Study Guide to Australia:

Geographically, Australia is the largest country and a continent in itself.  Because it is located in the southern hemisphere, its weather patterns are diametrically opposed. Based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employment possibilities, Australia boasts five of the world’s top 30 best cities for students to reside in. Canberra is Australia’s capital. Australia has around 30+ universities that are worldwide ranked for their academics, placements, future prospects, and curricula.  Australia, which attracts over a million foreign students each year, is one of the top study abroad destinations, alongside the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Education System in Australia for International Students:

After the United Kingdom and the United States, Australia has the third-highest number of international students in the world. Australia also has seven of the world’s top 100 universities. The structure and rigor of Australia’s national quality assurance system are unique. The government established the Australian Quality Training Framework to boost quality assurance systems in education. 

College Fit in Australia

When it comes to higher education, students have several options when it to choosing a college or institution. While some organizations seek to rate colleges and universities, the concept of “fit” is as essential. The GPA* of admitted students is important, but so are the majors offered, location, number of students enrolled, and campus culture. Some colleges and universities are funded by the government, while others are supported privately.

 Popular Student Destinations in Australia for International Students

The top universities in Australia are not limited to single digits; rather, there is a list of top-ranking institutions in Australia that receive a large number of admission applications. According to recent statistics, the following are some of the most popular Australian universities:

  • The Australian National University
  • The University of New South Wales
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of Western Sydney
  • Monash University

These are not included in any particular sequence.

The area of New South Wales on Australia’s east coast is center to all of the country’s renowned academic institutions. The majority of the best universities in the country are in cities such as Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. Approximately 2,60,000 Asian students are studying in Australia for the academic year 2022, which runs from January to July. Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Health Care, Information Technology, and Hotel Management are some of the most popular courses taken by international students in Australia.

Latest Updates:

January 10, 2023: Western Australia decides to introduce Punjabi language into its public schools. The curriculum is being developed, and the language will be taught to children from pre-primary to class XII. Because Punjabi is Australia’s fastest-growing language and is widely spoken, the WA Government wants to incorporate it into the curriculum officially, which would be available to students beginning in 2024, with exams would be scheduled for the year 2025.

 May 12, 2022:  Australia introduces the Temporary (subclass 408) Skill Shortage Visa to allow employers to find workers for skill shortage occupations. The visa application fee is AUD 1,290, and the processing time is up to 6 months.

 April 13, 2022: Along with the Temporary 408 subclass visa, Australia has also introduced the Temporary 500 subclass visa, which is valid for up to 5 years but has specific restrictions.

April 12, 2022:  The Australian Government introduced the temporary (subclass 408) visa to boost employment in vital skill sectors, which had been gradually declining due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 February 15, 2022: From February 21, 2022, Australia’s borders will be open to fully vaccinated visa holders with no travel exemptions. Those visa holders who are not completely vaccinated will need a travel exemption and may be quarantined upon arrival

December 28, 2021: . Beginning December 15, 2021, Australian cities and governments will issue legal travel waivers for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated international students. On December 20, 2021, the Northern Territory of Australia began accepting international students. Beginning February 5, 2022, Western Australia will accept fully vaccinated international students. Travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international students will be lifted in Queensland and South Australia by 2022. Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and the Australian National Territory continue to take precautions, requiring an obligatory COVID-19 or RT-PCR test report upon arrival and emphasizing isolation for international students.

 December 28, 2021: All international students travelling Australia must complete the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) form. This paperwork must be submitted 72 hours before their departure. The form contains information about the applicant’s travel history, vaccinations, flight details, and contact information. The form also needs them to sign to indicate that their information can be accessed, and they must agree to obey the government’s quarantine standards.

 December 13, 2021: The Australian Government has proposed measures for international students holding Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visas, that they can one – apply for a replacement visa, two – the stay duration has increased for both current and former visa holders by three years, and three – applicants can reapply for the same duration for which they were able to apply originally. Graduates from the VET sector can also expect a two-year extension of their stay in Australia.

December 13, 2021:  The Australian Government has announced a FEE-HELP loan for approximately 30,000 undergraduate students studying across Australian higher education institutions. A fee reduction of AUD 27.8 million has also been suggested for international students for the academic year 2022, including ASQA, TEQSA, CRICOS, and TPS. This declaration is made in order to recruit more international students and the benefits that come with them.

