Post Study Work Visa (PSW) in Australia for Pakistani Students – Types, Costs, Requirements

Here’s all you need to know about the post-study work visa in Australia as a Pakistani student. Read on to explore different work visa types, costs and requirements.

Table of contents

• Overview

• What is PSW in Australia

• Eligibility criteria

• Types of Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

• How to apply for a PSW visa

• Benefits of the PSW visa

• PSW vs PR pathways

Overview

For Pakistani students dreaming of launching their careers in Australia after completing their studies, the Post Study Work (PSW) visa in Australia provides an excellent opportunity. Offered under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), the PSW stream allows international graduates to live, work, and gain practical experience in Australia after finishing an eligible Australian qualification. This pathway benefits recent graduates by bridging the gap between study and skilled employment, while also serving as a stepping stone toward Permanent Residency (PR).

What is PSW in Australia

PSW, also known as Post Study Work Visa, is a pathway designed for international students who have already completed their higher education degrees from Australia, recognised under the AQF. It is a temporary graduate visa classified as subclass 485, with a duration of 2 to 5 years, depending on the institution, degree level and the location of the institute. Moreover, it provides graduates with the opportunity to live and work in Australia freely while gaining experience in their relevant field of study.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the PSW visa in Australia, Pakistani students must meet the following requirements: 

• Should have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course. 

• Must be 35 years old or under. 

• Must have held a student visa in the last 6 months. 

• Must fulfil the English language proficiency requirements. 

• Must have held a valid student visa in the past 6 months. 

• Must provide proof of adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia.

Types of Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

The Temporary Graduate Visa includes two main streams:

Graduate Work Stream

• For international students with qualifications and skills related to an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Duration: Up to 18 months (temporarily extended to 24 months).

• Suitable for students with a Diploma or Trade-level qualifications.

 Post Study Work Stream (PSW)

• For students who have completed higher education degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate).

• No requirement to be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Duration:

- 2 years for bachelor's degree holders

- 3 years for master’s degree holders

- 4 years for doctoral degree holders

- 5 years for regional graduates

How to Apply for a PSW visa

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for the Post Study Work visa in Australia: 

• Complete your studies from an eligible institute 

• Take an English language proficiency test like IELTS or PTE, if you have not taken it before 

• Arrange all the required documents like health insurance, passport, character certificate and evidence of previous visa  

• Submit your subclass 485 visa application online 

• Pay your visa fees 

• Wait for your visa acceptance 

Cost for PSW in Australia  The PSW visa has a base fee of AUD 2235, and there are additional charges for any dependents applying for the visa alongside you.

Visa Processing Time Processing typically takes 4 to 8 months, depending on the application stream.  

Benefits of the PSW visa 

The most significant advantage of the PSW visa among all is that all international students enrolled in bachelor’s or master's programs are automatically entitled to attain post-study work visa. 

They are allowed to stay back and find a job in the relevant field to their study after completing their program. They are eligible to explore as many opportunities as they can without any hassle. These can be either part-time or full-time.

PSW Visa vs PR pathways