Australia Extends Post-Study Work Rights For Indian Graduates Under AI-ECTA

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

For Indian students, the revised stay periods are particularly generous:

- Bachelor’s degree (including honours): 2 years

- Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT): 3 years

- Master’s degree (coursework, extended, or research): 3 years 

- Doctoral degree (PhD): 4 years

These extensions exceed the standard durations available to other international students and reflect the strong bilateral commitment to fostering talent mobility and deeper educational ties.

These side letters are not limited to visa durations; rather, they represent the recognition of India’s growing role in Australia’s international education sector. Indian students currently make up one of the largest cohorts in Australian universities, contributing to both the academic community and the workforce.

By extending post-study rights, Australia demonstrates its intention of retaining highly skilled graduates who can help with labor shortages, which are currently affecting most industry segments in this country-particularly science, technology, engineering, and research. This would provide Indian graduates with an enriching experience of earning global exposure in one of the most vibrant job markets of the world.

“AI-ECTA is a reflection of our shared vision, one that connects education, skills, and innovation,” Australia’s Education Minister had earlier remarked when the agreement was first implemented. "It ensures our graduates, particularly from India, can take what they've learnt in Australia and apply it in meaningful, real-world contexts."

The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, under these new terms, acts as a bridge between higher education and permanent employment. While this visa does not provide any guarantee of employment, it offers a fair opportunity for Indian graduates to seek employment relevant to their qualifications. Applicants must hold a valid student visa, meet health and character standards, and maintain health insurance. The fees start from approximately AU$2,300 for the visa, and graduates can include family in their application.

The post-study work visa extension under AI-ECTA is more than just a policy turn; it epitomises an evolving relationship between two nations bound by education and economic cooperation. It provides a tangible reason for Indian students in Australia to increasingly look at the country not just as a place for studies but as a starting point for their careers.

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