Introduction
From 12 September 2025, international students studying in Hobart will be eligible for an additional year of post-study work rights. This change brings Hobart into line with other regions of Tasmania, ensuring students across the state have equal opportunities to build their careers and gain valuable local experience after graduation.
Details of Post-Study Work Rights for Hobart International Students
Before 12 Sep 2025, international students studying in Hobart are eligible for an additional one year under a 2nd Post-Higher Education Work Stream. However, from 12 Sep 2025, this period can be longer, up to 2 years.
| Qualification | 1st Post-Higher Education Work Stream (except for Hong Kong passport holders) | 2nd Post-Higher Education Work Stream (for students studying in Tasmania, including Hobart) |
| Bachelor Degree (including Honours) or Masters Degree (by Coursework) or Master Degree (Extension) |
2 years |
2 years |
| Graduate Diploma | Normally 2 years | 2 years |
| Masters Degree by Research or Doctoral Degree | 3 years | 2 years |
| Bachelor Degree with first class honours (AI-ECTA agreement) |
3 years |
2 years |
| Masters Degree (AI-ECTA agreement) | 3 years | 2 years |
| Doctoral Degree (AI-ECTA agreement) | 4 years | 2 years |
AI-ECTA refers to the Australia – India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Please note that Hong Kong Passport Holder is exempt for the above rules. They can stay in Australia up to 5 years after graduation.
What this means for International Students?
- Extended work opportunities
Graduates who study in Hobart can now access up to five years on the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) (including both First Post-Higher Education Work Stream and Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream). This extended period provides more time for international students to gain professional experience and enjoy life in Tasmania.
- Fairer access across Tasmania
Students in Hobart will now benefit from the same post-study work stay period as those in other areas of Tasmania. This help ensures equal treatment and consistent pathways for all international students in Tasmania.
- Meeting local workforce demand
Tasmania continues to experience lacks of skilled graduates, particularly in occupations like health, ICT, engineering, and agriculture. Extending the stay duration for international students will help fill workforce gaps while giving graduates meaningful employment opportunities.
Since the local workforce in Tasmania is in high demand and the number of graduates is limited compared to other states, international students will have more chances to get a good job in this state. The students may wish to consider this benefit when considering the destination for their study journey in Australia.
Conclusion
This change makes Tasmania, and Hobart in particular, a more attractive study destination for international students. With longer stay duration, career pathways, and community integration, students are better positioned to thrive both during and after their studies.
If you wish to study and migrate to Tasmania (including Hobart), contact our experienced teams today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com