November 16, 2021:  The Australian government has stated that its borders would be open to international students from December 1, 2021. Travel exemptions are not required for fully vaccinated eligible visa holders (including international students). Students with valid visas must provide proof of vaccination status (should be vaccinated with an approved vaccine) and a negative Covid-19 PCR test report within three days of departure. Australia has approved the vaccinations Covishield and Covaxin, both manufactured in India. In addition, travellers must follow the quarantine rules of the state or territory in which they arrive.

The federal government has classified Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast as regional cities as of November 16, 2019. This grants university graduates in the cities an additional year of post-study work rights (PSWR). Graduates in Darwin can stay for another two years, while Ph.D. graduates can stay for up to six years. Even after receiving regional migration status, cities other than Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will not be entitled to the Destination Australia scholarships. Only areas classified as ‘Inner Regional Australia’ to ‘Very Remote Australia’ remain Destination Australia eligible. Darwin is the only capital city with both the scholarship program and an additional two years of PSW.  The number of regional migration visas will be increased from 2000 to 25,000.

Safety in Australia:

Australia is a multicultural society that welcomes people of all cultures, countries, and backgrounds. While the majority of international students studying in Australia have a positive experience, there were several incidences of assault and robbery in 2009 and 2010, which affected not just international students but also members of the greater international community in Australia. At the moment, no such events have been reported, and the Australian government is working hard to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Read: Australia is becoming a popular study abroad option for overseas students

Weather in Australia: Australia has a diverse geography and climate. The country is in the southern hemisphere. This means that summer in Australia begins in December and winter in June. Almost one-third of Australia is in the tropics, where average temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.

  • Australian Capital Territory – This region covers Canberra. It has hot, dry summers, and cold winters with occasional fog and frequent frosts. The average temperature in summers would be around 30°C to 15°C; in winters it would be around 11°C to 0°C.
  • New South Wales – This region covers Sydney and its weather is very relaxing all around the year. The average temperature in summers would be around 22°C to 40°C; in winters it would be around 17°C to 8°C.
  • Northern Territory – This region has a tropical climate, and has two distinct seasons, the ‘Wet’ and the ‘Dry’. The Wet season spans from November until April and is characterized by increased humidity followed by monsoonal rains and storms. From May until October, the ‘Dry’ season is characterized by warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. This region covers Darwin. The average temperature in the wet season would be around 33°C to 25°C; in the dry season, it would be around 35°C to 21°C.
  • Queensland – Warm summers and mild winters are what you can expect here. This region covers Brisbane. The average temperature in summers would be around 20°C to 30°C; in winters it would be around 20°C to 10°C.
  • South Australia – This region experiences mild weather with sunshine all year round and covers Adelaide. The average temperature in summers would be around 17°C to 30°C; in winters it would be around 15°C to 6°C.
  • Tasmania – Snow falls in the mountains in winter. However, most people in Tasmania live in towns and cities near the coast. The ocean moderates the temperatures there. It covers cities like Hobart and Devonport. The average temperature in summers would be around 25°C to 10°C; in winters it would be around 11°C to 4°C.
  • Victoria – This region covers Melbourne. It enjoys warm summers, pleasant springs, mild autumns, and crisp winters. The average temperature in summers would be around 26°C to 15°C; in winters it would be around 13°C to 6°C.
  • Western Australia – This region covers Perth and is famous for its long days of sunshine, spotless blue skies, and brilliant beaches. The average temperature in summers would be around 31°C to 18°C; in winters it would be around 17°C to 7°C.

 Lifestyle Tips for international Students in Australia

Australians are known for their friendliness and helpfulness, as well as their sense of humour. Australia is considered as one of the most competitive countries on the planet. This applies to all aspects of life, including the workplace. While English is the national language of Australia, certain words and expressions have come to be recognized as uniquely Australian through common usage. Non-Australians may find some of these strange.

Australians love sports, both playing and watching them. Australian football, rugby, and cricket are the most popular sports in the country. Because of the country’s mild temperature, people spend a lot of time outside, whether as spectators or participants, at beaches, in the countryside, or on sporting fields.

Accommodation for International Students in Australia:

To begin, you must determine whether you wish to live in university-managed accommodation or with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also provide you a catered or self-catered option. Catered accommodation provides the convenience of having your meals prepared for you as well as a degree of certainty regarding meal expenses. If you know what you want, the housing office at your university will be able to tell you what options are available, so that’s where you should start.

If you choose to rent from a private landlord or if your preferred university does not have anything available in its own residential facility, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of private houses and landlords in the area.

