485 post-study work visaTwo to three years, no sponsor
Open work rights after your degree, and Indian graduates get an extra year under the AI-ECTA agreement.
Australia · Study and work abroad
Australia:
2 to 3 paid years
after your degree.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) gives most Masters graduates two to three years of open work rights, no employer sponsorship needed, and Indian nationals get an extra year under AI-ECTA. From there the points-based 189 Skilled visa leads to PR in four to five years.
2-3 yrs
485 work visa
after graduation
after graduation
+1 yr
AI-ECTA bonus
for Indian nationals
for Indian nationals
4-5 yrs
typical time
to PR (visa 189)
to PR (visa 189)
Visa approvedStudy in Australia
₹1 lakh worth freeTechnical training included
Booking February 2027
Direct to our Australia desk
Skip the form. Talk to a senior who has placed Kerala students at Australian universities.
Why Australia
Four reasons Kerala families pick Australia.
The longest post-study work window in the English-speaking world, plus lifestyle and a clear PR route.
485 post-study work visa
Lifestyle and weatherBeaches, sunshine, balance
Four weeks of annual leave and a low overtime culture. Every big city has an established Malayali community.
Skilled migrationPoints-based PR, visa 189
No employer sponsorship needed. A Masters plus two years of Australian work usually crosses the points threshold.
Healthcare via AHPRAAUD 65–95K starting salaries
Nursing and allied health are persistent shortage areas, with an established registration pathway for Kerala nurses.
The full journey
Nine to twelve months from Trivandrum to an Australian classroom.
Two main intakes: February, the big one, and July. The GTE requirement adds an interview step most destinations do not have.
1
Profile review and university shortlist
2 weeksSenior counsellor reviews your academics, target field and budget. The big Australia choice: Group of Eight prestige versus a regional university that is cheaper and adds post-study visa years. 5 to 8 programs shortlisted.
2
IELTS or PTE preparation
6 to 10 weeksMost Australian Masters need IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 per band. PTE Academic 58+ is widely accepted and faster to clear. We run weekend batches at Cokonet Academy.
3
Application and offer letters
4 to 10 weeksDirect online applications through StudyLink and university portals. SOP, transcripts and LOR coordination. Most students get 3 to 5 offers.
4
CoE and GTE statement
2 to 3 weeksConfirmation of Enrolment issued after you accept and pay the deposit. We then draft your Genuine Temporary Entrant statement — a weak GTE is one of the most common refusal reasons.
5
Student visa filing (subclass 500)
4 to 12 weeksFiled online with AUD 710 government fee, OSHC health insurance, medical exam at a panel doctor and biometrics if requested. Some students get an immigration interview.
6
Pre-departure and landing
2 to 4 weeksForex, OSHC activation, accommodation, Australian bank account paperwork, TFN application and airport pickup arranged through the Cokonet alumni network.
University network
Where our students go.
Group of Eight for research brand, strong mid-tier and regional universities for the same visa outcomes at lower fees.
University of Melbourne
University of Sydney
UNSW Sydney
Monash University
University of Queensland
RMIT University
Deakin University
La Trobe University
Exact partner list shared on the counsellor call once your profile is reviewed. We also work with regional universities in Tasmania, Wollongong and Adelaide that add bonus PR points and an extra 485 year. Campus imagery is indicative.
Path to settlement
From student visa to Australian citizenship.
Five to seven years total. Skilled migration via 189 is the main route; 491 regional is the faster alternative for those willing to live outside Sydney/Melbourne.
Year 1-2
Student visa
500 visa. Part-time work allowed (48 hrs per fortnight during term).
Year 2-5
Graduate visa
485 visa. 18 months to 3 years post-study work. Build skilled work experience.
Year 4-6
Skilled visa
189 (independent) or 491 (regional). Points-based application.
Year 5-7
Permanent Residence
PR. Live, work anywhere in Australia. Medicare. Public schools for kids.
Year 9-10
Citizenship
Australian passport. 4 years residence including 1 year as PR.
Skilled Occupation List and visa quotas updated annually by Department of Home Affairs. We track changes and review your specific case for Australia vs alternative destinations.
Total cost
What Australia actually costs.
Honest numbers for a 2-year Masters at a mid-tier university. Group of Eight in Sydney or Melbourne runs 25 to 35 percent higher.
Tuition, Masters, 2 yearsMid-tier university. Group of Eight runs AUD 60–90K.
AUD 50,000–80,000
Living costs, 2 yearsSydney and Melbourne highest; Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth 20 to 30 percent cheaper.
AUD 50,000–60,000
OSHC health insuranceMandatory for the whole visa duration.
AUD 1,500–2,500
Visa 500, medical, biometricsAUD 710 government fee plus panel doctor fees.
AUD 1,200
Flight, baggage, setupOne-way fare plus first-month essentials.
AUD 1,500–2,000
IELTS or PTE exam feeBooked through British Council India or Pearson.
₹19,000
Total, 2-year Masters
₹40 to 60Lmid-tier university, before part-time earnings
Part-time work covers a real share of this. 48 hours a fortnight at Australia's AUD 24+ minimum wage typically pays rent and groceries, and education loans from HDFC Credila, Axis, Avanse and ICICI cover the rest.
Frequently asked
Australia questions Kerala families ask.
Comparing Australia with other options?
See the full grid with cost, language, and PR timeline side by side.
See all 22 destinations →
Free 30-minute call
Talk to our Australia desk.
A senior counsellor who has placed Kerala students at Australian universities walks you through your case. No obligation.
