In late 2023, the Australian government announced that they would reform the migration system. There are already various changes to the Student Visa (Subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) that have been implemented and will be implemented throughout the year. This is your one-stop guide for the changes that the government has implemented for the Subclass 500 and Subclass 485 visas:
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Various changes have been implemented for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Here they are chronologically:
1 July 2024
- Student Visa application fee increased from $710 to $1,600
- Certain visa holders are NOT eligible anymore to apply for a Student Visa onshore
- Temporary Graduate, Visitor, Maritime
10 May 2024
- Financial capacity requirements have increased to $29,710 from $24,505
23 March 2024
The minimum English language requirements have changed to the following:
- The minimum IELTS score increased from 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent)
- For packaged ELICOS students, the minimum IELTS score increased from 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent)
- For students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs will be 5.5 (or equivalent)
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
For international student graduates looking to further stay in Australia after their course, here are the things that have changed if you are looking to apply for a 485 visa:
1 July 2024
- The age limit has decreased from 50 to 35 years of age or under
- PhD students will still be eligible until the age of 50
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will still be eligible until age 50
- The streams will now be streamlined into three and renamed as follows:
- Post-Vocational Education Work (formerly Graduate Work Stream)
- Post-Higher Education Work (formerly Post-Study Work Stream)
- Second Post-Higher Education Work (formerly Second Post-Study Work Stream)
- The Replacement Stream is removed
- The length of stay has changed and is as follows:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is 18 months
- The post-Higher Education Work Stream is the following
- Bachelor's by coursework = 2 years
- Master's by coursework = 2 years
- Master's by research = 3 years
- PhD = 3 years
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas Passport holders may have up to 5 years
- Indian Nationals will have the following for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
- Bachelor's Degree (including Honours) = 2 years
- Bachelor's Degree (with First class honours in STEM, including ICT) = 3 years
- Master's Degree (Coursework, extended, and research) = 3 years
- Doctoral Degrees (PhD) = 4 years
23 March 2024
The English language requirement has changed as follows:
- The test validity decreases from 3 years to 1 year
- The minimum score from IELTS increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component
These are the changes that have been implemented until 1 July 2024. We will update this page once there are new changes.
For more information regarding these changes, see the Department of Home Affairs.
Understanding the latest changes to student and temporary graduate visas is essential for a smooth study experience in Australia. Make sure you comply with the new rules to secure your future. For expert advice and assistance with your visa process, reach out to AECC today and let us support your journey to success!