It usually depends on the kind of qualification you have, to determine your post study stay in Australia, which can be anywhere between 18 months to 4 years after graduation. A student first needs a Graduate Skilled Temporary (subclass 485) visa. You have to be under 50 years of age to qualify for this visa, competent in English (an IELTS score of 6) or should be from an  English-speaking country.

There is also the Skilled-recognised graduate visa (subclass 476). This visa allows engineering graduates to gain 18 months of work experience in Australia. The students should be under 31 years of age.

Also, there are 2 types of Temporary Graduate Visa:

  1. Post-Study Work Stream visa

If you have graduated from an Australian education institution within the past 6 months, then this visa will allow you and your family to stay, study, work and travel in Australia for a period of 2-4 years. Students having a bachelor degree can stay for 2 years. Students having a master’s degree can stay for 2-3 years. And the students having a doctorate can stay for almost 4 years. 

If the qualification is below that of a bachelor degree, like certifications or graduate diplomas, you will not qualify for this type of visa. If you applied for your first student visa before November 5, 2011, then also you are not eligible for this type of visa. 

  1. Graduate Work Stream Visa

If you have graduated from an Australian education institution within the past 6 months, then this visa will allow you and your family to stay, study, work and travel in Australia for a period of 18 months. This visa is different from a Post-Study Work Stream visa owing to the fact that you are eligible for this type of visa even if your qualification is lower than that of a bachelor’s degree. You are also eligible for this visa if  you applied for your first ever student visa after November 5, 2011.

Students can get in touch with our Relationships team should you require more information regarding these stay back options for international students.