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The study requirement for all qualifying degrees has been streamlined for the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV). This includes changes for Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma holders. These changes are in effect now.
The Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) program has three streams:
The qualification that you use to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) will determine which of these streams is right for you.
Graduate Certificates no longer meet the study requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa. You can still study a Graduate Certificate, but this cannot be used as an eligible qualification to apply for a TGV (see: Temporary Graduate Visa study requirement above).
You must have completed your eligible TGV qualification (excludes Graduate Certificates) within six months of lodging your application.
A Graduate Certificate can be completed while holding a TGV.
You can use a Graduate Diploma as an eligible qualification for the TGV (PHEW stream) if:
These requirements mean that Graduate Diploma level study will help you to build up specialised skills in your area of study and improve your career prospects.
You can study a Graduate Diploma that is not related to your previous Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral Degree, but this study would not qualify for a TGV (see: Temporary Graduate Visa study requirement above)
You must have completed your eligible TGV qualification within six months of lodging your application.
A Graduate Diploma can be completed while holding a TGV.
These changes came into effect on 14 December 2024.
Any graduates who lodged a TGV application prior to 14 December 2024 using a Graduate Diploma as their qualifying study will be assessed according to the regulations in force at the time of application.
Where needed, Graduate Certificate holders who previously applied for a TGV and are identified as negatively impacted will be contacted by the Department of Home Affairs.
In addition to a TGV, former students may be eligible for a range of visas including other temporary residence visas or the new Skills in Demand visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024.