Australia extends PSW rights for Indian graduates

The growing education partnership between India and Australia has received another boost through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation & Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which includes side letters focused on post-study work (PSW) visa arrangements.

- Education Desk

These provisions, part of the broader trade pact, are designed to give Indian students more time and flexibility to gain professional experience in Australia after completing their studies.

Under the AI-ECTA side letters, Indian graduates from Australian institutions are now entitled to extended post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa allows eligible students to remain in Australia temporarily after finishing their degree, a crucial step for those who want to transition from classroom learning to professional employment.

Revised stay periods

™ Bachelor's degree (including honours): 2 yrs

™ Bachelor's degree with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT): 3 yrs

@ Master's degree (coursework, extended, or research): 3 yrs

® Doctoral degree (PhD): 4 yrs