The Australian government has announced a crucial change to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) effective starting December 14.
These changes mainly affect those in the Post-Higher Education Work Scheme (PHEWS) and establishes a clearer definition of “degree” specifically for the purposes of the subclass 485 visa.
“The eligibility criteria for a 485 visa through a graduate diploma have become more complex. Please consult a registered migration agent before making your decision.”
– Alice Guan (MARA 1909953) IDP’s registered Migration Agent
Temporary Graduate visa updates:
With this announcement, a new definition of “degree” has been established for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applicants.
Graduate certificates no longer qualify as "degrees," while graduate diplomas are now eligible only when commenced within the same, or the next, academic year following a relevant bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program.
Eligibility criteria changes:
Graduate Certificate:
It will no longer be accepted as a specified “degree” for the purposes of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.Graduate Diploma:
It will only be accepted if it meets both of the following conditions:Relevance: The graduate diploma must be directly related to the course of study leading to the qualification.
Timely Start: The graduate diploma must be commenced either:
In the same academic year as the completion of the relevant degree, OR
In the academic year immediately following the completion of the relevant degree.
Department of Home Affairs: Post-Higher Education Work Stream eligibility requirements
What does this mean for Early Childhood Education students?
This means that students intending to study the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education must have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree that they studied in Australia and does not have substantive gap in between.
Otherwise, they will need to either study while on a 485 visa or package the graduate diploma (on Early Childhood Education) with a master's degree relevant to early childhood teaching.
Unsure about how these changes may affect you? Talk to one of our friendly migration agents or education counsellors at IDP for more guidance.
Does this affect the IELTS scores needed?
There are no changes to English requirements included in this announcement. This means that the IELTS scores needed are not affected.
For the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), the IELTS requirement is an overall score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 for each of the 4 parts.
Why choose IELTS?
IELTS is the world's most popular English test for a reason. Why choose IELTS?
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IELTS is the only English language test that offers a General Training option. IELTS General Training is accepted and trusted by the Australian Government for visa applications.
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Immigration and the law
Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in Australian student visas, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Australian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.
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