Australia 2026: Latest Study, Work & Residency Updates
Australia remains a top choice for Indian students, with world-ranked universities, full post-study work rights, and a clear skilled-migration pathway to PR. But 2026 brings tighter rules, higher costs, and new processing systems — alongside a valuable bonus year for Indian graduates. Here's a quick, useful roundup.
6/25/20261 min read
Work After Studies
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets graduates live and work in Australia, usually for 2 years for Bachelor's and coursework Master's, and 3 years for research Master's and PhDs. The pandemic-era 2-year skill-shortage extension has ended.
A key benefit for Indians: under the Australia–India trade agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian graduates may receive up to 1 year extra stay — a total of 3 years for all Master's and 4 years for PhDs.
New 2026 rules (from 1 March 2026): the 485 fee nearly doubled to AUD 4,600, the age limit dropped to 35, and applicants now need IELTS 6.5 (with results valid for one year). Graduates from regional institutions can apply for an extra 1–2 years via the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Study in Australia
International students need a Student Visa (Subclass 500), which now requires meeting the Genuine Student (GS) test and showing higher savings — proof of funds rose to AUD 29,710 per year for the main applicant. The student visa base fee is now AUD 2,000.
New for 2026: under Ministerial Direction 115 (from 14 November 2025), offshore applications are processed using a traffic-light priority model — green, amber and red zones based on each institution's enrolment cap, so compliant providers get faster outcomes. Also, students on visitor or temporary graduate visas can no longer switch to a student visa onshore — applications must be made offshore.
Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. Australia set a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places for 2026.
PR & Other Residency Options
Australia has no single "PR after study" visa — instead the 485 is a stepping stone. Skilled work experience supports permanent skilled-migration pathways such as the Skilled Independent (189), state-nominated (190) and employer-sponsored visas.
These are points-tested, and studying or working in a designated regional area earns extra PR points — a popular strategy for long-term settlement.
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