Dreaming of studying in Australia just got even more exciting for Indian students. With its world-class universities, vibrant multicultural campuses, and thriving job market, Australia has always been a top pick. Now, thanks to the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), post-study opportunities are even better.
Longer Work Rights = Bigger Career Boost
Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) lets international students stay back after completing their courses to gain hands-on experience. And under the new AI-ECTA update, Indian students get extended post-study work rights based on their qualification level.
What’s New?
Indian graduates can now stay longer than before:
| Degree Category | Updated Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree (including honours) | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT) | 3 years |
| Master’s degree (coursework/extended/research) | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 4 years |
Earlier Rules vs Now
Previously:
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Bachelor’s and most Master’s degrees = 2 years stay
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Master’s by research & PhD = 3 years stay
Now:
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STEM honours, Master’s & PhD students get an extra year of career-building time in Australia.
This update is a massive win for Indian students looking to enter Australia’s strong and future-ready job market.
Who’s Eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
Students applying must:
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Hold a valid Australian student visa
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Have completed a recognised degree from an Australian institution
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Meet health and character requirements
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Maintain proper health insurance
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Sign the Australian values statement
You can also include eligible family members in your application. The visa supports multiple entries, but time spent outside Australia still counts toward your total validity.
Visa Cost & Additional Information
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Base visa fee: Approx. AUD 2,300
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Additional charges may apply for dependents, medical exams, and police checks
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Processing times depend on the completeness of your application
The Temporary Graduate Visa cannot be directly extended, but graduates can later explore other visas—such as skilled migration pathways—that may lead to long-term stay or even permanent residency.
Why This Update Matters
This extension is more than just extra time—it’s a chance for Indian graduates to:
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Gain global work experience
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Kickstart their careers in a high-demand job market
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Explore pathways toward long-term opportunities in Australia
With these enhanced post-study work rights under AI-ECTA, Australia becomes even more attractive as a study-and-grow destination for Indian students.