International students planning to study and work in Australia are facing fresh uncertainty after the country’s opposition Coalition announced a major immigration proposal on October 6, 2026.
The proposal includes removing the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) for most international graduates. However, the plan has not become law, and existing graduate visa rules remain in place.
What Is Australia’s New Graduate Visa Proposal?
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor announced plans to reduce immigration and make major changes to temporary visa programs.
Under the Coalition’s proposal, most international students would no longer have access to the existing graduate visa pathway after completing their studies.
Some limited opportunities could remain for PhD graduates, healthcare and education graduates, and students from regional universities.
The Coalition also wants to reduce new international student enrolments to 240,000 annually.
These changes would require the Coalition to form government and implement the proposal.
What Are the Current Graduate Visa Rules?
Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa currently allows eligible international students to live, work and study in the country after graduation.
Under the Post-Higher Education Work stream, the usual stay periods are:
| Qualification | Current Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 2 years |
| Master’s by coursework | 2 years |
| Master’s by research | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree | 3 years |
Different arrangements apply to certain passport holders, including eligible Indian graduates.
The visa currently provides unrestricted work rights, subject to its conditions.
Why Does the Opposition Want Changes?
The Coalition says Australia needs to reduce immigration pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services.
Its wider plan aims to reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 people annually during its first two years in government.
The party also wants to give greater priority to skilled workers in industries facing labour shortages.
Universities Warn About Possible Impact
The proposal has raised concerns across Australia’s education sector.
Universities Australia warned on October 6 that restricting international student numbers and post-study employment could damage the country’s education industry.
Education representatives believe fewer work opportunities after graduation could make Australia less attractive to international students.
They also warn that businesses may lose access to graduates with valuable skills.
What Should Pakistani Students Know?
Pakistani students planning to study in Australia should understand that the proposed Graduate Visa changes are not currently in force.
Eligible graduates can still apply under the existing subclass 485 rules.
However, students preparing for 2027 or later should follow official announcements because future immigration policies may change.
Before choosing a university, students should check their course eligibility, visa requirements, financial arrangements and available post-study work pathways.
For now, Australia continues to offer post-study work opportunities to eligible international graduates.
