Author name: Pacific International

For many Nepali students in Kathmandu and across Nepal, studying in Australia is not only about earning a degree but also about gaining international work experience. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Australia is the post-study work visa, officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485. This period is extremely important for students planning long-term careers or future permanent residency. This guide answers the most common questions students ask after graduation. What Is the Australia Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)? The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 is designed for international students who have completed a CRICOS registered course in Australia. It allows graduates work in Australia temporarily after the completion of their studies. To be eligible, Nepali students must have: CRICOS stands for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, and a CRICOS registered course is any course offered by Australian Education Provider which meets strict Australian government guidelines for studying in Australia. This comprehensive guide answers your biggest questions. How many years of Post Study Work Visa will I get? How soon can I apply after finishing my studies?  Is the 485 visa a pathway to PR in Australia? Can Nepali students apply for jobs immediately after graduation? Can I work full-time on the 485 Visa? What if I have to return without any work experience on my own field? These are some of the most often asked questions by the students wanting to study in Australia and also the students already studying in Australia. Here, we will unpack most of the queries and the step by step 485 visa application timeline regarding Post Study Work in Australia. Now, let’s dive into the types of Visas under Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): A) Post-Vocational Education Work stream For international students who recently graduated with a vocational-level qualification (associate degree, diploma or trade qualification) from a CRICOS-registered Australian course. S.N. Visa Stream Details 1. Duration of Stay Up to 18 months. 2. Cost From AUD 2,300.00 3. This visa enables you to live, study and work in Australia temporarily and    bring your family members   B) Post-Higher Education Work stream International students who recently graduated with a degree from an Australian Institution, this is the most common post study work visa for Nepali students completing Bachelor, work permit after masters in Australia, Master or PhD degrees in Australia. S.N. Visa Stream Details 1. Duration of Stay Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification. 2. Cost From AUD 2,300.00 3. This visa enables you to live, study and work in Australia temporarily and bring your family members as well.   This visa allows full time work with no restrictions on occupation. You may also study further and bring your spouse or dependent children. The family members also must meet health and character requirements. C) Second Post-Higher Education Work stream For the graduates holding a degree from an Australian institution located in regional area, this allows them to work and live in Australia temporarily. S.N. Visa Type Details 1. Duration of stay The stay period ranges from 1 to 2 years.  It depends on: The regional location of the educational institution where you completed the qualification that led to your first Temporary Graduate visa.The regional area you live in while holding your Temporary Graduate visa under the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream.   2. Cost From AUD 905.00   3. This visa enables you to Live, study and work in Australia temporarily and bring your family members as well.   Now, we move on to the step-by-step process: Step 1: Your course completion date is mentioned on the official transcript or the completion letter. So, you must request your completion letter to your education provider immediately. Step 2: Apply for the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 within 6 months from the date of your course completion and you must be physically present in Australia at the time of the application. Step 3: Get your English Language test done within 12 months before applying as the test must be valid at the time of application. Completing your degree in Australia doesn’t automatically waive this requirement so, most Nepali students submit IELTS/PTE or any other approved English Language Test. Step 4: You must have an adequate health insurance at the time of your application. Some applicants may also be asked to do heath checkups depending upon their health history. Step 5: The Australian character requirement may include submitting police clearance certificates.The police clearance certificates are not required for every applicant by default, but the Department of Home Affairs may request them depending on your circumstances. Final Key Tip: Make sure you go through the official website of Australian Department of Home Affairs as rules can be changed. Lodge the 485 Visa Application once all the documents are ready.

What is Bachelors of Nursing? Bachelor of Nursing is an academic undergraduate degree designed to train students in patient care, medical knowledge, and clinical skills, giving them the foundation to work as a Registered Nurse. According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2021), Australia is expected to face a shortfall of over 70,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurse positions by 2035. This rising gap between supply and demand makes Australia one of the strongest destinations for students choosing nursing as a career. In Nepal, when it comes to studying abroad, nursing is one of the most talked-about topics. However, many students remain confused about the process. So, it is important to know the procedure, eligibility criteria, future prospects, and opportunities that await them. On this blog we will discuss about salary after nursing in Australia, PR pathways, employment after nursing and much more. Qualifications Required to Study Nursing in Australia: Note: The Government of Nepal has made passing the CEE compulsory for students pursuing nursing studies both inside Nepal and abroad. Why Nepali Students Are Opting for Nursing in Australia: 1) World-Class Universities and Facilities: Australia is globally recognized as a leader in nursing and healthcare. It hosts 7 universities in the global top 50 for nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Students also benefit from advanced laboratories, simulation centers, and modern medical equipment. 2) Paid Clinical Placements Clinical placements are compulsory for accredited nursing degrees in Australia.They are required by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) and NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) for professional registration.Students typically complete 800 hours over the duration of the course, often across hospitals, aged care homes, and community healthcare settings. 3) High Employability and PR Potential Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the most employable degrees in Australia.Because nursing remains on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, graduates enjoy clear work visa and PR pathways, provided they meet registration and experience requirements. Estimated Cost of the Course While tuition fees vary depending on the university, the average annual cost for international students ranges between AUD 25,000–45,000. This means a total estimated cost of:AUD 75,000–135,000 for a 3-year degree. Cost data is based on Study Australia (Australian Trade and Investment Commission), International Student Costs 2025. Life After Graduation: What Nursing Students Can Expect 1) Income Opportunities A graduate nurse in Australia typically starts with a salary of around AUD 65,000 per year, with rapid growth based on specialization, shift loadings, and experience.(According to Australian Government – Job Outlook (Labor Market Insights): Registered Nurses) 2) Where Nurses Can Work: Working as a nurse in Australia opens doors to a wide range of career directions: With experience, students naturally discover their preferred specialization. Returning to Nepal: A nursing degree from Australia holds strong recognition in Nepal.Nepal faces a projected shortage of nurses in the coming years, and hospitals, especially private ones that are already offering competitive salaries to retain skilled graduates. Government bodies also acknowledge the need for investment and reform in the nursing sector. References Australian Government – Labor Market Insights. Registered Nurses Job Outlook. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2021). Aged care registered nurse workforce report: A supplement to the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census report. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards. Medical Education Commission (Nepal). Common Entrance Examination Guidelines. Nepal Nursing Council. Annual Report. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Registration Standards for Registered Nurses. QS World University Rankings by Subject. (2025). Nursing. Study Australia (Australian Trade and Investment Commission). (2025). International Student Costs. World Health Organization (WHO). Nepal Health Workforce Status Report

