Want to work in Australia after earning your degree? The post-study work visa permits you to stay temporarily in the country after graduation. With its promising job market, staying in Australia to secure a career is a wise choice.
Whether you’re an international student nearing graduation or a first-timer, understanding the post-study work visa is essential. This will serve as the key to unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth.
If you want to expand your Australian experience after study in Australia, you must secure a post-study work visa. Here’s everything you need to know about its conditions and purpose:
What Can You Do With a Post-Study Visa?
Upon completing your studies, you can apply for a post-study work visa. This visa will allow you to work, travel or study in Australia. You can only do these for a temporary period, usually ranging from two to four years.
The length of your stay with a post-study work visa depends on your study qualifications. There’s also a different period and condition for Hong Kong passport holders. To better understand these specifics, you can visit the official website of Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
Applying for a post-study work visa costs around AUD $1,650. The processing time lasts for about eight to nine months.
Apart from work, travel, and study purposes, you can also bring your immediate family members to Australia with a post-study work visa. Family members must also adhere to the eligibility and health standards.
Eligibility Requirements for a Post-Study Work Visa
Each of the eligibility requirements to get a post-study work visa in Australia in this list is subject to certain conditions. In general, here are the requirements you must meet to apply for a post-study work visa:
Study Qualification Requirements
- Your course was a CRICOS-registered course (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Your program was in English
- You completed your program in not less than 16 calendar months
- Your course must have resulted in a trade qualification, diploma, or degree
Student Visa Requirements
- Your first Australian student visa must have been granted on or after November 5, 2011
- Must be the main holder of a current student visa
- Held a student visa within the past six months prior to the application
Note that you can’t be granted a post-study work visa if you were a primary visa holder of subclass 485 or subclass 476.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
You must have attained the following scores in each test in the last three years:
- IELTS – At least an overall score of 6 with at least a score of 5 in each test section
- TOEFL iBT – At least an overall score of 64 with a minimum score of 14 each in speaking and writing, and 4 each in reading and listening
Eligibility for the post-study work visa also includes age, character, health, and more requirements. We recommend visiting the Department of Home Affairs website to determine if you are eligible to apply.
Possessing a post-study work visa can bridge you from your studies to a fulfilling career in Australia. Find out more about this visa here at MSM Unify overseas education consultancy.
