Australia Announces Changes in Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Australian Government has announced a new migration amendment concerning the Graduate Visa No. 2 Regulation 2024!

Important changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, particularly regarding the Post Higher Education Work Stream, were announced and took effect on December 14, 2024. The notable changes are designed to simplify, streamline, and align the visa criteria with the overarching reforms of the Migration Strategy.

Let us examine the significant updates in 485 PHEWS:

Important Updates to the 485 Visa in December 2024: A Brief Summary

• New Definition of “Degree”: The definition of “degree” has recently been updated for applicants of Subclass 485, with an emphasis on the Post Higher Education Work Stream. Graduate certificates will henceforth not be recognized as a ‘degree.’
• Eligibility Criteria Adjustments: Graduate diploma holders can now apply if they pursue their diploma immediately after completing a relevant bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program.
• Removal of Australian Study Requirement (ASR): The Australian Study Requirement (ASR) has been eliminated from the visa criteria, streamlining the application process and enhancing accessibility for eligible graduates.
• Regional Focus: When applying for a subsequent or second visa, it is necessary to reside, work, and study in specified regional areas of Australia.

What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

A Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. This visa is designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study.

The Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 is a temporary visa enabling overseas students who have recently graduated from an Australian university to live, study, and work in Australia for an indefinite duration. This stream is ideal for individuals seeking to acquire hands-on experience in their area of study while also pursuing permanent residency in Australia.

Understand the Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The Post-Higher Education Work Stream plays a significant role in the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This is intended for international students who have recently graduated from Australia. The PHEWS allows these graduates to temporarily reside, work, and pursue their studies in Australia.

Five (5) Significant Changes in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream of the 485 Visa

The recent migration amendment includes important updates about the Postgraduate Higher Education Work Stream that are essential to grasp. These updates will ensure that international students comprehend the new eligibility requirements and align more effectively with the objectives of Australia’s skilled migration program.

Here are five essential points to consider before submitting your application for the 485 Post-Higher Education Work Stream.

Graduate Certificate No Longer Recognized: 

Graduate certificates are no longer recognized as valid qualifications for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This important change aims to uphold elevated academic standards.

Eligibility for Graduate Diploma: 

Currently, only graduate diplomas that are closely related to your prior Australian qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree or higher, are accepted. Additionally, the graduate diploma ought to be commenced within the same or the following academic year after finishing your prior qualification.

Timeline for Completing Your Degree:

To qualify for the 485 visa, you need to have finished your degree at an Australian educational institution within the past six months.

Duration Requirement for the Course:

Your degree program should fulfill the subsequent requirements:

• A minimum span of two academic years.
• Finished in a span of 16 calendar months.

CRICOS Registration and Visa Validity:

The applicant’s degree must be listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and should be completed while holding a valid student visa.

Studying in Australia

The country is large and boasts 43 universities in state capitals and outlying areas, so with some research, you’ll find the right place to live.

Institutions offer thousands of scientific, humanities, management, and engineering courses. Students can get Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorates, like in the UK.

View the entire list of Australian universities at Study Australia.

Australian universities rate well globally.  Nine national universities are in the QS World University Rankings 2024 top 100. This includes:

• Australian National University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• University of NSW
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• University of Western Australia.

Australia’s oldest research universities are the Group of Eight (Go8): Australian National University, Monash University, Adelaide, Melbourne, New South Wales, Queensland, Sydney, and Western Australia.

The QS Best Student Cities 2023 lists Melbourne as the most popular student city, followed by Sydney and Brisbane in the top 30. The top 40 include Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra.

The academic year begins in February, however, your institution and level of study may vary.

Course fees

Australia has some of the most expensive higher education. Postgraduate fees are established by universities, not the government, hence they vary. Foreign students must pay their complete tuition before starting their studies and pay much more than Australian students.

Foreign students like the country despite rising tuition.

Master degrees cost $20,000 to $37,000 (£10,280 to £19,018) and doctoral degrees $14,000 to $37,000 (£7,196 to £19,018). All costs are annual Australian dollars.

High-value courses like veterinary science, medicine, and the MBA cost much more.

Funding to study in Australia

Australian universities value internationalization, therefore international students are welcomed and assisted. International scholarships are grants or bursaries.

Major foreign student scholarship programs include:

• Australia Awards: Australia Awards combines scholarships from numerous sources, including AusAID.
• Endeavour Leadership Programme: The Endeavour Leadership Programme offers merit-based, government-funded Australian scholarships.
• Research Training Program (RTP): The Research Training Program (RTP), managed by institutions on behalf of the Department of Education and Training, provides funds to local and international research Masters and PhD students.

Australian universities like Monash University International Scholarships for Excellence and University of Sydney International Scholarships give scholarships to international students. Contact your institution’s international office for assistance.

Search for scholarships on Study Australia.

Consider working while studying to cover living expenses. Most student visas allow 40 hours of work every two weeks during the term. Make sure you can work on your visa type before accepting a job to avoid breaking the law.

Concluding Reflections

Recent modifications to the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 emphasize the Postgraduate Higher Education Work Stream, which became effective on 14 December. These updates have introduced clarification regarding qualification requirements to enhance the smoothness and efficiency of the process. This will guide international students in optimizing their routes for sustainable opportunities in Australia.

The changes commenced immediately following their registration on the Federal Register of Legislation and pertain to the 485 applications submitted after their initiation. The recent update to the 485 visa highlights the commitment of the Australian government to attract and retain highly skilled international professionals in Australia.

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