Streamlined Study Requirement for Temporary Graduate Visas

The study requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) have undergone changes specifically affecting holders of Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) program now includes three streams:

• Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) stream
• Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

The qualification you possess determines the appropriate stream for your TGV application:

• Associate Degree, Diploma, or trade qualification holders should apply for the TGV Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) stream.
• Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree holders should apply for the TGV Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream.

Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificates no longer meet the study requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa. While you can still pursue a Graduate Certificate, it is not considered an eligible qualification for a TGV application. To be eligible, you must complete a Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree within six months before lodging your TGV application. A Graduate Certificate can, however, be pursued while holding a TGV.

Graduate Diplomas

A Graduate Diploma qualifies for the TGV (PHEW stream) if it follows an Australian-awarded Bachelor, Masters, or Doctorate degree and is related to the field of study. Furthermore, the program must be undertaken in the same or subsequent academic year as the qualifying degree. This requirement ensures that Graduate Diploma studies enhance your specialized skills and career prospects.

Graduate Diplomas in unrelated fields do not qualify for a TGV. The eligible qualification must be completed within six months of lodging the application. Like Graduate Certificates, a Graduate Diploma can be completed while holding a TGV.

Transition to New Arrangements

The revised arrangements took effect on 14 December 2024. Applications lodged before this date using a Graduate Diploma for qualification will be assessed under the regulations effective at the time of application. The Department of Home Affairs will reach out to Graduate Certificate holders negatively impacted by these changes.

Other Visa Options

Besides the TGV, former students may qualify for various visas, including other temporary residence options or the new Skills in Demand visa, which superseded the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024.