For international students in Australia, understanding the differences between a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and a Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is essential for planning your academic and career journey. While both visas allow you to stay in Australia, they serve different purposes and have specific eligibility criteria. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these two visa types to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study in Australia while enrolled in a registered course. It is designed for students pursuing:
✔ Higher education (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs)
✔ Vocational education and training (VET) courses
✔ English language courses (ELICOS)
✔ School studies (primary and secondary)
Key Features of a Student Visa:
- Study Duration: Valid for the length of your course plus a short stay period.
- Work Rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during holidays.
- Dependent Visa: Allows eligible family members (spouse and children) to accompany you.
- Health Insurance Requirement: Must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Eligibility for a Student Visa:
- Must have an offer letter from a CRICOS-registered institution.
- Must meet English language and financial requirements.
- Must provide Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement proving you intend to study and return home after completion.
What is a Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is for international students who have recently completed an eligible Australian qualification and wish to stay and work in Australia.
Types of Graduate Visas:
- Post-Study Work Stream
- For students who completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) in Australia.
- Validity: 2–4 years, depending on qualification level.
- Graduate Work Stream
- For students with skills related to occupations on the skilled occupation list.
- Validity: 18 months (temporary measure extended to 24 months).
Key Features of a Graduate Visa:
- Full Work Rights: Unlike a student visa, a graduate visa allows you to work full-time.
- No Need for Enrollment: You are not required to study, but you can take short courses.
- Health Insurance Requirement: Must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Eligibility for a Graduate Visa:
- Must have completed a CRICOS-registered course that lasted at least 2 academic years.
- Must apply within 6 months of completing your studies.
- Must meet English language and health requirements.
Key Differences Between a Student Visa and a Graduate Visa
| Feature | Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) |
| Purpose | Study in Australia | Work after graduation |
| Work Rights | Limited to 48 hours per fortnight during study period | Full-time work allowed |
| Study Requirement | Must be enrolled in a course | No study required |
| Visa Duration | Course length + stay period | 18 months – 4 years (depending on stream) |
| Health Insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) |
| Dependent Visa | Allowed for spouse and children | Allowed for spouse and children in Post-Study Work Stream |
| Application Timing | Before starting studies | Within 6 months of course completion |
Choosing the Right Visa for Your Situation
- If you want to study in Australia, a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the right choice.
- If you have already completed your studies and want to gain work experience, the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the next step.
💡 Tip: Some students apply for a graduate visa first and then transition to other visa options, such as a skilled visa or employer-sponsored visa, to extend their stay in Australia.
How IStudentPlus Can Help with Your Visa Application
At IStudentPlus, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate the student and graduate visa application process. Our services include:
✔ Personalized visa consultation to choose the right visa for your situation.
✔ Step-by-step visa application support, ensuring all documents are correctly submitted.
✔ Visa extension and transition assistance if you plan to move from a student visa to a graduate visa.
✔ Updates on visa policies to keep you informed about the latest changes.
With IStudentPlus, you’ll receive professional assistance to make your visa journey smooth and stress-free!
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for a Graduate Visa while on a Student Visa?
A: Yes! You can apply for a Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) within 6 months of completing your course while still on your student visa.
Q: Can I work full-time on a Student Visa?
A: No, student visa holders can only work 48 hours per fortnight during their study period but can work unlimited hours during school breaks.
Q: How long does it take to process a Graduate Visa application?
A: Processing times vary, but it typically takes 4–8 months.
Q: What happens after my Graduate Visa expires?
A: You can apply for a skilled visa, employer-sponsored visa, or further studies to stay in Australia longer.
Q: Does IStudentPlus assist with visa applications?
A: Yes! We offer expert visa consultation and application assistance to help you successfully apply for student or graduate visas.
