Australia extends post-study work rights for Indian students under AI-ECTA

Recap: Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa, also known as subclass 485, allows international students to stay and work in the country after finishing their studies. This helps them gain real-world experience before starting their professional careers.  

The opportunity: Under AI-ECTA, Indian graduates can now enjoy longer post-study work rights than they did previously, depending on their degree. For most bachelor’s degree holders, the visa allows for a 2-year stay. However, students who complete a bachelor’s with first-class honours in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), including ICT, can now stay for 3 years. Master’s degree holders can also stay for 3 years, while PhD graduates can remain for 4 years. 

 Earlier, students who finished a bachelor’s degree, including honours, and those who completed a master’s degree by coursework or an extended program could stay for up to 2 years. Those with a master’s by research or a doctoral (PhD) degree could remain for 3 years. 

The impact: This extension is a big boost for Indian students, giving them a chance to start their careers in one of the world’s strongest job markets and gain valuable international work experience.  

To apply for the Temporary Graduate visa, students must meet certain rules. They should: 

• Hold a valid student visa  

• Have completed a degree from an Australian university or institution  

• Meet health and character requirements  

• Have health insurance 

• Sign a statement agreeing to respect Australian values 

Graduates can include family members in their application or invite them later. The visa allows multiple trips in and out of Australia during its validity. However, time spent outside the country still counts towards the total visa duration. 

The base fee for this visa is around 2,300 Australian dollars. There may be extra costs for dependents, medical checks, and police certificates. Processing times can vary depending on how complete the application is. 

Although this visa cannot be extended directly, graduates can apply for other visas later, such as skilled work visas. This can allow them to stay longer or even move toward permanent residency. 

This visa is not just a permit to work—it’s a chance to grow, explore, and build a future. It’s a great way for graduates to apply what they’ve learned and explore life in Australia beyond the classroom.  

For Indian students, the updated post-study work rights under AI-ECTA open doors to international exposure and exciting career options. It makes Australia not only a top study destination but also a place where possibilities begin. Talk to an IDP counsellor for free today to learn more about the opportunity and plan your career.