# Study in Australia from India

Country guide · For students from India. Checked 16 October 2026; next check January 2027. Researched by the UNIFER research team. Reviewed by Devjot Singh, founder, UNIFER. Rules change: always confirm with the official body before applying.

Page: https://uniferedu.com/study-in/australia

## In short

- **A$57,540** a year for Monash’s Master of IT (2027); there is no tuition-free public option
- **3 years** on the 485 visa after a master’s, if you are 35 or under
- **48 hours** a fortnight of work in term; unlimited in scheduled breaks
- **No** partner or child on a coursework master’s student visa (from 2 Oct 2026)

## What changed recently

- 1 Jun 2026: the tribunal decides most student visa reviews on paper.
- 1 Jul 2026: the minimum wage is AUD 26.44 an hour.
- 2 Oct 2026: no family on most student visas; coursework master’s students from India cannot include a partner or child, and family cannot join later.
- 2 Oct 2026: you must apply from outside Australia; visitor, 485, working holiday and other listed visa holders can never switch to a student visa onshore.

## Studying in Australia from India: 8 things to know

Australia suits Indian students who want up to 3 years of post-study work after a master’s, but since 2 Oct 2026 coursework master’s students cannot bring a partner or child, and the visa costs AUD 2,500.

1. **New from 2 Oct 2026: no family on most student visas.** Only PhD, DFAT/Defence-sponsored, fully funded foreign-government scholarship and Pacific/ASEAN students can include a partner or child. Coursework master's students from India cannot, and family cannot join later.
2. **New from 2 Oct 2026: apply from outside Australia.** Visitor, 485, working holiday and other listed visa holders can never switch to a student visa onshore.
3. **Caps:** 295,000 new international students nationally in 2027 (same as 2026). A university past 80% of its allocation = slower visa (Priority 2, 5–8 weeks to start); past 115% = Priority 3 (9–12 weeks). Priority 1 = 1–4 weeks.
4. **Visa fee AUD 2,500** (main applicant), not refunded on refusal.
5. **Funds:** 12 months' tuition + **AUD 29,710** living + AUD 2,000 travel, or parents' income of **AUD 87,856+** shown with tax documents. Source of money must be shown; education loans count (best with disbursement proof).
6. **English for the visa: IELTS 6.0 / PTE 47 / TOEFL 67.** No at-home tests, no Duolingo, no Indian MOI exemption. Universities usually want **IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)**.
7. **Intakes: February and July.** Example deadlines: UQ 30 Nov (Feb start) and 31 May (July start). Apply early — programs fill.
8. **After graduating: 485 for up to 3 years** after a master's (Indian nationals), if **35 or under** and applied in Australia within 6 months. Fee **AUD 5,750** (main applicant; AUD 2,875 per adult family member).

## How do Australian universities and master’s degrees work?

An Australian master’s takes 1–2 years depending on your earlier degree: 2 years with any bachelor’s, 1.5 years with a related one, 1 year with an honours degree. Each university sets its own admission rules.

- **Providers:** 44 universities and 176 other registered higher education providers (TEQSA register); TAFEs and private colleges for VET. Check every provider on the **TEQSA National Register** and every course on **CRICOS** (the visa needs a full-time CRICOS course).
- **Levels (AQF):** Bachelor (level 7, usually 3 years), Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma (level 8, not degrees), Master's (level 9, 1–2 years), Doctorate (level 10).
- **Master's length** depends on the earlier degree: 2 years with any bachelor's, 1.5 years with a related one, 1 year with an honours degree (Monash, UQ, UNSW examples).
- **Admission:** set by each university (minimum WAM/GPA, sometimes prerequisites, work experience, interview). Quotas and provider caps can close programs before the deadline.
- **States differ** on renting rules and regional benefits; tuition is set by each provider, not the state.

