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, 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 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.