78-Week Diploma of Nursing Meets Australian Study Requirement for Temporary Graduate Visa

The Department of Home Affairs has outlined clear guidelines under the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), aimed at international students who complete eligible vocational qualifications in Australia.

A key condition for this visa stream is meeting the Australian Study Requirement, which specifies that applicants must have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia. Importantly, this is assessed as a minimum of 16 calendar months of actual onshore study, regardless of the CRICOS nominal course duration. The focus is strictly on the real time spent studying in Australia.

Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) Assessment

The 78-week Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121), offered by the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA), aligns well with these requirements. The course is:

• CRICOS registered (CRICOS Code: 108323F)
• Delivered entirely onshore in Australia
• Completed over approximately 18 months
• Inclusive of mandatory clinical placements
• Leading to the regulated occupation of Enrolled Nurse, which is closely linked to Australia’s skilled occupation framework

As the actual duration of study exceeds the required 16 calendar months, the course satisfies the Australian Study Requirement as defined by the Department of Home Affairs.

Subclass 485 Visa Eligibility

Based on current policy settings, students who successfully complete the full 78-week Diploma of Nursing onshore should meet the study duration requirement for the Subclass 485 – Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, provided they also meet other eligibility conditions. These include:

• Being under 35 years of age at the time of application (subject to exemptions)
• Meeting English language requirements
• Satisfying health and character checks
• Applying within six months of course completion
• Completing a skills assessment, if required, as the qualification leads to a regulated occupation (often involving AHPRA, depending on individual circumstances)

Important Advisory

While the course appears to meet the study requirement, final visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs on a case-by-case basis after assessing all criteria. Students are therefore strongly advised to seek professional guidance to ensure compliance with all visa conditions.

Conclusion

Under current Department of Home Affairs guidelines, graduates of the 78-week Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) completed onshore in Australia may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, subject to meeting all other requirements.

Students are encouraged to obtain accurate, personalised advice from experienced professionals. MWT Education Consultancy Pvt Ltd recommends consulting a registered migration agent to navigate visa requirements effectively and plan post-study pathways with confidence.