Wherever you choose to live, make sure you understand your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most circumstances, you will be requested to sign a tenancy agreement, which you should carefully read before signing.

Orientation in Australian Universities:

Orientation week is mandatory for international students, so make sure you arrive early. This is where you will be introduced to the university and its amenities, as well as enrol for classes. It is important that you read the guidebook provided by the college. Each step of the admissions process is explained in the guide.

Activities in Australia:

Along with sports, colleges provide students with a variety of extracurricular activities.  Music, drama, science, and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. College life includes visits to theatres, concerts, and places relevant to the areas of study such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific companies, and projects.

Admission Requirements for International Students in Australia:

These vary between study programs and levels. Overseas students must meet a minimum English language requirement for each subject. In addition, a minimum academic record of 65% or above in class XII will be required. Students with less than a 60% average can enrol in Foundations and Diploma programs. Before beginning a degree program, the student must be 18 years old. It is important to remember that these figures are only for reference; actual figures may differ from university to university.

The following documents also need to be submitted as part of your admission process

  • Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
  • If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Resume
  • Photocopied score reports of GMAT / GRE and IELTS / TOEFL scores
  • Portfolio (in case of Students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
  • Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
  • Proof of funds to support education

Timeline for Applying to Australian Universities:

The majority of Australian universities offer online applications. To apply, you must visit each college’s website. In most situations, you will be required to create an account on the college website in order to supply basic information, submit the scanned copies of your papers, and pay application fees. This account will keep you updated on the application process and its stages. Please visit the websites of the universities of your choice to learn more about the application process.

Application fee:

Not all Australian universities ask you to pay an application fee when you apply. Only 6-7 universities in Australia accept student application fees. The application fee will vary based on the college and course being applied for, therefore check with specific colleges regarding their application charge.

 

Steps to Apply for Admission to Australian Universities

The common steps to applying for admission are as follows:

  • Search for colleges and courses
  • Contact schools and visit websites for information
  • Narrow down your list of schools
  • Take the entrance exams like SAT or GMAT / GRE and TOEFL / IELTS / PTE
  • Write SOPs and ask for LORs
  • Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
  • Appear for video interviews with the colleges that shortlisted you
  • If accepted, apply for a student visa

SOP:

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and explains why you are applying to a specific college. It should emphasize why you are an excellent fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should also reflect your personality.

Essay:

Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

 LOR:

A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the prospective student’s qualities, characteristics, and skills in order to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s capacity to execute a specific activity or role. A third party could be a professor, a direct manager, or etc

Intake Seasons for Australia:

In general, there are two intakes in Australia: February and July, with a few universities having multiple intakes in September and November. You should begin your application process six months before the deadline. During one intake, most universities have three deadlines. Which deadline to aim for is entirely up to the students. Your language and aptitude tests should be completed three months before the deadline. The last three months should be devoted to thoroughly filling out the application form.

It is essential to make sure that the ‘full application process, including appearing for interview  and visa application procedures should be completed by November-December for the February intake. If you want to enrol in a vocational course, some courses may have admissions open in January, as well as May or July.

Australia February Intake 2023:

Usually, students applying for February admission at Australian universities must submit their applications by the end of November or the beginning of December. The February intake deadlines in Australia differs each university. As a result, it is recommended that international students begin shortlisting their courses and universities in August and take the required English language and standardized tests so that they may be submitted with the application.

Australia July Intake 2023:

Following the February intake at various universities in Australia, students who want to apply for the July intake begin their preparations. For the July intake in Australia, international students should start researching into courses and universities in March. For international students, the application date for the July intake in Australia varies between mid-June and July. Students must ensure that they take the necessary English and standardized assessments by January.

English Language Exams for Australia:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardized language tests that are necessary for college admission. These follow to various formats, structures, and result bands. These examinations differ in many ways, but many colleges ask for anyone of the results. As a result, it is up to the student to determine which exam to take.

Repetition of exams:

IELTS can be taken as many times as you like.  TOEFL can be retaken as many times as desired, but no more than once in a three-day period. PTE can also be taken as many times as required. You must wait for your results before scheduling your next test.

Time to apply: If you want to apply for the September intake, you should take these exams by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The universities you will be applying to will mention which exam results they will accept. However, if they give you the option of choosing either of these, the decision is entirely up to you. The time required to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE would be determined by the level of English proficiency. Before the exam, you may need 2 to 4 months of preparation.

