485 Visa for Masters Graduates - Rules & Benefits (2026 Update)
Master's graduates fall under the Post‑Higher Education Work (PHEWS) stream of the subclass 485 visa. This allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia after completing a CRICOS‑registered Master’s degree, provided they lodge within 6 months of completion, meet the age limit (generally under 35), satisfy English rules, and follow all Home Affairs application requirements.
For 2026, Master's coursework graduates typically receive up to 2 years, while Master's by research graduates receive up to 3 years, with Hong Kong/BNO passport holders eligible for up to 5 years.
Which Master’s graduates can apply for the 485 visa?
You can usually apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream if your qualification is an eligible Australian degree completed with a CRICOS-registered provider.
This includes:
Master’s by coursework
Master’s extended
Master’s by research
If your Master’s qualification was awarded in the last 6 months and meets the Australian study requirement, it can usually be used for your 485 application.
How long is a 485 visa for Master's graduates?
Your 485 visa length depends on the type of Master’s degree you completed.
Master’s by coursework: usually up to 2 years
Master’s by research: usually up to 3 years
A research Master’s gives a longer stay because it is treated as a higher qualification level under current visa settings.
If you hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, your stay can be longer under separate visa rules.
Why does a research Master’s usually give more time?
A research Master’s is treated differently because it sits closer to doctoral-level study in the visa framework.
This is why research graduates usually receive a longer post-study stay and may also qualify for different age settings when applying.
For some applicants, a research Master’s can also support eligibility if applying above the age of 35.
What are the main eligibility rules for Master’s graduates?
You must still meet the main 485 visa requirements before you apply.
This usually means you must:
Be 35 or under when you apply. You can be under 50 years of age when you apply if you are using a Master's (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement.
Apply within 6 months of completing your course.
Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
Meet the English requirement.
Meet health and character requirements.
Can a regional study give you more time after a Master’s?
Yes, but only if you meet the extra conditions for the second 485 visa.
If you studied and lived in a designated regional area, and later continue living there while holding your first eligible 485 visa, you may qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
This can give you:
1 extra year in some regional areas
2 extra years in some higher-priority regional areas
Master’s by coursework vs Master’s by research
A coursework Master’s and a research Master’s both qualify for the same stream, but they do not always lead to the same visa outcome.
Master’s by coursework
Usually gives 2 years stay. This follows the same base stay period as many bachelor's degrees.
Master’s by research
Usually gives 3 years stay. It also has more flexibility in age settings.
Common mistakes Master’s graduates make
A common mistake is assuming all Master’s degrees lead to the same visa length.
The exact qualification type on your completion documents matters. This is what the Department uses when deciding your stay period.
Another common issue is waiting too long after course completion. The 6-month application window is strict.
Expert tip before you apply
Before lodging your Temporary Graduate visa, check exactly how your university lists your qualification on your completion letter and transcript. A Master’s by coursework and a Master’s by research can lead to different visa outcomes, even if both are called Master’s degrees.
If you are also thinking about PR later, planning your visa around qualification type, regional options, and English score early can make later steps easier.