Key facts: studying in regional Australia
- 5 extra points for a skilled visa if you complete an eligible qualification while living and studying in a regional area
- Up to 1 extra year (category 2 areas) or 2 extra years (category 3 areas) on a second 485 visa for higher education graduates
- Regional means anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
- Regional graduates may also have more state nomination and 491 visa options
Since 16 November 2019, regional study rules have benefited current and future students studying in regional Australia. If you complete at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia, not only will you be able to claim 5 additional points for a skilled visa, you may also be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of temporary graduate visa (SC 485 visa).
International students studying at regional universities (Cities and major regional centres) will be eligible to access an additional 1 year in Australia on a post-study work visa.
International students studying at regional universities (Regional centres and other regional areas) will be eligible to access an additional 2 years in Australia on a post-study work visa.
Regional areas will be defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (List of postcode can be found here).
Northern Territory – Darwin
All of the Northern Territory is considered regional centres by Immigration. What that means is that graduates from Northern Territory may be eligible for an additional two years on their second temporary graduate visa (SC 485)
Did you know?
- Northern Territory has the nation’s youngest population with a median age of just 32.6 years.
- Darwin is unique for its proximity to Asia. Darwin is only two hours away from Denpasar (Bali) and four hours from Singapore.
- The top five nationalities of international students in Northern Territory include: Nepal, India, China, Philippines and Taiwan.
Education Providers
Below are some of the universities and TAFE/VET providers in the Northern Territory:
- Charles Darwin University
- Alana Kaye College
- International College of Advanced Education
- Australian Careers College
- Australian Institute of Electro-technology
- Carey Training
- IH Business College
South Australia – Adelaide
Studying and living in Adelaide would enable you to be eligible for an additional one year on the second temporary graduate visa (SC 485). It is Australia fifth largest cities and it is home to reputable universities.
Did you know?
- South Australia has supported and produced five Nobel Prize Laureates.
- Adelaide is 14% more affordable than other major cities in Australia.[1]
- International students will receive concessions and discounts on public transport
- It has a wide range of study areas ranging from agriculture, food and hospitality to information technology and engineering.
Education Providers
Below are some of the universities and TAFE/VET providers in the South Australia
- The University of Adelaide
- Flinders University
- University of South Australia
- TAFE SA
- Torrens University
- South Australian Institute of Business and Technology
- Equals International
- Kaplan International English
- South Cross Education Institute
Tasmania – Hobart
Tasmania is divided into cities and major regional centres and also regional centres. Depending on the postcode, you may be eligible for an additional one year on the second temporary graduate visa (SC 485) or an additional two years.
Did you know?
- The tuition fees in Tasmania are more competitive than other cities in Australia.
- Tasmania is home to many natural landmarks with nearly half the state is protected by World Heritage Area.
- May be eligible to apply for the state nomination under the Tasmanian graduate stream.
Education Providers
Below are some of the universities and TAFE/VET providers in the Tasmania
- TasTafe
- University of Tasmania
Queensland – Gold Coast
Gold Coast pride themselves on their quality education, diverse student community and affordable living. Graduate from the Gold Coast may be eligible for an extended three years poststudy work visa.
Did you know?
- There are over 32,000 students from over 130 countries studying in the Gold Coast.
- Gold Coast offer affordable living for its student.
- Gold Coast average temperature is 29 degrees Celsius
Education Providers
Below are some of the universities and TAFE/VET providers in the Gold Coast:
- Bond University
- Griffith University
- Southern Cross University
- Tafe Queensland
- Aurora Training Institute
- Australian Pacific College
- ACS Distance Education Profile
Western Australia – Perth
Perth offers excellent top-rated education, desirable climate and a relaxed lifestyle. Graduates from Perth may be eligible for an extended three years post study visa.
Did you know?
- Perth has over 193 institutions.
- Students can choose from over 140 study areas and over 2030 courses.
- With over two million people from different cultures and background, international students will feel welcome and safe in Western Australia.
Education Providers
Below are some of the universities and TAFE/VET providers in the Perth:
- Edith Cowan University
- Curtin University
- Murdoch University
- Sheridan College
- University of Western Australia
- University of Notre Dame
ACT – Canberra
The whole of ACT is classified as cities and major regional centres by the Department of Home Affairs. That means that graduate from any local Universities or TAFE providers may be able to access a second temporary graduate visa.
Did you know?
- Canberra the capital city of Australia.
- It is ranked 22nd in the world in the 2018 QS Best student City Ranking.
- Canberra has the lowest crime rates on any major Australian cities.
Education Providers
- Australian National University
- University of Canberra
- Canberra Institute of Technology
- Australian Catholic University
- University of NSW
What this means in 2026
The regional study benefits described above still apply, with some changes to the 485 visa since July 2024. The table shows how the main areas in this guide are treated now.
| Area | Regional category | 5 points for regional study | Extra time on a second 485 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin and all of the Northern Territory | Category 3 (regional centres and other regional areas) | Yes | Up to 2 extra years |
| Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart | Category 2 (cities and major regional centres) | Yes | Up to 1 extra year |
| Rest of Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, regional Queensland | Category 3 | Yes | Up to 2 extra years |
| Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane | Category 1 (major cities, not regional) | No | No |
Check your exact campus and home postcode on our designated regional area postcodes page before you enrol.
Who the second 485 applies to now
- You must have held a first 485 in the Post-Higher Education Work stream, so it applies to bachelor, masters and doctoral graduates, not to vocational (diploma or trade) graduates.
- You must have studied at a campus in a regional area and lived in a regional area for at least 2 years while holding your first 485.
- Since 1 July 2024 the age limit for most 485 applicants is 35 and the standard stay periods are shorter, so check your total time on our 485 visa page.
The 5 regional study points still apply to the 189, 190 and 491 points test, for any qualification (including diplomas and trade qualifications) that meets the Australian study requirement and was completed while living and studying in a regional area. See 5 points for regional study.
Student visa rules also changed from 2 October 2026, including new requirements for some applicants. Read student visa changes from 2 October 2026 and our student visa (subclass 500) guide before you apply.
Regional study FAQs
Do diploma or trade graduates get the extra 485 years?
No. The second 485 is only for holders of a first 485 in the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Diploma and trade graduates can still claim the 5 regional study points if they meet the rules.
Is Perth or the Gold Coast regional?
Yes. Both are category 2 regional areas (cities and major regional centres), so eligible graduates can claim regional study points and may get 1 extra year on a second 485.
Do I have to live in the regional area as well as study there?
Yes. For the 5 points you must live and study in a regional area during your course. For the second 485 you must also live in a regional area while holding your first 485.
Does online study count?
Generally no. The study must be completed at a campus in a regional area while you live there. Get advice before relying on mixed or online study.
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