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The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has long been a popular choice for international students finishing their studies in Australia. It offers a chance to stay and work after graduation, gaining valuable experience.
But with the rising 485 visa Australia cost in 2026, many students and Working Holiday Visa (WHV) holders are asking: is the 485 visa still worth it? This post breaks down the full cost and explores alternatives to a smarter long-term plan.
The 485 visa allows international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. It has two main streams and can only be applied once:
Graduate Work stream: For graduates with skills related to specific occupations.
Post-Study Work stream: For graduates with higher education degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.
What Has Changed in 2026?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has long been a popular option for international students in Australia. Back when the application fee was around AUD 2,300, many students saw it as a simple decision: apply first, figure things out later.
Today, with the visa application fee doubling to AUD 4,600, the total cost can easily reach close to AUD 6,000 once you factor in:
English test (IELTS/PTE)
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Police clearance
Why the increase?
Government policy changes aimed at managing migration numbers.
Increased processing and administrative costs.
Additional health and security checks.
Is the 485 Visa still worth it based on your Current Degree?
With rising costs, it’s no longer just about whether the visa is “worth it” — it’s about whether applying makes sense based on your current qualification and career direction.
Benefits of the 485 Visa
Work rights for a minimum 2 years, depending on your qualification and location.
Opportunity to gain Australian work experience.
Time to improve English and professional skills.
Drawbacks to Consider
For many students, the biggest challenge isn’t getting the visa — it’s what happens after.
We often see students who secure the 485 visa but:
Don’t have a clear career direction
Struggle to find relevant jobs
In those cases, the visa becomes an expensive way to simply “buy more time” — without real progress 👉 Will your current degree actually help you make the most of those 2 years?
Example Scenario
📌A Marketing graduate gets a 2-year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). But with little local experience:
Hard to compete with Australian candidates
Some employers avoid short-term visas
📌If they don’t secure a relevant full-time job:
Limited options after the first year
PR pathways are competitive and require strong experience
👉 If your long-term goal is to build a career or migrate to Australia, it may be more strategic to:
Choose a more in-demand and practical field of study (Teaching, Social Work, Trade, Nursing,...)
Strengthen your profile before using your one-time 485 visa opportunity
Because once you apply, you only get that chance once.
Alternatives Visa for International Students and Working Holiday Visa Holders
If the 485 visa cost feels too high or the benefits don’t match your goals, consider these post-study work visa Australia alternatives:
1. Study a Master in Australia as an International Student
Pursuing a Master’s degree can open new doors:
Access to higher-skilled job opportunities.
Improved chances for permanent residency.
Enhanced professional skills and networks.
Many students choose a Master’s as a second chance to pivot their career and make better use of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Instead of going straight into a 2-year 485 visa, they first complete a 2-year Master’s and then apply for the 485—giving them more time, stronger qualifications, and a better position for future opportunities.
2. Employer-Sponsored Visas
If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa may offer longer work periods and a pathway to permanent residency.
3. Skilled Migration Visas
Graduates with in-demand skills can apply for skilled migration visas, which may provide permanent residency without the temporary step of the 485 visa.
How to Switch from a Working Holiday Visa to a Student Visa in Australia
Many WHV holders consider switching to a student visa to extend their stay and improve career prospects.
Why Switch?
Access to formal education and qualifications.
Eligibility for the 485 visa after graduation.
More stable visa conditions compared to WHV.
Opportunity to build skills relevant to the Australian job market.
Steps to Switch
Choose a course that fits your career goals.
Apply and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Apply for the student visa with the CoE.
Prepare for financial and health requirements.
Switching from WHV to student visa Australia is a common pathway but requires careful planning and understanding of visa rules.
How iae GLOBAL Australia Can Help You Decide
Choosing the right visa or study pathway is complex. The rising 485 visa Australia cost means you need clear, personalised advice to make the best decision.
What iae GLOBAL Offers
Expert guidance on visa options and costs.
Help with course selection for international students.
Support for WHV holders switching to student visas.
Assistance with Master’s degree applications and scholarships.
Honest advice tailored to your goals and budget.
Contact iae GLOBAL to explore your options and get a clear plan for your future in Australia.
Find out more at: www.iaeglobal.com.au
Contact us: info@iaeglobal.com.au
Call: (02) 9267 5252
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