Official sources:

- [Study Australia, Australia's education system](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/australias-education-system) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TEQSA, National Register (summary table) (reader)](https://www.teqsa.gov.au/national-register) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, List of Australian universities](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/list-of-australian-universities) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TEQSA, Checking provider registration (reader)](https://www.teqsa.gov.au/students/checking-provider-registration-or-course-accreditation) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [AQF, AQF qualifications (reader)](https://www.aqf.edu.au/framework/aqf-qualifications) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Monash, Master of IT C6001 (international) (reader)](https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/information-technology-c6001?international=true) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Master of Computer Science 5522 (reader)](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-computer-science-5522) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW, Master of Information Technology (reader)](https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/master-of-information-technology?studentType=International) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream (12/10/2026; Cost price read from the page's price call /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetVisaPrices, product 4471, on 2026-10-16)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – review entry requirements](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/review-entry-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Dept of Education, A managed system for international education (NPL 2027; last modified 24 Jul 2026) (reader)](https://www.education.gov.au/managed-system-international-education) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW, Application deadline dates (reader)](https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/application-deadline-dates) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 485 Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (13/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/second-post-higher-education-work) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 189 points-tested stream and points table ; …/points-table](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-tested) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Accommodation; Living and education costs ; …/living-and-education-costs](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/accommodation) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [NSW Government, Signing a lease and moving](https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live/starting-a-residential-tenancy/signing-a-lease-and-moving) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Consumer Affairs Victoria, Bond amounts and paying a bond](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports/bond/bond-amounts-and-paying-a-bond) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Consumer Affairs Victoria, Rent payments and rent in advance](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports/rent/rent-payments-and-rent-in-advance) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Your first week in Australia](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-first-week-in-australia) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Can I apply with an Indian degree, and is a 3-year bachelor’s accepted?

Generally yes: under the Australia–India recognition mechanism (2 Mar 2023), a bachelor’s from a UGC/AICTE-authorised institution gives admission to master’s. Each university converts your grades; UNSW, for example, asks for 65%.

- **3-year bachelor's: generally accepted for master's.** The Australia–India recognition mechanism (2 Mar 2023) says an Indian bachelor's from a UGC/AICTE-authorised institution gives admission to graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master's. Examples: UNSW "3-year bachelor's, any discipline, 65%"; Melbourne WAM 65% or equivalent; Monash 60%.
- **Grades:** the university converts them. UQ uses a 7-point GPA and **counts all failed subjects**; Melbourne may adjust for the institution's standing; UQ also weighs institution reputation/ranking.
- **Online degrees:** recognised if COVID/force-majeure; other online degrees "considered" case by case.
- **Bachelor's from Class XII:** Class XII counts as Year 12 equivalent; RMIT example: CBSE/ISC 65% or State Board 70% where an Australian score of 65 is needed. Foundation year if below.
- **Tests:** no national entrance test; some MBAs accept GMAT/GRE. AGSM MBA needs 2 years' work experience.
- **No APS-type pre-check:** the university assesses the documents.

Official sources:

- [Study Australia, How to apply to study](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply-to-study) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Dept of Education, Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications between Australia and India and FAQs (page + mechanism PDF + FAQ PDF) (reader)](https://www.education.gov.au/international-education-engagement/resources/recognition-qualifications-australia-india) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [RMIT, Country equivalency – India](https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/apply-to-rmit-international-students/entry-requirements/country-equivalency/india) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW Business School, AGSM programs entry requirements](https://www.unsw.edu.au/business/our-schools/agsm/learn-with-us/agsm-programs/entry-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW, Master of Information Technology (reader)](https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/master-of-information-technology?studentType=International) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [University of Melbourne, Master of IT entry requirements (reader)](https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-information-technology/entry-requirements/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Monash, Master of IT C6001 (international) (reader)](https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/information-technology-c6001?international=true) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – review entry requirements](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/review-entry-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – submit your application](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/submit-your-application) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Master of Computer Science 5522 (reader)](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-computer-science-5522) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [University of Melbourne, Graduate English language requirements (reader)](https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/graduate-english-language-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Australia's education system](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/australias-education-system) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream (12/10/2026; Cost price read from the page's price call /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetVisaPrices, product 4471, on 2026-10-16)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 189 points-tested stream and points table ; …/points-table](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-tested) (checked 2026-10-15)

## How do I apply to an Australian university?

You apply directly on each university’s portal, or through an agent the university lists. Intakes are February and July; you accept the offer, pay the deposit and receive the CoE before applying for the visa.

