Does Australia Give PSW Visa for 1-Year Master's Degree?

Yes, Australia does offer a post-study work visa for international students who complete their Master's degree, but there are specific conditions related to the duration of the degree program.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the post-study work visa that allows international students to stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience after completing their studies.

Eligibility for the Subclass 485 Visa:

For students who complete a Master’s degree (by coursework or research) in Australia, the key points are:

1. Duration of Degree:

o For Master’s degrees (by coursework): If you complete a Master's degree program of at least 2 years in duration, you may be eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa. This would allow you to stay in Australia for 2 years to work or look for work in your field.

o For Master's degrees completed in 1 year: If your Master’s degree is only 1 year long, you are generally not eligible for the Subclass 485 visa under the post-study work stream. The 2-year requirement is a standard stipulation for eligibility.

2. Qualification: The degree must be a recognized qualification from a registered Australian educational institution.

3. Other Criteria:

o Visa Application Timing: You must apply for the Subclass 485 visa within 6 months of completing your degree.

o Age Limit: You must be under 50 years old when applying.

o English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirements.

Key Details of the Subclass 485 Visa:

• Duration: If eligible, the visa is typically granted for 2 years for a Master’s degree (2 years or longer).

• Work Rights: You can work full-time during your stay on this visa and gain work experience in Australia.

• Eligible Graduates: Only graduates who have studied a degree at an eligible Australian institution are eligible for this visa.

What About a 1-Year Master’s Degree?

For a 1-year Master's degree, you are not eligible for the Subclass 485 visa under the Post-Study Work Stream. However, you may still be able to pursue alternative options like:

1. Skilled Migration Visa: If your occupation is on the Australian Skilled Occupation List, you may apply for a Skilled Migration Visa based on your qualifications and work experience, without needing the 485 visa.

2. Further Study: If you wish to extend your stay in Australia, you could consider further study (e.g., pursuing another degree or a longer Master's program) to meet the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 485 visa.

Conclusion:

If your Master's degree in Australia is only 1 year long, you won’t be eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) under the Post-Study Work Stream. However, if your program is at least 2 years long, you would qualify for the Subclass 485 visa, allowing you to stay in Australia for 2 years to work and gain experience.

For a 1-year Master's, you would need to explore other routes like skilled migration or further studies if you wish to stay in Australia after graduation.