Students prepare for months and pour all their time, effort, and energy into the meticulous visa process, yet a trivial detail overlooked becomes the reason for their visa rejection. For an F-1 visa, success depends far more on the student’s overall preparedness than on any single document: thorough research into the chosen field, strong ties to Nepal, financial clarity, and the confidence to live and study abroad. Hence, when the rate of rejection is already high, students must know the dos and don’ts. As the interview is the tie-breaker for the F-1 visa, the student must be able to convince the visa officer that the student genuinely intends to return to the home country after completion of studies. Here are 5 effective strategies for Nepali students to beat the rejection rate: Master your “why”  Understanding the basics is crucial for any student. Many of them get confused about what steps to follow and when, and that is why starting up with a checklist can ease out such perplexity. First and foremost, the checklist must encompass the major at that chosen university in the U.S. and how it ties your career back to Nepal and the move forward with others. Why this major? Why this country? Why this university? An unshakable study plan is the foundation of the student’s identity. When the student identifies the reason for their interest, they can easily articulate them as genuine personalized answers. 2. Personal story preparation  One of the most powerful tools in the F1 visa interview process is your statement of purpose (SOP) which contains the details about your identity, why this university is right fit for you, how this degree aligns with your career goals. The visa officer does not read your SOP but the best SOP is the one which the student has internalized so well that every answer in the interview feels like a real conversation not a mugged-up script. The objective of SOP is not to impress with heavy words but with the clarity of purpose, which is explained in the student’s own unique anecdotes. 3. Demonstrating strong ties to Nepal  A proof of return after completing the studies is important as the visa officers are strictly evaluating intent to return. Strong ties can include a well-structured career plan, family, property ownerships, job commitment, or businesses. Being realistic with a logical reason why a long-term career in Nepal is beneficial for the student creates a situation where the student can persuade the visa officer. For example: A student applying for a Bachelors in Accounting After my degree, I’ll return to manage our family hardware business in Pokhara that my parents have run for 19 years. Currently, we’re spending nearly $10,000 every year on an outside accountant, and we still make costly mistakes with taxes and inventory. This U.S. degree will let me handle everything myself, save that money, and help my father finally open the second branch he’s been planning. My parents are waiting for me to come back and take over the finance side properly. The shop is theirs, the responsibility is mine, and four years in the U.S. is the only way I can do it right. 4. Confidence: The Art of Interview How the student performs in the interview and how much confidence the student has, has a middle ground. The middle ground is the integrating link between the student’s preparation and his/her delivery. Being well prepared and confident complement each other. A confident student is not just calm and composed but also knows the psychology of the non-verbal communication. The power of eye contact, the body language, a firm posture and overall a calm tone projects confidence even before the student speaks. Hence, being well prepared is as important as being confident. 5. The University Selection The right university reflects the seriousness and long-term purpose of the student. Whether it’s a niche field of study or a unique library, what is it about the university that demonstrates the student’s genuine dedication to study there? The answer lies in the amount of time the student has invested in the research process. Those students who select random universities and their major not aligning to their student profile are often rejected. When the student has taken time to know the academic specialization offered, job and industry opportunities available and its future relevance, the student becomes self-efficient to convey their career objective to the visa officer. These five strategies are not just tips; they are the exact points where most Nepali students lose the officer’s trust, and also the exact points where prepared students win it back.  2026 is your year. Prepare like someone who has everything to return to in Nepal. Speak like someone who already knows the way home. When you do that, the F-1 visa stops feeling like a lottery and starts feeling like the natural next step.