500 vs 485: which Australian visa is right for you?
The Student visa (500) gets you studying; the Temporary Graduate visa (485) lets you stay and work after you finish. Most international students use them in sequence.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Student visa (500) | Temporary Graduate visa (485) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | International students enrolled full-time in a registered (CRICOS) Australian course. | Recent graduates of an Australian qualification who want to live and work here after study. |
| Government cost | ~$2,000 | ~$2,300 |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months (median ~29 days) | ~4-6 months (median ~35 days) |
| Length of stay | Duration of your course (up to ~5 years) | ~18 months to 3 years (longer for some regional study) |
| Where to apply | Onshore or offshore | Onshore |
| Work rights | Up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying; unlimited during scheduled breaks | Unlimited |
| Pathway to PR | No (temporary). Pathway via the Graduate (485) visa, then skilled or employer-sponsored routes to PR. | No (temporary) - but the key bridge to PR. Use it to gain points, experience or sponsorship for 189/190/491/482/186. |
Which is right for you?
Student visa (500)
International students enrolled full-time in a registered (CRICOS) Australian course.
Full 500 guide →Temporary Graduate visa (485)
Recent graduates of an Australian qualification who want to live and work here after study.
Full 485 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 500 or 485?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Student visa (500) is the lowest at ~$2,000. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, 500 or 485?
Indicatively Student visa (500) is the quickest at ~1-3 months (median ~29 days). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between 500 and 485?
Student visa (500) is for international students enrolled full-time in a registered (CRICOS) Australian course. Temporary Graduate visa (485) is for recent graduates of an Australian qualification who want to live and work here after study.