Post-Study Work Opportunities in Australia for Nepalese Graduates
When we say post-study work opportunities, we’re talking about the chance to live and work in Australia after you finish your studies, legally and full-time.
This is one of the biggest reasons why students from Nepal choose Australia over other countries.
For most Nepali students, studying in Australia is not just about earning a degree.
It is about what comes after: a good job, real-world experience, and possibly a path to settle in Australia.
This is where post-study work opportunities become very important.
After completing studies, Australia allows international students to stay on and work through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
But not every student is automatically eligible.
The requirements, stream types, documents prep, and timing can be tricky to understand, especially for first-timers.
This is where Goreto Education Consultancy comes in.
As one of the most trusted educational consultancies, Goreto guides Nepalese students to understand the full process, including the right post-study path.
The Subclass 485 visa allows international students to stay in Australia after their studies.
It gives full-time work rights and opens up real job opportunities.
Work full-time in any job
- Gain valuable experience in your field of study
- Apply for better roles or skilled migration programs
- Build your profile for PR if that is your goal
Whether you study a diploma or a master’s degree, this visa gives you time to grow your career in Australia.
And the best part? If you study in a regional area, you can stay longer and gain extra points for permanent residency.
There are two main streams:
- Post Study Work Stream – for students who completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD
- Graduate Work Stream – for diploma holders in occupations that are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
| Requirement | Details |
| Valid Visa | Must hold a valid student visa or have held one in the last 6 months |
| Course Completion | Completed a CRICOS-registered course, taught in English, with at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) duration |
| Location of Study | The course must be completed in Australia |
| Visa Stream | Post Study Work Stream: For bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD graduates |
| Graduate Work Stream: For diploma/trade courses in occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) | |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.0) PTE: 50 overall (no section below 36) TOEFL iBT: 64 |
| Health Insurance | Must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) at the time of application |
| Character & Health | Must complete a health exam and submit police clearances (AFP and possibly from Nepal) |
Choosing the right visa stream can also impact how long you stay and what career options open up.
How Long Can a Student Stay and Work on the 485 Visa?
The length of your post-study work stay in Australia depends on two main things:
- The qualification you completed (diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
- Where you studied: students from regional areas get extra years
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives you full-time work rights, and if you studied the right course in the right place, you can stay in Australia for up to six years after graduation.
| Qualification | Metro Area Stay | Regional Area Stay |
| Diploma or Trade Course (Graduate Work Stream) | 18 months | Up to 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Master’s by Coursework | 3 years | Up to 5 years |
| Master’s by Research | 3 years | Up to 5 years |
| PhD | 4 years | Up to 6 years |
Since 2023, students who graduate from regional universities have been getting an additional 1–2 years on their 485 visa.
This is part of the Australian Government’s plan to attract more skilled migrants to less crowded areas.
What Happens After You Get The 484 Visa?
Once your Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is approved, you will have successfully entered the most important stage of your global academic journey.
This phase lets you express your learned skills and knowledge in the real world and gain valuable experience through your actions.
You’ll now have full-time work rights, meaning you can take up jobs without hourly limits.
You are under less pressure with the removed assignment loads, part-time shifts, and bills.
Now is the time to not just work, but rather, explore and improve.
You build more connections and prepare yourself for the next step, whether that’s Permanent Residency (PR) or a sponsored work visa.
But what kind of jobs can you get after graduation? And what industries are open to fresh Nepali graduates in Australia?
Let’s explore your post-study job options.
What Kind of Jobs Can Nepalese Graduates Get After Studying?
Getting the Subclass 485 visa means you are no longer limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
This chance to work full-time opens doors to both skilled roles and entry-level positions, which ensures gaining experience and building a profile.
Your job options will mostly depend on:
- The course or qualification you complete
- English and communication skills
- Location (city vs regional area)
- Activeness towards the application
Let’s look at some common job opportunities based on the popular fields Nepali students choose.