- Apply **directly** on each university's portal, or through an agent the university lists. Agents cannot guarantee PR or jobs.
- **Fee example:** UQ A$150 per application, non-refundable.
- **Documents:** certified transcripts and degree certificate (final-year students: current transcript, offer conditional), passport, English test, sometimes CV, referees, statement.
- **Offer → deposit → CoE:** accept, pay the tuition deposit (and OSHC if through the university), receive the **CoE**, then apply for the visa. Deferral possible in some programs.

Official sources:

- [Study Australia, How to apply to study](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply-to-study) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – submit your application](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/submit-your-application) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Current visa pricing table (page updated 1/07/2026; figures from the page's own price feed /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetPriceList)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW, Application deadline dates (reader)](https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/application-deadline-dates) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa processing priorities (10/11/2025)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/student-visa) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Ministerial Direction No. 115 (commenced 14 Nov 2025), PDF](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/support-subsite/files/ministerial-direction-115.pdf) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Genuine Student requirement (24/09/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-student-requirement) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW Business School, AGSM programs entry requirements](https://www.unsw.edu.au/business/our-schools/agsm/learn-with-us/agsm-programs/entry-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – review entry requirements](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/review-entry-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – respond to your offer](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/respond-your-offer) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Length of stay for Student visas](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/length-of-stay) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, OSHC](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc) (checked 2026-10-15)

## How much does it cost, and how much money must I show?

There is no tuition-free public option: Monash’s Master of IT costs A$57,540 a year (2027). For the visa you show 12 months’ tuition plus AUD 29,710 living and AUD 2,000 travel, or parents’ income of AUD 87,856+.

- **Tuition (examples, international):** Monash Master of IT A$57,540 a year (2027); UQ Master of Computer Science A$60,952. No tuition-free public option.
- **Visa funds:** tuition for 12 months + AUD 29,710 + AUD 2,000 travel (more for a family member where allowed). A one-day balance certificate is not enough.
- **Living costs:** official calculator is dated (Nov 2023); real costs can be well above the visa minimum. Don't rely on work.
- **Scholarships for Indians:** UNSW 20% off tuition every year (2026–27 starts); Monash grants A$5,000–15,000 (automatic with an offer); Adelaide Ashok Khurana; Research Training Program for research degrees; Quad Fellowship (STEM).
- **OSHC is compulsory** from the arrival day; covers GP, some hospital, ambulance, limited medicines — not dental, optical, physio.

Official sources:

- [Monash, Master of IT C6001 (international) (reader)](https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/information-technology-c6001?international=true) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Master of Computer Science 5522 (reader)](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-computer-science-5522) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TEQSA, National Register (summary table) (reader)](https://www.teqsa.gov.au/national-register) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Accommodation; Living and education costs ; …/living-and-education-costs](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/accommodation) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UNSW, Scholarships for students from India (reader)](https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/your-future/india-scholarships) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Monash, International Study Grants (reader)](https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/international-study-grants) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [University of Adelaide, Ashok Khurana Scholarship (reader)](https://adelaide.edu.au/study/scholarships/int/ashok-khurana-scholarship-for-outstanding-indian-students/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Scholarships](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – respond to your offer](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/respond-your-offer) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, How to apply to study](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply-to-study) (checked 2026-10-15)

## How do I get an Australian student visa from India?

You apply online in ImmiAccount for the subclass 500 student visa, from outside Australia, once you have your CoE. The fee is AUD 2,500, not refunded, and processing starts in 1–12 weeks depending on the university’s priority.

- **Student visa subclass 500**, applied online in ImmiAccount from outside Australia. Biometrics and health exams if asked.
- **Fee:** AUD 2,500 + health/biometrics costs. Not refunded.
- **Checklist:** passport, **CoE** (none = invalid), **Genuine Student** answers (150 words each, with evidence: ties to India, why this course and university, career value), English evidence and funds if the Document Checklist Tool asks, **OSHC** details (missing = refusal).
- **Lodging 15 Nov–31 Dec** is prioritised against the university's next-year allocation.
- **Refusal:** the letter says if review is possible; tribunal decides most student reviews on paper since 1 Jun 2026.
- **Not eligible:** part-time or online courses; switching from a visitor visa in Australia; including a spouse/child on a coursework master's.

