What is this news about?
Australia is changing how international students can stay and work after graduation under its 2025–2026 Migration Strategy. The government is moving away from flexible, post-pandemic policies and shifting toward a skills-based migration system. This will directly affect all international graduates, not just Indian students, as well as universities and education agents worldwide. Indian students are specifically mentioned because they make up a large number of international students in Australia, so changes in post-study work rules will significantly impact them.
Key Change 1: Post-Study Work Is Now More Limited
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is still available, but:
- It is now meant for short-term career experience, not long-term stay.
- Visa duration depends on:
- Level of qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Sometimes the region of study
- The extra 2-year post-pandemic extension has ended (as of mid-2024).
Meaning: Students can no longer rely on long post-study stays unless their degree matches Australia’s skill needs.
Key Change 2: Strong Focus on Skills Shortages
Australia now links post-study opportunities more closely to:
- Skills shortage occupations
- Long-term skilled migration pathways
All international students are affected by this change. Graduates whose degrees align with in-demand skills will have better chances of:
- Finding sponsored jobs
- Transitioning to permanent residency
Meaning: Students should go through the list of shortage skills in Australia before choosing a degree, because course selection is now critical.
Key Change 3: Student Work Hour Limits Reinstated
- International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
- Full-time work is allowed only during official breaks.
This rule was reintroduced to:
- Ensure students focus on studies
- Reduce exploitation in low-wage sectors
Meaning: Students must plan finances carefully and cannot depend heavily on part-time work.
Key Change 4: Fewer Automatic Extensions, More Competition
Australia is tightening overall migration numbers due to:
- Housing shortages
- Infrastructure pressure
Graduates in 2025–26 will face:
- More competition
- Higher scrutiny of skills and job relevance
- Fewer “automatic” post-study opportunities
What Does This Mean for International Students?
✅ Post-study work is still available
⚠ But it is shorter, stricter, and skills-focused
🎓 Students who:
- Go through the Australian skills shortage list before choosing a course
- Choose the right course in high-demand fields
- Study in regional areas
- Gain job-ready skills
…will have better outcomes.
Bottom Line
Australia is no longer offering broad post-study flexibility. Instead, it is rewarding students who meet workforce needs. All international students are affected by these changes, so smart course selection, regional study choices, and career planning are now more important than ever.
Contact Us
For expert guidance on studying in Australia, post-study work options, visa policies, and course selection aligned with migration pathways, feel free to contact our team.
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