New Post-Study Work Rights 2025: What International Students Should Know
For international students who dream of staying and working in Australia after graduation, understanding the 2025 post-study work rights policy is essential. As part of the Australian Government’s new migration reforms, post-study work rights have been revised to better align with national skill priorities and workforce planning. Previously, graduates of select courses were an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). However, starting in mid-2025, this extension has been discontinued for most metropolitan graduates and now primarily benefits those who studied at regional campuses.
The new framework reflects Australia’s goal to direct skilled migration towards areas and industries that need it most. Graduates who completed degrees in regional institutions may still enjoy longer stay periods, while those studying in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will generally receive shorter post-study work rights. The length of stay also depends on the qualification level—doctoral graduates typically receive up to four years, master’s graduates up to three years, and bachelor’s graduates around two years, with slight variations depending on field of study and location.
These changes emphasize the importance of career-oriented course selection. Fields such as nursing, information technology, education, engineering, and construction remain strongly favored in the government’s Core Skills Occupation List. International students planning to migrate should also consider complementing their academic qualifications with professional experience and networking opportunities while studying. Staying updated through official sources like the Department of Education and the Department of Home Affairs ensures students can adapt to any upcoming changes in migration policy and maximize their opportunities after graduation.
References
Australian Government, Department of Education. (2024, December 15). End of extended post-study work rights for international graduates. https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students/end-extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates
Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs. (2024). Migration strategy. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf
