 years.
• Master’s (research) or PhD: 3 years.
• Regional study: Up to 5 years for PhDs in designated areas.

Application Process:

1. Gather documents: Degree certificate, transcripts, skills assessment (if needed), English test results.
2. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
3. Lodge online with Form 485; processing time is 4-6 months in 2025.
4. Biometrics may be required at a VFS center.

Costs: Base fee AUD $1,895 (increased as of February 1, 2025); additional fees apply for family members (AUD $450-$ 1,895). Health surcharge applies (~AUD $500).

This stream underwent tweaks in July 2025, tightening eligibility for non-STEM fields to prioritize areas of shortage.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

Aimed at trade and vocational graduates, this stream suits those with diplomas or advanced diplomas (AQF Level 5-6) in occupations such as carpentry, nursing, or hospitality management. It’s shorter but accessible for non-university paths.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: Under 35 (stricter than higher stream).
• Qualification: Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia within 24 months; must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Study Requirement: 92 weeks of CRICOS-registered vocational study.
• English Proficiency: Same as above, with 2025 updates applying—PTE 50 minimum recommended via freeptetest.com practice.
• Skills Assessment: Mandatory from a relevant authority (e.g., VETASSESS).
• Health and Character: As standard.

Duration: 18 months standard; no regional extensions.

Application Process: Identical to the higher stream, but include skills assessment. Processing: 3-5 months.

Costs: Same base fee AUD $1,895, plus assessment (~AUD $1,000).

Updates in 2025 include expanded eligible trades due to labor shortages, but age caps remain firm.