Major Subclass 485 Changes: New Rules for Graduate Certificates & Diplomas

Key Updates Effective 14 December 2024

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced refinements to the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) program following the implementation of the 1 July 2024 Migration Strategy. These changes address inconsistencies regarding Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas within the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream, ensuring alignment with the Migration Strategy’s objectives.

The Australian study requirement (ASR) for TGV applications under the PHEW stream has been removed. Instead, specific criteria for qualifying degrees and study requirements have been outlined in updated clauses 485.211 and 485.321. This ensures consistency across all TGV streams and clarifies eligibility requirements.

Graduate Certificates are no longer considered eligible qualifications for the TGV PHEW stream due to their short duration and lower study load. Key points include:

• Graduate Certificates may still be undertaken while holding a TGV.

• To meet TGV eligibility, clients completing a Graduate Certificate must:

  • Lodge an application within six months of completing an eligible qualification.

    
    

  • Ensure their qualifying study aligns with TGV requirements.

Graduate Diplomas remain eligible for the TGV PHEW stream, provided they meet the following conditions:

1. They are preceded by an Australian-awarded Bachelor, Masters, or PhD degree.

2. They are directly related to the preceding qualification.

3. They commence within the same or subsequent academic year as the preceding study.

Graduate Diplomas unrelated to prior study will not qualify for TGV eligibility. Applicants completing unrelated Graduate Diplomas must:

• Lodge an application within six months of completing an eligible qualification.

• Meet all other TGV requirements.

Graduate Diplomas can still be completed while holding a TGV, provided these conditions are met.

These changes took effect on 14 December 2024 and are reflected in departmental documentation and checklists. Key transition details include:

• No Transitional Arrangements: New regulations apply to all applications lodged from 14 December 2024 onwards.

• Existing Applications: Applicants who lodged prior to this date using Graduate Diplomas will remain eligible for a TGV if they meet all other visa requirements.

• Graduate Certificate Applicants: The department will contact affected individuals to discuss their options if impacted by inconsistencies between the ASR and new regulations.

Students holding Graduate Certificates or Graduate Diplomas not linked to prior degrees may still:

• Lodge applications for any TGV stream, provided they meet all eligibility criteria, including completing qualifying study within six months of application.

• Explore other visa pathways, such as:

  • Temporary residence visas.

  • The Skills in Demand visa, introduced on 7 December 2024, which replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa.