The Australian Study Requirement (ASR) is a criterion in the Migration Regulations used primarily in connection with certain post study and skilled migration pathways, including (most commonly) eligibility for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
It is also closely related to the “Australian study” points available under the General Skilled Migration points test for subclass 189, 1890 and 491.
In practical terms, the ASR is designed to ensure an applicant has completed a substantial course of study in Australia, meeting minimum duration, attendance, and qualification requirements.
What is the Australian Study Requirement (ASR)?
The ASR generally require that the applicant has completed an eligible qualification (or eligible qualifications) in Australia that:
a. Is an eligible Australian qualification
The applicant must have completed one or more eligible Australian qualifications. Commonly accepted outcomes include:
- Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor degree (including honours)
- Graduate Diploma / Graduate Certificate
- Masters (coursework/research)
- Doctoral degree
The qualification(s) must be completed, not merely commenced, and documentation should clearly show completion.
The qualification(s) must also be a registered course, meaning it was on the approved CRICOS list for international students. (Be cautious: if your course or institution was deregistered before you finished, that study may not count.)
English proficiency courses or enabling programs are generally not acceptable.
b. Meets the “two academic years” threshold
Commonly assessed as:
- at least 92 weeks of registered study; and
- completed over at least 16 calendar months.
Applicants may meet the requirement as a result of more than one eligible qualification that results in a total of at least 2 academic years of study resulting in an eligible qualification.
Applicants can be caught out where they have studied full-time but:
- received extensive credit/RPL, reducing the registered duration in Australia; or
- finished “two academic years” worth of registered duration in less than 16 calendar months due to acceleration or course structure.
c. Was completed in Australia, in English
Study must be undertaken in Australia and in English in accordance with the applicable instrument and policy settings. Mixed delivery modes can raise issues if substantial components were undertaken offshore or in a way that does not count toward the ASR.
You can still meet the ASR if your course included study overseas, provided you complete at least 2 academic years of study in no less than 16 months in Australia in a CRICOS registered course.
d. Timing (relevant to the 485 visa)
Subclass 485 has a strict focus on recency. The application must generally be lodged within a specified period after the applicant completed their course requirements (the relevant date is usually the date course requirements were met, rather than the graduation ceremony).
Australian study points – the additional 5 points for 189/190/491
Under the GSM points test, applicants may claim 5 points if they meet the “Australian study requirement” for point purposes.
What the 5 points are (and are not)
- The 5 points are awarded for meeting the Australian study requirement under the points test.
- These points are separate from other points categories (e.g., English, age, skilled employment).
- Claiming these points in an EOI requires the applicant to hold evidence supporting the claim and to be able to substantiate it at invitation/application stage.
Additional Considerations and Common Pitfalls
Credit, Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and advanced standing: Be careful if you received credit or advanced standing in your course based on prior study (especially from overseas). Any portion of the course that was credited through recognised prior learning does not count toward the Australian study requirement. In practice, this means if you skipped some subjects due to prior credit, you might need to take additional subjects or another qualification to ensure you still have 2 academic years of Australian study.
Finishing too quickly (16 month issue): Some students complete the required registered duration but do so in under 16 calendar months due to accelerated study, trimesters, or cross crediting.
Changing courses or providers: Transfers can complicate the ASR calculation, especially where there is a break in study, non countable periods, or inconsistent documentary evidence.
Offshore/online components: Where parts of a course are undertaken offshore or by non standard delivery, the extent to which those periods count can be contentious and dependent on the rules applying at the time.
“Completion” misunderstanding: Applicants sometimes rely on the the graduation ceremony date or assume completion date is the date the certificate is printed. Completion date is the date course requirements were met, as confirmed by the provider.
Concluding thoughts
The Australian study requirement is a crucial factor for anyone moving from student life to a work visa or PR pathway in Australia. Meeting this requirement unlocks the 485 Temporary Graduate visa and grants you bonus points in the skilled migration points test, both of which can be invaluable steps toward your Australian career and residency goals.
If you or someone you know are in doubt about your satisfaction of Australian Study Requirement, our team of professionals at Migration Affairs is here to assist you.
📧 info@migrationaffairs.com.au
🌐 migrationaffairs.com.au/contact
📞 +61 2 8226 8777
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