Business & Accounting
- Admin assistant
- Junior accountant
- Customer service representative
- Sales support staff
IT & Computer Science
- IT support technician
- Software tester
- Junior web developer
- Data analyst (entry level)
Nursing & Healthcare
- Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
- Aged care worker
- Disability support worker
- Hospital support staff
Engineering
- CAD technician
- Site assistant
- Graduate engineer
- Quality control officer
Hospitality & Tourism
- Hotel receptionist
- Restaurant or café supervisor
- Barista
- Travel operations assistant
Other General Jobs
- Admin or data entry
- Warehouse assistant
- Delivery driver
- Retail or call centre agent
- Childcare support (with basic training)
How Much Can You Earn During Your Post-Study Work Period?
The Subclass 485 visa allows you to earn a full Australian salary, like local graduates, depending on your job, field, experience, and location.
Entry-Level Graduate Jobs
The starting salary for the following degree will typically fall in this range:
| Field | Average Starting Salary (AUD/year) | Approx. Monthly (NPR) |
| IT & Computer Science | AUD 55,000 – 65,000 | NPR 4.10 – 4.85 Lakhs/month |
| Business & Accounting | AUD 50,000 – 60,000 | NPR 3.73 – 4.47 Lakhs/month |
| Engineering | AUD 60,000 – 70,000 | NPR 4.47 – 5.22 Lakhs/month |
| Nursing & Healthcare | AUD 65,000 – 75,000 | NPR 4.85 – 5.59 Lakhs/month |
How can your location impact your earnings?
Of course, your degree opens the door to opportunities, but is it only the degree that plays a role in your finances?
No, where you live and work in Australia can quietly shape how much you earn, and how much you get to keep.
In metro cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, salaries may be slightly higher, but so are your expenses.
Rent, groceries, transport, and even casual dining cost more.
Many students working full-time after graduation find that, despite earning more, they save less because day-to-day costs are harder to manage.
On the other hand, regional cities like Toowoomba, Armidale, or Darwin might offer more modest starting salaries, but your expenses drop too; rent is cheaper, commutes are shorter, and life feels less rushed.
Over time, you might discover that you’re saving more and enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle—even with the same income.
It’s not just about how much you make, but it’s also about how much you spend and save, and how your environment supports your next steps.
For many Nepali graduates, choosing the right location after study is just as important as choosing the right job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Graduation
Do not waste your 485 visa working on the following common mistakes that graduates make that unknowingly hamper this golden opportunity:
- Waiting Too Long to Apply for Jobs
Some students delay job hunting, thinking they’ll “settle in first.”
But Australian employers value local experience and are in a constant search of finding someone with those experiences.
So the earlier you start, the better your skills will be.
- Only Doing Survival Jobs
Do not waste your 485 visa doing general career roles, like working at a cafe, cleaning, or serving, for your entire 485 period.
These aren’t the jobs that later help you with your PR application or career.
It is important to differentiate between survival work with something related to your field.
- Ignoring Regional Opportunities
Metro cities are crowded and competitive.
Regional jobs may offer better chances, employer sponsorship, and PR pathways.
Ignoring these kinds of opportunities can cost you a well-to-do job.
- Not planning for PR Early
Some students start thinking about PR only at the end of their 485 visa.
Start early by choosing the right courses from the Skilled Occupation List, tracking your PR points, and keep upgrading your profile.
- Letting Visas or Insurance Expire
Keep your health cover and visa status valid at all times.
Any fault in these important documents can affect your future applications.
How Goreto Can Help
If you’re planning to study in Australia from Nepal, post-study work is something you should consider along with your international academic journey planning.
The quicker you can plan for it, the easier it gets to live your dream.
Goreto will help you choose the best courses for your best outcomes, helping you figure out where different degrees lead, both academically and professionally.
Not just with choosing your degree, we will also help you understand the regional and metro options based on your budget and lifestyle.
We guide you with your planning structure for 485 visas and make sure that you are updated with real experience from real graduates.
This way, you aren’t confused, but rather are prepared by the time you graduate.
Talk to a Goreto counselor if you want help making the right decisions from day one.
