For many international students, career and migration outcomes are the primary motivation for choosing Australia. No other English-speaking study destination offers as structured a pathway from student visa to skilled employment to permanent residency. This page explains the full career and migration journey available to international graduates from post-study work rights through to PR eligibility.
Step 1: Work While You Study (Subclass 500)
Your student visa (Subclass 500) permits you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your enrolled study period and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. At the current national minimum wage of AUD 24.95 per hour, this part-time entitlement can contribute meaningfully to your living costs and critically builds Australian work experience that strengthens your future migration application.
Many students in professional fields (IT, healthcare, accounting) secure graduate-level internships or contract roles during their studies that directly support their post-graduation employment prospects.
Step 2: Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
After completing an eligible Australian qualification, international graduates can apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, commonly called the 'post-study work visa.' This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia on a full-time basis while you plan your permanent migration.
Qualification Level | 485 Visa Duration | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor's Degree (2+ years) Bachelor's (Honours) / Graduate Diploma Master's by Coursework Master's by Research PhD (Doctoral) Regional Study Bonus | 2 years 2 years 3 years 3 years Up to 4 years +1–2 years | Graduate Work Stream occupation must be on the skills list Post-Study Work Stream no occupation restriction Post-Study Work Stream Post-Study Work Stream Most generous duration; Post-Study Work Stream Additional time for graduates who lived and studied regionally |
Step 3: From 485 to Permanent Residency
The common permanent visa pathways available to 485 holders include:
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Points-tested visa for nominated occupations; no state nomination or employer sponsorship required. Score 65+ points to be invited. Australian work experience earns additional points.
Subclass 190 (State Nominated): Earn 5 bonus points through state nomination. Requires occupying a shortage role nominated by a specific Australian state or territory.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): Earn 15 bonus points for regional work and residence. Lower points threshold; strong pathway for graduates in regional roles.
Skills in Demand (SID) / Employer Sponsored: Employer sponsors your transition to PR. Increasingly common for graduates working full-time on a 485 with a supportive employer.
Salary Benchmarks for International Graduates (AUD)
Field | Graduate Starting Salary (AUD) | |
|---|---|---|
Software Engineering / IT Data Science / AI Cybersecurity Registered Nursing Civil / Structural Engineering Professional Accounting (CPA) MBA Graduate (Financial Services) Social Work (NDIS) | AUD 75,000 – 95,000 AUD 80,000 – 105,000 AUD 80,000 – 110,000 AUD 65,000 – 80,000 AUD 65,000 – 85,000 AUD 60,000 – 80,000 AUD 80,000 – 110,000 AUD 60,000 – 75,000 |
Maximising Your Migration Points on a 485 Visa
Australia's points-based skilled migration system rewards preparation. Key strategies to maximise your points score during your 485 period include:
Improve your English test score, move from Competent (6.0 IELTS each band) to Proficient (7.0 each band), and earn 10 additional points. Superior English (8.0 each band) earns 20 points.
Complete a skills assessment with your relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council). This is mandatory before you can lodge an EOI.
Accrue Australian work experience in your nominated occupation each year earns 5–20 additional points depending on duration.
Consider state nomination (Subclass 190) 5 extra points can make the difference between waiting years for an invitation and receiving one quickly.
Next step
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