Official sources:

- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Length of stay for Student visas](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/length-of-stay) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Biometrics](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Current visa pricing table (page updated 1/07/2026; figures from the page's own price feed /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetPriceList)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa processing priorities (10/11/2025)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/student-visa) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Ministerial Direction No. 115 (commenced 14 Nov 2025), PDF](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/support-subsite/files/ministerial-direction-115.pdf) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, OSHC](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [ART, Changes to the conduct of student visa reviews (1 Jun 2026) (reader)](https://www.art.gov.au/about/news-and-updates/changes-conduct-student-visa-reviews) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [ART, Increased application fees now apply (1 Jul 2026) (reader)](https://www.art.gov.au/about/news-and-updates/increased-application-fees-now-apply) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream (12/10/2026; Cost price read from the page's price call /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetVisaPrices, product 4471, on 2026-10-16)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work) (checked 2026-10-15)

## When should I start preparing?

Start 12 months before a February intake: shortlist and check the university’s visa priority status from February to May, apply from July to October (UQ closes 30 Nov), and lodge the visa in November–December.

| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Feb–May (12–9 months before) | Shortlist; check TEQSA/CRICOS, entry grade, master's length, fees, the university's visa priority status. |
| May–Jul | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL at a centre (aim 6.5, no band below 6.0). Collect transcripts and certificates. Plan funds. |
| Jul–Oct | Apply (UQ closes 30 Nov; UNSW offer rounds — earlier is safer). |
| Oct–Nov | Accept offer, pay deposit and OSHC, get the CoE. Prepare GS answers and evidence. |
| Nov–Dec | Lodge the visa; health exams and biometrics when asked. Book housing. |
| Dec–Feb | Visa decision (start of processing 1–12 weeks by priority). No flights before grant. |
| Week 1 after arrival | Address to the university **within 7 days**; bank account; TFN; USI; O-Week. |
| Within 6 months of finishing | Apply for the 485 **in Australia**. |

## Can I work while studying, and what happens on arrival?

You can work 48 hours a fortnight in term and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks, but not before the course starts. OSHC health cover is compulsory from the arrival day; give the university your address within 7 days.

- **Work:** 48 hours a fortnight in term, unlimited in scheduled breaks, none before the course starts. Minimum wage AUD 26.44/hour (from 1 Jul 2026). Same workplace rights as everyone; contacting Fair Work won't cancel a visa.
- **Rules to keep the visa:** stay enrolled full-time at the same AQF level or higher; meet attendance and progress; tell the university of address changes within 7 days.
- **Changing university in the first 6 months** needs the current provider's release.
- **Housing:** start early; an offer doesn't guarantee a room. Bond: NSW max 4 weeks' rent; Victoria generally max one month. Never pay before checking the property and the person (scam warning signs: pressure, no inspection, vague details).
- **Arrival admin:** TFN free online (arrives within 28 days); bank needs eCoE, passport, address; most states accept an Indian licence with permit/translation (not NT).
- **Emergency 000**; police non-urgent 131 444. Racism is illegal (Human Rights Commission 1300 656 419).

Official sources:

- [Study Australia, Accommodation; Living and education costs ; …/living-and-education-costs](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/accommodation) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [NSW Government, Signing a lease and moving](https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live/starting-a-residential-tenancy/signing-a-lease-and-moving) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Consumer Affairs Victoria, Bond amounts and paying a bond](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports/bond/bond-amounts-and-paying-a-bond) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Consumer Affairs Victoria, Rent payments and rent in advance](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports/rent/rent-payments-and-rent-in-advance) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Visa conditions list (8104, 8105, 8202, 8208, 8501, 8516, 8532, 8533; from the page's conditions feed)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/conditions-list) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Your first week in Australia](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-first-week-in-australia) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Length of stay for Student visas](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/length-of-stay) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, OSHC](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [ATO, TFN for temporary visitors (reader)](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn/foreign-passport-holders-permanent-migrants-and-temporary-visitors-tfn-application) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – respond to your offer](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/respond-your-offer) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Emergencies; How to keep safe ; …/how-to-keep-safe](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/safety-in-australia/emergencies) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Commonwealth Ombudsman, International student complaints (reader)](https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/complaints/international-student-complaints) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Fair Work Ombudsman, Minimum wages (reader)](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/minimum-wages) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Fair Work Ombudsman, Visa holders and migrants (reader)](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-migrants) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [UQ, Postgraduate coursework – review entry requirements](https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/postgraduate-coursework/review-entry-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Changing your course or provider](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/changing-your-course-or-provider) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Can I stay and work in Australia after graduating?

