485 Visa Duration by Qualification: How Long Can You Stay?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) duration depends on your qualification level and which stream you apply under. The Post-Study Work stream grants 2 years for bachelor's degrees, 3 years for master's degrees, and 4 years for doctoral degrees. The Graduate Work stream grants 18 months. Certain regional study and qualification bonuses can extend these durations. The 485 visa gives you full work rights in Australia after completing your studies.
Quick Facts
| Qualification | Stream | Base Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Post-Study Work | 2 years |
| Bachelor's (honours) | Post-Study Work | 2 years |
| Master's by coursework | Post-Study Work | 2 years |
| Master's by research | Post-Study Work | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | Post-Study Work | 4 years |
| Occupation on skilled list | Graduate Work | 18 months |
Post-Study Work Stream
The Post-Study Work stream is the more popular of the two 485 streams. It's available to students who completed an eligible qualification at an Australian institution, regardless of their field of study or occupation.
Bachelor's Degree: 2 Years
A standard bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) grants a 2-year post-study work visa. This includes:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Any other bachelor's qualification from a CRICOS-registered provider
The degree must be completed in Australia after at least 2 years (92 weeks) of study in a CRICOS-registered course while holding a student visa.
Bachelor's with Honours: 2 Years
An honours year (AQF Level 8) still results in a 2-year visa — the same as a standard bachelor's. The duration doesn't increase for honours, which sometimes surprises graduates who spent an additional year studying.
Master's by Coursework: 2 Years
A master's degree completed by coursework (AQF Level 9) grants 2 years. This is the same duration as a bachelor's degree, which raises questions about the value proposition — but the shorter course duration (typically 1.5–2 years versus 3 years for a bachelor's) means you're working sooner.
Note: Prior to changes in late 2024, master's by coursework received 3 years. The reduction to 2 years was part of the government's migration system reforms.
Master's by Research: 3 Years
If your master's degree is classified as "by research" (not coursework), you receive 3 years. The distinction matters significantly — an extra year of work rights in Australia.
How to tell the difference: your CoE and qualification completion letter will specify whether the degree is "by research" or "by coursework." If your program included a significant research thesis but was still classified as coursework by the university, the coursework duration applies.
Doctoral Degree (PhD): 4 Years
Doctoral graduates receive the longest 485 duration at 4 years. This reflects the significant time investment in a PhD (typically 3–4 years) and the higher-level skills doctoral graduates bring to the workforce.
All doctoral degrees qualify — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), and other AQF Level 10 qualifications.
Graduate Work Stream: 18 Months
The Graduate Work stream is available to students whose qualification is related to an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list. Unlike the Post-Study Work stream, the qualification level doesn't determine the duration — everyone gets 18 months.
Eligibility requirements:
- Completed a qualification that relates to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Obtained a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Met the Australian study requirement (2 years/92 weeks)
- Applied within 6 months of receiving your qualification
The Graduate Work stream existed before the Post-Study Work stream and is generally less favourable. Most graduates who qualify for the Post-Study Work stream choose that instead. The Graduate Work stream is mainly used by graduates whose qualification doesn't meet Post-Study Work requirements (e.g., some diploma-level qualifications).
For a detailed comparison, see Graduate Work vs Post-Study Work stream.
Regional Study Bonus
Graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area of Australia may receive additional time on their 485 visa.
Regional area definition: Anywhere in Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (the three major metropolitan areas).
Bonus duration: Up to 2 additional years for graduates who studied in regional Australia and commit to living and working in a regional area during the 485 visa period.
How it works:
- Study in regional Australia for the full duration of your course
- Apply for the 485 visa with the regional extension
- Live and work in a designated regional area during the visa
This makes regional study significantly more attractive. A bachelor's graduate who studied in Adelaide, for example, could receive 4 years total (2 base + 2 regional bonus) compared to 2 years for a Sydney graduate.
Priority Qualification Bonuses
In recent years, the government has introduced additional duration bonuses for graduates with qualifications in priority fields. These fields change over time but have included:
- Healthcare and nursing
- Teaching and education
- Engineering
- IT and cybersecurity
- Trades in demand (electricians, plumbers, carpenters)
Graduates in these fields may receive 1–2 additional years on top of their base duration. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current list of priority qualifications.
Duration Summary Table
| Qualification | Base | Regional Bonus | Max Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 2 years | +2 years | 4 years |
| Master's (coursework) | 2 years | +2 years | 4 years |
| Master's (research) | 3 years | +2 years | 5 years |
| PhD/Doctorate | 4 years | +2 years | 6 years |
| Graduate Work stream | 18 months | +2 years | 3.5 years |
Priority qualification bonuses may add further time.
Key Requirements for Both Streams
Regardless of which stream you apply under, you must meet these requirements:
- Age: Under 50 at time of application
- Australian study requirement: At least 2 years (92 weeks) of study in CRICOS-registered courses
- English: Minimum IELTS 6.0 overall (or equivalent)
- Health insurance: Must hold adequate health insurance
- Application timing: Apply within 6 months of completing your course (or receiving your completion letter)
- Held student visa: Must have held a student visa in the last 6 months
Planning Your Qualification for Maximum 485 Duration
If you haven't started studying yet, you can strategically choose qualifications to maximise your post-study work time.
Best value combinations:
- PhD in a regional area: up to 6 years
- Master's by research in a regional area: up to 5 years
- Bachelor's in a priority field, regional area: up to 4+ years
Considerations beyond duration:
- A longer 485 isn't always better if the qualification doesn't lead to employment
- Regional areas offer longer visas but potentially fewer job opportunities in some fields
- The cost of a PhD (3-4 years of study) should be weighed against the extra 485 time
- Priority fields change — a field that's priority today may not be in 3 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my 485 visa?
The 485 visa cannot be extended. Once it expires, you need to transition to another visa (skilled, employer-sponsored, partner) or leave Australia.
Does a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate qualify?
These qualifications alone generally don't qualify for the Post-Study Work stream. They may count toward the Graduate Work stream if related to a skilled occupation with a positive skills assessment.
What if I completed two qualifications?
The higher qualification determines your visa duration. A bachelor's (2 years) plus a master's (2 years) still only gets you the master's duration — they don't stack.
Can I travel while on a 485?
Yes. The 485 is a multiple-entry visa. You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want during the visa validity. Time spent overseas still counts toward your visa expiry — the visa doesn't pause.
What happens if I can't find work during the 485 period?
There's no requirement to work. You have full work rights but no obligation. Many graduates use the 485 to find work, gain experience, and then apply for employer sponsorship or skilled migration.