Standardized Tests Required for Australia

GMAT – The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is used to measure the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures the student’s mathematical, English, and reasoning abilities

GRE – Students applying to graduate schools to pursue an MA or MS must also take the Graduate Record Examination. Increasingly many business schools are also accepting GRE scores for the purpose of granting admission for an MBA.

If you want to apply for the September intake, you should take these examinations by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. Preparation time typically ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Average GMAT Scores: The average GMAT score accepted by universities is 520. The average GRE score is 145 for verbal, 160 for quantitative, and 4.0 for writing.

Candidates should note that the minimum percentage required for study in Australia is just for reference purposes, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.

Cost of Living in Australia:
The cost of living depends heavily on where you live in Australia as well as how often you socialize. Some fundamental aspects of living in Australia as an international student are:

  • Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
  • Groceries and food
  • Utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet
  • Phone bills
  • Text and reference books
  • Airfare for travelling back

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

  • Dining out
  • Travel and Vacation
  • Car rental and Car insurance
  • Cable TV connection

Living Costs in Australia

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa. You must have AUD 21,041 per year to study in Australia.

Health insurance

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required, and you will be unable to apply for a student visa unless you have acquired a coverage recommended by your host university. It covers doctor visits, partial hospitalization, ambulance service, and a limited supply of drugs (medicines). The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires all international students to have OSHC for the duration of their stay in Australia. Cost of Studying in Australia

Tuition fees varies according to different universities, course, and city. In Australia, tuition for an undergraduate study could cost up to 14.35 lacs per year. If you want to apply for a postgraduate course, the cost would be around 17.30 Lacs per year. Read more about the cost of studying in Australia.

Cost of Studying in Australia

BTech Average Tuition Fees: 21.86 Lakhs    Average Living Expenses: 6.31 Lakhs

MS      Average Tuition Fees: 23.01 Lakhs    Average Living Expenses: 6.31 Lakhs

Scholarships for International Students in Australia:

Fee waivers are granted to international students depending on merit and need for it. Scholarships are available in Australia to candidates who have strong academics, good performance in standardized exams, and extracurricular accomplishments and are eligible for scholarship grants and financial assistance. To take advantage of these possibilities, make sure to deliver all essential paperwork by the deadlines. Furthermore, the application’s presentation is important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Documents required: The documents usually needed for a scholarship application are as follows, although the requirements may differ:

  • Academic records and photocopies 
  • A recent CV
  • A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
  • Certificate of Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
  • Letters of Reference

Education Loans for International Students in Australia:

Student Eligibility criteria: The first thing is to be aware of whether you are eligible to apply for a loan in Australia to study or not. The general eligibility criteria that are followed by all the banks are –

  • You must have a strong academic record
  • You must be seeking admission to professional, technical, or other courses of study. Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job-oriented.
  • You must have secured admission to foreign university institutions.
  • You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail of the loan.

Eligibility for the course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

  • For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
  • For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS, and also diplomas
  • These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government.

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer an 80% loan, with you contributing the remaining 20%. This is known as the margin amount. The maximum loan amount offered by banks for studies abroad is generally around Rs 20 lakh.

If your tuition fee is Rs 30 lakh, you will be responsible for managing the remaining finances on your own. Some banks impose a processing fee, whereas others do not; the cost may be fixed or a percentage of the entire loan amount. So, if the bank charges you 1% as a processing fee, that’s an extra expense you’ll have to pay.

Documentation required: You must give the University’s acceptance letter confirming your selection for the course as well as the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet from your most recent qualifying exams to demonstrate your academic record.

All banks have different requirements for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Only after the course duration does repayment begin. If the student obtains employment within one year of completing the course, repayment should begin immediately after the one-month period from the date of employment expires.

If you do not find work within a year after finishing the course, payback begins regardless of whether or not you are working. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of repayment.

If the student is unable to complete the course within the time frame specified, an extension of time for completion may be granted for a maximum of two years. In most cases, you will have up to ten years to repay the debt.

Student Visa in Australia

If you want to attend a university or college in Australia you will need a student visa. The following documents will be required as part of the application process for your Australia Study Visa.

  • Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in Australia.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application
  • Application fee payment receipt, as you are required to pay before your interview
  • Confirmation of Enrolment Form (COE) To obtain a visa to study in Australia you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrollment (COE)”. These forms are issued by the Australian institution you will be attending. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received.
  • An acceptance letter from your host university will include the proposed study plan
  • Letter from your current institution confirming your status as a Study Abroad Student
  • Overseas health insurance receipt
  • 2 or 4 passport-sized photographs

Note: Additional Documentation may be required. During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status –

  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
  • Scores from tests that your college required, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
  • Your intent to depart Australia upon completion of the course of study
  • How you will pay for all educational, living, and travel costs

Application Process for Student Visa in Australia

The Australian High Commission takes an average of 8 to 12 weeks to process visas, depending on the individual’s background, therefore students should apply for their visas at least three months before the start of their course.

