Post-Study Work Visa Australia (Subclass 485) Guide for Bangladeshi Students 2026

By /

Post-Study Work Visa Australia (Subclass 485) Guide for Bangladeshi Students 2026

Summary

This complete guide explains the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) for Bangladeshi students in Australia. It covers the different visa streams, eligibility criteria, age and English requirements, application timelines, and recent migration updates for 2025–2026. The guide also outlines full work rights, regional extensions, and pathways toward permanent residency, helping students strategically plan their academic and career journey in Australia.

Share via:
Post-Study Work Visa Australia 2026 Guide BD
Jump to Topic | Contents
Dropdown Arrow

Australia continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education abroad. While earning an internationally recognised degree is a major achievement, many students also aim to gain professional work experience in Australia after graduation. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – commonly known as the Post-Study Work Visa – makes this possible.

This guide explains everything Bangladeshi students need to know about the Subclass 485 visa, including streams, eligibility, duration, recent updates, and how it can support long-term career and migration goals.

What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.

This visa is specifically designed to help graduates gain practical work experience aligned with their qualifications. It also serves as a strategic stepping stone for those considering skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas in the future.

Streams Under the Subclass 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 visa currently includes three primary streams. Choosing the correct stream is critical, as eligibility and duration differ.

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for international students who have completed a qualification related to an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

Key points:

  • Suitable for Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and trade qualifications.

     

  • Qualification must relate closely to a nominated skilled occupation.

     

  • A positive skills assessment is usually required.

     

  • Visa duration: up to 18 months.

     

  • Applicants must be under 35 years of age (with limited exceptions).

     

This pathway is common for graduates in trades, early childhood education, hospitality management, and other vocational fields.

2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This is the most popular stream for international degree holders.

It is available to students who have completed:

  • Bachelor’s degrees

     

  • Master’s degrees (coursework or research)

     

  • Doctoral (PhD) degrees

     

Visa duration typically depends on qualification level:

  • Bachelor’s degree: up to 2 years

     

  • Master’s (coursework): up to 2 years

     

  • Master’s (research): up to 3 years

     

  • PhD: up to 3 years

     

Recent migration reforms have reduced some previously extended durations, so students should confirm current timelines before applying.

Unlike the vocational stream, applicants under this stream do not need to nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List.

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream allows certain graduates who studied and lived in designated regional areas of Australia to extend their stay.

Key features:

  • Must have held a Post-Higher Education Work visa previously.

     

  • Must have completed study in a regional area.

     

  • Extension duration generally ranges from 1 to 2 years.

     

This stream supports regional workforce development and may strengthen future permanent residency applications.

Latest Updates and Key Requirements (2025–2026)

Australia’s migration framework has undergone reforms in recent years. Bangladeshi students should be aware of the following updates:

Age Limit

Most applicants must be under 35 years old at the time of application.
Certain Master’s (research) and PhD graduates may have higher age limits, but these are specific cases.

English Language Requirement

English requirements have increased. Applicants generally need:

  • IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with minimum band requirements), or

  • Equivalent scores in approved English tests such as PTE Academic.

Test results are typically valid for 12 months at the time of application.

Application Window

You must apply:

  • Within six months of completing your course, and

  • While holding a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) or within the permitted timeframe after it expires.

Timing errors are one of the most common reasons for refusal, so planning ahead is essential.

General Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Subclass 485 visa, you must:

  1. Hold an eligible qualification
    Your course must be CRICOS-registered and meet the Australian Study Requirement (generally at least two academic years of study).

  2. Meet the age requirement
    Under 35 years (with limited exceptions).

  3. Have valid English test results

  4. Maintain adequate health insurance
    You must hold appropriate health cover while in Australia.

  5. Meet health and character requirements
    Police clearances and medical examinations may be required.

  6. Apply within the allowed timeframe

Each document must be accurate, consistent, and aligned with Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa

For Bangladeshi graduates, this visa offers significant advantages:

Full Work Rights

You can work full-time in any occupation. There are no restrictions tied to your field of study.

Opportunity to Gain Australian Work Experience

Local experience improves employability and strengthens your profile for skilled migration pathways.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Time spent working under Subclass 485 can help you qualify for:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Employer-sponsored visas

Freedom to Travel

You can leave and re-enter Australia during the validity of your visa.

Family Inclusion

Eligible dependents (spouse and children) may be included in the application.

Strategic Planning for Bangladeshi Students

To maximise the benefits of the Subclass 485 visa, consider the following:

Choose the Right Course from the Start

If your long-term goal is skilled migration, select a course aligned with occupations in demand in Australia.

Study in Regional Areas

Regional study may provide access to additional visa extensions and migration points.

Build Work Experience Early

Part-time jobs, internships, and networking during your studies improve job prospects immediately after graduation.

Monitor Policy Changes

Australia’s migration policies evolve regularly. Staying updated ensures you do not miss critical opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying after the six-month deadline

  • Submitting incomplete English test results

  • Choosing the wrong visa stream

  • Not meeting health insurance requirements

  • Incorrect documentation or inconsistencies in application details

Professional guidance can significantly reduce risk, especially given the technical nature of migration rules.

How PFEC Bangladesh Can Support You

At PFEC Bangladesh, we guide students not only through university admissions but also through strategic post-study planning. From course selection aligned with migration pathways to understanding visa timelines and requirements, proper preparation begins before you graduate.

If your goal is to study in Australia and explore post-study work opportunities, early planning is critical. The Subclass 485 visa can open doors to professional growth, international exposure, and long-term settlement opportunities — but only when approached with clarity and strategy.

Final Thoughts

The Post-Study Work Vis a (Subclass 485) remains one of the most valuable opportunities for international graduates in Australia. Although recent reforms have tightened eligibility and duration, the visa still provides a powerful pathway to gain work experience and strengthen long-term migration prospects.

For Bangladeshi students, understanding visa rules early, choosing the right qualification, and preparing documentation carefully can make the difference between simply graduating and successfully building a global career.

If you are planning to study in Australia and want expert guidance on post-study work options, PFEC Bangladesh is here to help you plan your journey with confidence.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top