Recently, the Department of Home Affairs had some important updates for temporary graduate visa ( 485 Visa) adding an extra 1 or 2 years visa extension of post-study working right rights for international students who meet the following criteria:
- graduate from the regional campus of a registered university or institution with a higher education or postgraduate qualification; and
- maintain ongoing residence in a regional area while holding their first Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa;
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What is Regional Australia?
Usually the term Regional Australia includes all of the towns, small cities and areas that lie beyond the major capital cities. Regional Australia contributes one third of Australia national output and is home to 8.8 million Australians. As a result, regions provide employment for one in three working Australians.
Recently, Perth in Western Australia and the Gold Coast in Queensland were classified as ‘regional’ for immigration purposes starting from November 2019. The Australian government is increasing the total number of regional places to 25,000 out of the 160,000 total places available. Applicants for the regional visas will also have priority processing of their visa applications
This regional classification of Perth and the Gold Coast would improve their capacity to attract international student and overseas skilled workers and enable businesses to source their skilled work force from overseas workers.
| Definition | Locations | Regional incentives |
| Major Cities | Sydney Melbourne Brisbane | – NA |
| Cities and major regional centres | Perth Adelaide Gold Coast Sunshine Coast, Canberra Newcastle, Lake Macquarie Wollongong, Illawarra, Geelong Hobart | – Access to the dedicated 25,000 regional places. – Priority processing on regional visas. – Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists. – International graduates with a bachelor or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution will be eligible for 1 extra year in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) |
| Regional centres and other regional areas | All other locations | – Access to the dedicated 25,000 regional places. – Priority processing on regional visas. – Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists. – International graduates with a bachelor or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution will be eligible for extra 2 years in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). – Priority in negotiating region-specific Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs). |
Length of extension after study in Regional Australia
Where you study and live will determine the length of extension:
- An additional year will be granted to those in Category 2 — Cities and Major Regional Centres (such as Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart).
- An additional two years will be given to those in Category 3 – Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas.
Increase in post-study work rights based on Australian qualification:
- Bachelor degree (inc. honours): 2 years to 3 years
- Masters by coursework: 2 years to 3 years
- Masters by research: 3 years to 4 years
- Doctoral degree: 4 years to 5 years
- Other course of study comprising at least 2 academic years: 18 months to 2 years 6 months
More information about Designated regional areas you can find here: Department of Home Affairs
Why study in Regional Australia?
Although living in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne can be more entertainment (having many pubs, restaurants and bars to choose from) or can have better public transportation, we have listed bellow top reasons you should consider before you choose the university.
Cheaper cost of living if you study in Regional Australia
The cost of living in a regional city, rent and cost of dining out are considerably lower. You can get better accommodation facilities than any key city . Other expenses like groceries, traveling, or entertainment would also be cheaper.
| City | The estimated cost of living in AUD |
| Sydney | 2000 – 2500 |
| Adelaide | 1500 – 1700 |
| Hobart, Tasmania | 1500 – 1700 |
| Perth | 1200 – 1500 |
| Darwin | 1200 – 1500 |
| Townville | 800 – 1200 |
| Cairns | 800 – 1200 |
Extra migration benefits
If you study in Regional Australia and you looking to obtain Permanent Residency once your studies are over, you gain an extra 5 points and chances of getting an invitation for General Skilled Migration are getting higher. The Australian Government wants to encourage foreigners to study in regional areas.
Government funding for regional and remote schools continues to grow
The Government is investing an estimated $314.2 billion for school recurrent funding from 2018 to 2029. Of this, an estimated $70.6 billion is benefitting students in regional and remote schools.
Source: Department of Education
Lifestyle
Regional cities provide a relaxing lifestyle away from the traffic jam of the big city. Regional campuses are the best places to really explore Australia’s natural environment out of the city. You will have a chance to get to know the country and take up the amazing lifestyle opportunities that it offers.
Free Education for Your Children
Some regions in Australia offer free education for international students’ children. If you have children that are aged between 6 – 18, then they may be required to enrol and study at an Australian School. If you study a master or doctorate degree in Western Australia your children can receive free education.
Good universities to study in Regional Australia
The following mention universities are a few of the universities in Australia.
- Edith Cowan University
- Murdoch University
- Torrens University
- University of Adelaide
- University of Ballarat
- Charles Darwin University
- Central Queensland University
- James Cook University
- University of South Australia
- Tasmania University
- Southern Cross University
- University of Southern Queensland
Please contact us for more study options
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