Australia's 485 post-study work visa for Nepali students: how it works

Written by the NEC counselling team. Last updated: 14 November 2026.

Quick answer

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international students live and work in Australia after they finish their studies. With a degree, you can usually stay between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification. You must be 35 or under when you apply, and the application charge starts at A$5,750.

The streams

• Post-Higher Education Work stream. For people who recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. Stay: usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification.
• Post-Vocational Education Work stream. For people who recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs. Stay: up to 18 months. Your qualification must be relevant to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. For graduates of a regional institution who already hold a first Temporary Graduate visa. Stay: between 1 and 2 years. The charge starts at A$2,265.

You must choose your stream when you apply. You cannot change it afterwards.

Who can apply?

For the Post-Higher Education Work stream, Home Affairs says you must:

• be aged 35 or under when you apply (exceptions apply)
• be in Australia when you apply
• hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
• have a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course
• show evidence of adequate health insurance
• show evidence you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check
• show evidence of the required level of English

What you can do on the visa

The visa lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily after you finish your studies. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay for 5 years, which is different from the periods above.

A simple plan for the last year of your course

1. Check your age. You must be 35 or under on the day you apply.
2. Confirm that your course is CRICOS-registered and that your qualification is recent when you apply.
3. Keep your Student visa valid. You must have held one in the last 6 months.
4. Arrange health insurance for all applicants.
5. Prepare your English evidence and your Australian Federal Police check application.
6. Choose your stream before you apply, because you cannot change it afterwards.

Cost and timing

The application charge starts at A$5,750 for the first two streams. Processing times change, so use the Home Affairs processing time guide.

Family members

Home Affairs says new rules from 13 November 2026 change which family members you can include. Read our guide on the 485 family rules and check the Home Affairs page before you apply.

What this means if you are choosing a course

The 485 depends on your qualification and course, and Nepal is at Level 3 for student visas. A clear course plan matters for both. Read what Level 3 means for your file.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply from Nepal? No. Home Affairs says you must be in Australia when you apply.

Can I change my stream after I apply? No.

Is the visa permanent? No. It is temporary, and the stay depends on your stream and qualification.

Talk to a counsellor (free)

We will help you plan your course and visa path. applynec.com/contact

Sources

Checked on 14 November 2026. Rules and charges change, so confirm with Home Affairs before you apply.

• Department of Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• Department of Home Affairs: Post-Higher Education Work stream