Australia remains a top destination for Nepali and other international students seeking world-class education and post-study work opportunities. However, the Australian Government has introduced major reforms to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) as part of its 2024–25 Migration Strategy. These changes affect eligibility, visa length, age limits, English requirements, and course recognition.

Here is a complete breakdown of what Nepali students and graduates should know before applying:

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Duration of Stay Based on Qualification

The length of stay on a 485 visa now depends more strictly on the qualification level:

• Bachelor’s Degree (including honours): Up to 2 years

• Master’s by Coursework / Extended: Up to 2 years

• Master’s by Research: Up to 3 years

• Doctoral Degree (PhD): Up to 3 years

• Diploma or Trade / Vocational Qualification: Up to 18 months

Earlier, some students in priority fields (IT, nursing, teaching, etc.) enjoyed extended work rights. These extensions have now been removed, meaning all graduates fall into standardised durations.

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Stricter Age Limit

Previously, the age limit for applicants was 50 years. This has been significantly reduced:

• Most applicants must now be 35 years or under at the time of application.

• Exceptions apply for:

  • Students completing Master’s by Research or PhDs.

  • Holders of Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports.

For Nepali students, this means applying early after graduation is now more important than ever.

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Higher English Language Requirements

English requirements have been tightened for 485 applicants:

• Minimum Overall Score: IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, e.g. PTE/TOEFL/OET).

• Minimum Component Score: 5.5 in each band.

• Validity of English Test: Must be taken within 1 year before lodging the visa application (previously 3 years).

This means Nepali students need to plan their IELTS or PTE tests carefully and ensure results are recent.

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Eligible Courses and CRICOS Registration

To qualify for the Subclass 485 visa, the course must:

• Be registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).

• Be delivered in English.

• Have a minimum duration (usually 2 academic years of study in Australia).

Graduate Diplomas and Certificates may no longer qualify unless directly linked to a higher program. This closes a popular pathway many students used earlier.

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Removal of Extended Post-Study Work Rights

The 2-year extensions for certain degrees (health, teaching, IT, engineering, etc.) were discontinued. This was aimed at reducing overall migration numbers and ensuring that only those with skills in demand transition to work visas.

Now, students must either transition to a skilled visa after their standard 485 period or leave Australia.

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Increased Visa Application Fees

From 1 July 2025, application fees for the Temporary Graduate Visa have increased. Students must also pay for secondary applicants (spouse/children) separately.

This adds more financial planning pressure, especially for Nepali students already facing higher proof-of-funds requirements.

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Why These Changes?

The Australian Government has reformed the Subclass 485 visa to:

• Align migration with labour market needs.

• Reduce the number of international graduates staying without clear career pathways.

• Encourage only high-skilled graduates to move into permanent residency streams.

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