In 2026, Australia’s Subclass 500 student visa has shifted its focus toward “Genuine Students.” The work rights are currently capped at 48 hours per fortnight during term time, which is higher than many other countries, and unlimited during breaks. Masters by Research and PhD students enjoy unlimited work rights from the moment they start their course. Australia also allows you to include family members (spouse and children) in your application, and in many cases, the spouse of a Master’s or PhD student also receives unlimited work rights.
Upon graduation, the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) provides a massive career boost. Bachelor’s and Master’s by coursework graduates can stay for 2 years, while Master’s by Research and PhD graduates can stay for 3 years. If you study in a “Regional Area” (anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane), you may be eligible for a second 485 visa, extending your stay by an additional 1–2 years. Note that as of 2026, the age limit for this graduate visa has been lowered to 35, making it a “fast-lane” for younger professionals to gain Australian work experience and move toward Permanent Residency.
