Australia PR after a Masters is possible for Indian students, but it is not automatic. A Masters gives you a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, some points in the skilled migration points test and time to gain work experience. Permanent residence then comes through a points-tested skilled visa or an employer-sponsored visa.
This guide is for Kerala students choosing an Australian Masters with long-term settlement in mind, and for graduates planning their next step. It covers the 485 rules, the points test, the 189, 190 and 491 visas, employer sponsorship, and how your course and city choice affect your chances.
1.Can you get Australia PR after a Masters?
The students who reach PR usually plan three things from day one: a course linked to an occupation on Australia's skilled lists, a strong English score, and paid work in that occupation after graduation. A Masters chosen only for its ranking or low fees often leaves a graduate with a 485 visa and no clear route beyond it.
No consultant or university can promise PR. Skilled migration depends on government invitations and occupation demand, which change every year.
2.The pathway from student visa to PR
The typical route for an Indian Masters graduate has four stages:
- Student visa (subclass 500): complete a CRICOS-registered Masters. Fees and funds are in our Australia student visa fees guide.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): apply within six months of completing your course to stay and work full time.
- Skills assessment and experience: get your qualifications assessed by the relevant authority and build skilled work experience.
- Permanent residence: through a points-tested skilled visa (189 or 190), a regional visa (491, with a later PR step), or employer sponsorship.
Each stage has its own deadlines. Missing the six-month window for the 485, for example, can end the pathway before it starts.
3.The 485 Temporary Graduate visa: current rules
- Study requirement: at least two academic years of study in Australia in CRICOS-registered courses.
- Stay period: generally 2 years for a Masters by coursework and 3 years for a Masters by research or PhD. Indian passport holders get longer stays under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement — 3 years for a Masters and 4 for a PhD.
- Regional bonus: graduates who studied and lived in eligible regional areas can apply for a second 485 for 1 to 2 more years.
- English: the test must be taken within 12 months before you apply.
- Fee: AUD 5,750 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, after a rise to AUD 4,600 on 1 March 2026.
Check the Home Affairs page for your stream before applying; the 485 rules have changed several times since 2024.
4.The points test: where Masters graduates score
Key points under the current table:
- Age: 30 points for ages 25 to 32, fewer above and below.
- English: 10 points for Proficient English (IELTS 7 in each band) and 20 for Superior (IELTS 8 in each band).
- Qualification: 15 points for a Bachelor or Masters degree; 20 for a doctorate.
- Australian study requirement: 5 points.
- Specialist education: 10 points for a Masters by research or PhD in eligible STEM fields.
- Regional study, NAATI community language and Professional Year: 5 points each.
- Skilled employment: points for paid work in your nominated occupation, in Australia or overseas.
- Nomination: 5 points for state nomination (190) or 15 for regional nomination or sponsorship (491).
The government has been reviewing the points test, and a redesigned version is expected from July 2027. Until new rules are legislated, the current table applies. English is usually the fastest lever: moving from IELTS 6.5 to 8 in each band adds up to 20 points. Our IELTS and PTE coaching is built for exactly that jump.
5.Skilled visas: 189, 190 and 491
Three points-tested visas lead to permanent residence:
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189): permanent, no sponsor or nomination. You lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and wait for an invitation. You must be under 45, have a positive skills assessment and an eligible occupation.
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190): permanent, with nomination from a state or territory. Each state publishes its own criteria and occupation needs.
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491): a provisional visa for living and working in regional Australia, nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative. After meeting income and residence conditions, it leads to permanent residence through the subclass 191.
Many Indian graduates qualify for 190 or 491 before 189, because state nomination adds points and some states favour local graduates in their occupations.
6.Employer sponsorship: Skills in Demand to PR
The second route runs through an employer. The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024. After working for your sponsoring employer for the required period, the employer can nominate you for permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
This route suits graduates who build a strong relationship with one employer during their 485. It depends on the employer's willingness and eligibility to sponsor, so it is best treated as a parallel path, not the only plan.
Want to see which route fits your profile? Contact us or WhatsApp +91 62385 94143 for a free assessment.
7.Choosing a Masters with PR in mind
- Occupation first: check that your target occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and which body assesses it, such as Engineers Australia, the ACS for IT or ANMAC for nursing.
- Two academic years: needed for the 485 and the Australian study points.
- Regional study: extra points and a possible second 485.
- Professional registration: nurses also need AHPRA registration, which has its own English and practice rules.
- Cost vs outcome: a cheaper course that does not fit an occupation can cost more over time.
Our top universities in Australia guide compares options for Indian students, and the Australia scholarships guide covers funding.
8.Mistakes that cost Indian graduates their PR chance
- Missing the 485 deadline: you must apply within six months of course completion.
- Ageing out: the 485 age limit is 35 for most graduates, and points for age fall after 32.
- Choosing a course with no occupation link: no skills assessment, no skilled visa.
- Settling for a low English score: it costs up to 20 points.
- Working outside your occupation: experience only earns points when it is in your nominated occupation.
- Relying on old information: fees, stay periods and the points test have all changed since 2024.
9.Why Kerala students choose Cokonet Overseas
Cokonet Overseas plans Australian study with the post-study route in mind, from our offices in Trivandrum and Kochi.
- Course and city shortlists checked against skilled occupation lists, assessing bodies and regional rules.
- In-house IELTS and PTE coaching aimed at the scores that earn points.
- Student visa filing, Genuine Student statements and funds planning through our visa filing service.
- Free counselling across 21 destinations, in person or online.
Both offices are on Google: Cokonet Overseas Thiruvananthapuram and Cokonet Overseas Kochi, with directions and recent reviews.
The service this guide connects to
Universities, costs and post-study work rules are on our Australia destination page, and the student visa runs through the visa filing service. Both start with a free call.
10.Visit or contact Cokonet Overseas
Counselling is free, in person or online. Walk in, call, or message — whichever is easiest:
- Trivandrum (head office): Peedikayil Chambers, Ulloor Junction, Thiruvananthapuram 695011 · Google Business Profile
- Kochi (branch): VSRA-59, Vennala, Ernakulam 682028 · Google Business Profile
- Phone / WhatsApp: +91 62385 94143 · WhatsApp
- Online: cokonetoverseas.com/contact — Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
11.Frequently asked questions
Can I get PR in Australia after a Masters?
Yes, but not directly. A Masters leads to the 485 graduate visa and points; PR comes through a skilled visa (189, 190 or 491) or employer sponsorship.
How long is the 485 visa for Indian Masters graduates?
Generally 2 years for a coursework Masters; Indian passport holders get 3 years for a Masters and 4 for a PhD under the Australia-India trade agreement.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
35 for most applicants; Masters by research and PhD graduates can apply up to 50.
What IELTS score do I need for the 485 visa?
At least 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each band, from a test taken within 12 months before applying.
How much is the 485 visa fee?
AUD 5,750 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026.
How many points do I need for Australia PR?
The pass mark is 65, but invitations in popular occupations often go to applicants with higher scores.
How many points does a Masters give?
15 points for the degree, plus 5 for meeting the Australian study requirement; Masters by research or PhD in eligible STEM fields can add 10 more.
Does studying in regional Australia help with PR?
Yes. Regional study adds 5 points and can qualify you for a second 485 visa.
Is the Australian points test changing?
A redesigned points test is expected from July 2027; until it is legislated, the current table applies.
Can Cokonet help me plan Australia PR from Kerala?
We plan your course, city and English score around the PR route and file your student visa. Free counselling on +91 62385 94143.
