If you’re an international student in Australia, or planning to become one, you may have seen headlines this week saying the Temporary Graduate visa is being abolished. The most important point first: the Coalition’s plan to remove the 485 visa for most international students is an Opposition policy proposal. It is not law, and it does not change your visa options today.
This guide explains the proposed 485 visa changes, the exceptions mentioned so far, what the rules look like right now and where to find reliable advice for your situation.
What has the Coalition proposed?
On 6 October 2026, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Shadow Immigration Minister Jonno Duniam announced a migration policy that would end the Temporary Graduate visa for most international students. Under the plan, graduates who want to stay and work would need to leave Australia and lodge a skilled visa application from overseas.
The other key elements announced include:
- A ban on secondary applicants attached to international students
- Requiring most people seeking a second or later visa to apply from offshore
- Reducing new overseas student commencements from the current national planning level of 295,000 to around 240,000 a year
- An overall aim of cutting the temporary visa population by around 650,000
Taylor said graduates who leave could still return on a temporary skilled visa, but only if they meet its eligibility requirements, and that this pathway would not be automatic.
Proposed exceptions and transitional arrangements
The Coalition said current Temporary Graduate visa holders would be grandfathered, transitional arrangements would apply and some exceptions would remain. Priority areas such as health and education, along with graduates of regional universities, were raised as possible exceptions when the policy was unveiled.
These are signals, not confirmed rules. Full details have not been released, and the measures have so far only been outlined at the Coalition’s media conference. Eligibility criteria, timing and exactly who would qualify for an exception are all still unknown.
What applies today
The Coalition is in opposition. For these changes to happen, it would need to win government at the next federal election and then implement the policy. Until then, the Temporary Graduate visa remains available under the current rules.
Those current rules have already tightened. The Government has previously shortened how long graduates can stay on a Temporary Graduate visa, lowered the age limit for grant from 50 to 35 and raised minimum English requirements.
Costs have also risen. The standard Student visa application fee has climbed from $710 in 2024 to $2,500, with the most recent increase taking effect on 1 July 2026. The Temporary Graduate visa application fee also rose, from $4,600 to $5,750. Eligible students from ASEAN countries pay a lower Student visa charge of $2,050.
Separately, some changes to Student visa rules did take effect this month. Since 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders in Australia can no longer apply for a Student visa onshore, and Student visa applicants generally can no longer include a partner or dependent children unless an exemption applies. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are still assessed under the previous rules. If either change affects you, check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered professional.
What the proposed 485 visa changes mean for you
If you currently hold a 485 visa
Your visa conditions have not changed. The Coalition has said existing holders would be grandfathered, although the detail of any transitional arrangements is yet to be published.
If you’re currently studying in Australia
The current rules still apply. Keep an eye on official announcements, particularly once the Coalition releases more detail on transitional arrangements and exceptions.
If you’re choosing where to study
Post study work is one factor among many. Weigh it alongside course quality, total cost, career relevance and how your qualification is recognised in the countries where you may want to work, including your home country. When planning your budget, rely on funds you can access with confidence rather than assuming you will have local work rights after graduating.
Where to get reliable advice about the 485 visa
Visa rules are complex, and policy announcements can move quickly. These are the sources worth relying on:
- The Department of Home Affairs website, the official source for current visa requirements, fees and processing times.
- Study Australia, where the Australian Government publishes updates whenever student visa application charges change.
- A registered migration agent or Australian immigration lawyer for advice on your personal circumstances. You can confirm an agent’s registration on the official Register of Migration Agents before engaging them.
- Your education provider’s international student support team, who can help with enrolment, course progression and referrals.
Be cautious with social media posts and unregistered advisers, especially anyone promising a guaranteed visa outcome.
Planning your finances while policy is uncertain
At Spark Finance, we work with international students making substantial investments in their education. Policy uncertainty is a good reason to plan carefully.
Build your budget around the total cost of study: visa charges, Overseas Student Health Cover, flights, accommodation, living expenses and tuition. Separate upfront costs from ongoing ones, check when each payment is due and keep a buffer for the unexpected.
If you’re considering education finance, check exactly what it covers, when funds are paid and when repayments begin. Make sure repayments would remain affordable even if your plans after graduation change.
To understand your options for funding your studies in Australia, explore Spark Finance’s education loans or get in touch with our team.
Frequently asked questions
Has the Temporary Graduate visa been abolished?
No. The Coalition has proposed abolishing it for most international students, but this is an Opposition policy. The 485 visa remains available under current rules.
When would the proposed 485 visa changes start?
No start date has been announced. The changes would only apply if the Coalition wins government and implements the policy, and full details have not yet been released.
Will current 485 visa holders be affected?
The Coalition has said existing Temporary Graduate visa holders would be grandfathered, with transitional arrangements applying.
Which graduates might be exempt?
Health and education priority areas and graduates of regional universities were mentioned as possible exceptions. None have been confirmed.
How much does a Student visa cost in 2026?
The standard Student visa application charge has been AUD $2,500 since 1 July 2026, and it is not refunded if the visa is refused. Some applicants pay less, so check current pricing on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
This article is general information only and is not migration, legal or financial advice.
