Completed a Diploma of IT in Australia? You May Now Be Eligible for the 485 Graduate Work Visa

Do you need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a graduate visa?

For a long time, many students were told the same thing: “You need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a graduate visa.”

That advice is no longer always true.

Recent changes to skills assessment requirements mean that some diploma-level IT graduates can now qualify for the Graduate Work Visa (subclass 485) provided the course, occupation, and assessment are handled correctly.

This has already led to real visa grants, not just theory.

What Actually Changed for IT Diploma Students?

Previously, the pathway into the 485 Graduate Work stream was heavily focused on bachelor-level qualifications. Diploma holders were often excluded, even if their course content was strong and relevant.

That has now changed.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS), which is the skills assessing authority for most IT occupations, has updated its assessment approach. As a result, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of IT qualifications may now be eligible for a provisional skills assessment.

And that provisional skills assessment is exactly what’s required to support a Graduate Work Visa (VET stream) application.

This update has quietly opened the door for many VET students who previously thought their options were limited.

​A Real Example: Diploma to 485 Visa

To make this clearer, here’s a real outcome.

One of our students completed:

• A Diploma of IT
• Followed by an Advanced Diploma of IT
• Studied over two academic years, which is essential for meeting Australia’s study requirements

After she finished her course, we lodged a provisional skills assessment with ACS. Her qualification was carefully matched to the occupation Computer Network and Systems Engineer, based on the subjects she completed and how closely they aligned with the role.

Once the provisional assessment was approved, we lodged her Graduate Work Visa (subclass 485 – VET stream).

The visa was granted, giving her 18 months of open work rights in Australia.

No bachelor’s degree. No extra years of study. Just the right strategy.

Which IT Occupations Can Work?

This pathway doesn’t apply to every IT course automatically. The qualification must be closely related to an occupation assessed by ACS and listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Common examples include:

• Computer Network and Systems Engineer
• ICT Business Analyst
• Systems Analyst
• Developer Programmer

The key thing to understand is that occupation selection and course alignment matter a lot. Two students can complete similar diplomas and have completely different outcomes depending on how their application is prepared.

👇Occupation selection matters.
Book a consultation to get advice before lodging a skills assessment or visa application.

What You Still Need for the 485 Graduate Work Visa

Even with the updated rules, there are still clear requirements.

In most cases, you’ll need:

• A provisional skills assessment from ACS
• A valid English test (IELTS or PTE)
• Appropriate health insurance
• An Australian Federal Police check
• Completion of at least two academic years of study in Australia

Once granted, the 485 Graduate Work Visa allows you to:

• Stay in Australia for 18 months
• Work full-time in your field
• Build relevant Australian work experience after graduation

Why This Matters for Your Future in Australia

For many IT students, the graduate visa is not the end goal. It’s a bridge.

Those 18 months can be used to:

• Gain skilled work experience
• Improve English scores
• Strengthen future options for employer sponsorship or skilled migration

For the right student, this can be a very practical next step toward staying in Australia longer.

Not Every Case Is the Same

While this pathway is now possible, it’s not automatic. Outcomes depend on:

• Your exact qualification
• How long you studied
• The subjects you completed
• How closely your course matches an ACS occupation
• Your personal circumstances

This is where many students go wrong by relying on generic advice or online forums.

If you want to understand whether your Diploma or Advanced Diploma of IT could lead to a 485 Graduate Work Visa, or you want help mapping out your next steps, it’s worth getting proper advice based on your situation.

General information only. Visa outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current migration policy.