As an international student, you must complete your course within the minimum course time specified on your Certificate of Enrolment. You must depart Australia after your studies are over. You may need to apply for a visitor class visa if you want to stay in Australia for your graduation ceremony.

Work Permit in Australia While Studying

During their studies in Australia, student visa holders are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. Spouses of Master’s and PhD students can work an unlimited number of hours. If you do unpaid volunteer work, it is not counted toward your 40-hour restriction each fortnight.

Visa for Spouse in Australia

The student’s partner gets a Dependent Visa and a valid work permit for the same period as the primary application. This is solely applicable to Master’s degree applications. Please note that the Student Visas for Australia have changed as of July 1, 2016. Please read the New Student Visa Guide for Australia to understand the various rules.

Pre-Departure Checklist for International Students

Your checklist before you leave for Australia should include the following items, reminders, necessary documents and also the following: 

  • Book airline tickets
  • Arrange accommodation in Australia
  • Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Australia
  • Arrange your banking – consider buying traveller’s cheques
  • Check baggage and customs limitations
  • Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

  1. Passport
  2. Airline tickets
  3. Travel insurance certificate
  4. Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
  5. Key addresses and phone numbers
  6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
  7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
  8. Traveller’s cheques—if applicable
  9. Medical and immunization records
  10. Academic history and university transcripts

After Arriving in Australia

After arriving in Australia, international students may experience difficulties adjusting to the weather, travelling, people, and so on. International students must remember a few key points in order to adjust to their new surroundings:

Homesickness
Most students will experience homesickness at some point in their lives. It could happen at the start of your first year or afterwards. Be patient; homesickness will pass. If you are upset, talk about it with your friends and share your feelings. If you hide in your room, your homesickness will only worsen. Find a counsellor on staff with whom you can discuss homesickness or other issues. Frequent and protracted phone calls home may aggravate homesickness. Most homesick students feel much more homesick after receiving a phone call from home than they did before picking up the phone. Try to limit yourself to one call home every week. The sooner you integrate into the university experience, the sooner you will get over your homesickness.

Shopping in Australia

Large shopping complexes and supermarkets in Australia, such as Wal-Mart and Target, are one-stop stores for all of your everyday requirements. Make sure that all of your purchases are properly billed and that you maintain the receipts with you at all times.

Learning basic cooking

It will also satisfy your desire to eat “your meal” during cultural shock. Asian spices are not widely available in smaller towns, although there are frequently shops on campus where you may acquire items required in most Asian dishes. Read: Student life in Australia: Must-try foods

Travel
Every large city has and provides different modes of public transportation, such as buses, cabs, and trains. You might want to consider hiring a private automobile for transportation. Even with the rising cost of gasoline, private cars are the most cost-effective and convenient means of transportation since they provide a great deal of flexibility and independence. You can travel whenever and wherever you want, without having to rely on public transportation schedules. However, before purchasing your own automobile, you must rely on public transportation or ask friends for rides.

Staying on Student Visa

You may stay in Australia as long as you are enrolled in a school to complete your academic program. If you meet the specific eligibility requirements after the program, you may apply for a temporary graduate visa through either the new post-study workstream or the graduate workstream. The period of your subclass 485 visa will be determined by the qualification you used to qualify for the arrangements.

Job Opportunities in Australia

International students are used to the concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment for getting jobs. In Australia, as in most other nations, there is no concept of placements. Most Australian universities feature a Career Services Centre that can assist you find work and prepare for interviews. The on-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through universities do not immediately offer jobs. They provide an internship or co-op. Before hiring you full-time, companies like to see your work for a few months.

Post-Study Work Visa in Australia

Graduates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Graduates with a Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate may be eligible to apply for a three- or four-year post-study work visa. Other graduates may apply for an 18-month subclass 485 Visa through the graduate work stream.

Cities with an additional year of PSWR from November 2019 are:

  • Adelaide
  • Perth
  • Gold Coast
  • Wollongong/Illawarra Geelong
  • Hobart
  • Sunshine Coast Canberra Newcastle/Lake Macquarie