Yes: Indian master’s graduates get the 485 visa for up to 3 years if 35 or under and applying in Australia within 6 months of finishing. The fee is AUD 5,750, and the 485 is granted once only.

- **485 (Post-Higher Education Work):** Indian nationals — master's 3 years, bachelor's 2 (3 with first-class STEM honours), PhD 4. Age 35 or under (under 50 for research master's/PhD). IELTS 6.5 (5.5 each) / PTE 55 / TOEFL 81; AFP police check. Once only. A graduate certificate alone doesn't qualify.
- **Second 485:** 1–2 extra years for regional study and 2 years living regionally (not Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
- **Employer visa (482 Core Skills):** salary at least AUD 79,423 (2026–27) and 1 year's experience.
- **Points-tested PR (189/190/491):** under 45, 65 points, skills assessment. Australian study +5, regional study +5, STEM research degree +10, Professional Year +5.
- **Citizenship:** 4 years in Australia, the last 1 as a permanent resident.
- **Back in India:** AIU equivalence (online, evaluation.aiu.ac.in); India recognises Australian qualifications under the 2023 mechanism.

Official sources:

- [Home Affairs, 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream (12/10/2026; Cost price read from the page's price call /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetVisaPrices, product 4471, on 2026-10-16)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Changes to the 485 from 1 July 2024](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/changes) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Salary requirements (CSIT/SSIT/TSMIT)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, SID 482 Core Skills stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 189 points-tested stream and points table ; …/points-table](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-tested) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Citizenship for permanent residents](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/permanent-resident) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Dept of Education, Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications between Australia and India and FAQs (page + mechanism PDF + FAQ PDF) (reader)](https://www.education.gov.au/international-education-engagement/resources/recognition-qualifications-australia-india) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [AIU, Equivalence of degree](https://aiu.ac.in/frontpage/equivalence-of-degree/) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Common mistakes Indian students make

The costliest mistakes: planning to bring a spouse or child on a coursework master’s, picking a university past its cap (slow visa or closed), and the wrong English test (at-home, Duolingo) or an MOI letter.

1. Planning to bring a spouse/child on a coursework master's.
2. Picking a university that is past its cap (slow visa or closed).
3. Wrong English test (at-home, Duolingo, TOEFL not "for Australia") or an MOI letter.
4. Unexplained funds or loans without disbursement proof.
5. Weak Genuine Student answers without evidence.
6. Lodging without the CoE or OSHC details.
7. Coming on a visitor visa to switch onshore.
8. Turning 36 before applying for the 485.
9. Working over 48 hours a fortnight in term.
10. Rental scams and agents promising PR.

Official sources:

- [Home Affairs, Student visa subclass 500 (all tabs; last updated 12/10/2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [ART, Changes to the conduct of student visa reviews (1 Jun 2026) (reader)](https://www.art.gov.au/about/news-and-updates/changes-conduct-student-visa-reviews) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [ART, Increased application fees now apply (1 Jul 2026) (reader)](https://www.art.gov.au/about/news-and-updates/increased-application-fees-now-apply) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Current visa pricing table (page updated 1/07/2026; figures from the page's own price feed /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetPriceList)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream (12/10/2026; Cost price read from the page's price call /_layouts/15/api/data.aspx/GetVisaPrices, product 4471, on 2026-10-16)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Salary requirements (CSIT/SSIT/TSMIT)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, SID 482 Core Skills stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Home Affairs, Student visa processing priorities (10/11/2025)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/student-visa) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Ministerial Direction No. 115 (commenced 14 Nov 2025), PDF](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/support-subsite/files/ministerial-direction-115.pdf) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, List of Australian universities](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/list-of-australian-universities) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TEQSA, National Register (summary table) (reader)](https://www.teqsa.gov.au/national-register) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, Accommodation; Living and education costs ; …/living-and-education-costs](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/accommodation) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Study Australia, How to apply to study](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply-to-study) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Job market

- [Jobs in Australia for international graduates](https://uniferedu.com/job-market-research/australia): pay and visas, by field.