Working in Australia as a student, and after you graduate

Australia lets Student visa holders work part time, and graduates can stay on to work. The limits are strict, so know them before you accept a job.

Working on a Student visa

You can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session. Check the full list of visa conditions on the Home Affairs page, because your own visa grant notice states what you can do.

After your studies: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate visa lets international students live, study and work in Australia after finishing their studies.

Basic eligibility

• You must be aged 35 or under when you apply (exceptions apply).
• You must hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
• You must have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course.
• You must pick your stream when you apply: you cannot change it afterwards.

The main streams

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: for recent graduates of an Australian degree. You stay usually 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification. The cost starts from AUD 5,750.
• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: for associate degree, diploma or trade graduates in an occupation on the skilled list. You stay up to 18 months, from AUD 5,750.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: for people who studied at an institution in a regional area, with 1 to 2 years depending on where you studied and live. It costs from AUD 2,265.

In the main streams you can work and bring your family with you.

Official sources

• Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)
• Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)