International students are always curious about Australia’s post study work visa and how they can become eligible to apply for that once they complete their study in Australia. Before you apply for Australia study visa, it is important to know about the policies related to post study work visa in Australia. If you choose the right program to study in Australia, then almost all international students are eligible to apply for post study work visa, but the real question is duration of the PSW Visa.
There are several factors that determine the Australia post study work visa duration and the first one is the level of program chosen by international students to study in Australia. The higher the level of the program, the longer the duration of Post Study Work Visa in Australia. As of July 2023, Post Study Work Visa in Australia 2024 rights have changed and it can be extended depending on the area you choose to study in Australia. Everything you need to know about post study work visa in Australia is mentioned in this article.
Australia post study work visa duration depending on the program
As mentioned above, the Australia post study work visa duration is determined by the program you study in Australia. The duration of PSW visa according to various programs is given below.
Post study work visa Australia after diploma: The Australia post study work visa duration in case of diploma or trade qualifications can be 18 months.
Post study work visa Australia after bachelor degree: Indian students who complete Bachelor programs in Australia can get 2 years of post-study work visa.
Honors Bachelor programs: In case of Honors Bachelor programs, the PSW Visa can be 3 years long, as long as the program is related to STEM or ICT sectors and completed with 1st class division.
Master programs in Australia: Post study work visa Australia after master’s degree is 3 years long.
PhD or Doctoral programs: International students who complete PhD or Doctoral programs are eligible for 4 years post study work visa in Australia.
Post Study Work Visa in Australia 2024 depending on the area you study in Australia
The areas based on which international students can get extended post study work visa are divided in 3 categories: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3.
If Indian students to study in a Category 1 area in Australia, then there will be an extension of 2 years of post study work visa in some bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. However, in case of Doctoral programs the post study work visa has extended for all programs instead of some select programs. The post study work visa will be extended 2 years only if international students study in the areas mentioned below.
- Engineering programs
- Information Technology sector
- Teaching or Education sector
- Agriculture
- Food Technology
- Medical
- Nursing
To understand the post study work visa in Australia in this case, we can take an example. If an international students who have a background in IT related subjects, then they can choose to study the program Bachelor of Information Technology. This program comes under the above mentioned category and graduates would be able to get 4 years of PSW visa in Australia.
Areas that come under the Category 1 of Australia
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
Moreover, if you study Bachelor of Information Technology in a Category 2 area then it would add 1 more year, making it a total of 5 years and in case of Category 3, 2 extra years would be added to post study work visa in Australia.
Post study work visa duration depending on Category 2 Area
Apart from the extension international students get for post study work visa based on the field they study in Australia, the PSW Visa can be extended for 1 more year if they study in a Category 2 Area.
For example, originally the post study work visa after completing a master’s degree in Australia is 3 years, but as mentioned above if international students study in sectors like Engineering, Information Technology sector, Teaching or Education sector, Agriculture, Food Technology, Medical, and Nursing then it would be extended for another 2 years making it a total of 5 years.
This can further be increased for 1 more year, if you study in a Category 2 Area.
Areas that come under the Category 2 of Australia
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Canberra
- Newcastle/Lake Macquarie
- Wollongong/Illawarra
- Geelong
- Hobart
Post Study Work Visa in Australia 2024 depending on Category 3 Area
In case international students study in a Category 3 Area then there will be a 2 years extension to the original Australia post study work visa duration.
For instance, medical students who choose to study Master of Nursing program in Australia can get 5 years of post-study work visa, since nursing comes under the sectors that are eligible for post study work visa extension in Australia.
However, international students who study in a Category 3 Area, this will extended by 2 more years! So you avail a total of 7 years of post study work visa in Australia.
Any area that does not come under the Category 1 or 2 is considered to be under Category 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get PSW after 1.5 year Masters in Australia?
Yes, all master programs in Australia are eligible for a post study work visa of at least 3 years.
Has Australia increased post study work visa?
Yes, there have been some changes in post study work visa since July 2023, and it would be applicable in 2024 as well. Based on the program and the area category international students can get extended post study work visa in Australia.
How many years is PSW in Australia?
The PSW in Australia can range from 18 months to 7 years! It all depends on the program you choose to study in Australia.
Australia student visa guidance from a MARA Agent
Registered MARA Agents can provide updated knowledge to apply for Australia study visa which can be very beneficial for international students. If you are planning to study in Australia and want to avail Post Study Work Visa in Australia 2024, you can contact us to get guidance from Ms.Parwinder Kaur, she is a registered MARA Agent and has helped many Indian students to get the Australia study visa over 18 years.