Studying at RMIT University in Melbourne gives Indian students access to one of the clearest and most structured pathways to Australian permanent residency available anywhere in the world. The pathway works in three stages:
- A post-study work visa (Subclass 485)
- Skilled migration through points-tested visas (Subclass 189 or 190)
- Permanent residency
Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian students who complete STEM or ICT degrees at RMIT receive extended post-study work visa durations compared to students from other countries.
This is not a guaranteed outcome. PR in Australia depends on your occupation being on the skilled occupation list, your points score, your English proficiency, and the state or territory nomination you receive. What RMIT provides is the Australian study credential and the industry connections that make this pathway achievable.
Conversion Note: 1 AUD = INR 67.27 (as of April 25, 2026).
- RMIT University: Courses, Fees, Rankings and Scholarships 2026
- Australia study guide for Indian students
- Step 1: After RMIT Graduation: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Which RMIT Programs Give Indian Students the Strongest PR Pathway in 2026?
- Step 2: The Points-Tested Skilled Migration System
- The Three Main PR Visa Pathways for RMIT Graduates
- PR Timeline: From RMIT Graduation to Australian Permanent Residency
- FAQs
Step 1: After RMIT Graduation: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The first step toward PR after completing your RMIT degree is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work stream. This visa lets you live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after graduation. You must apply within 6 months of completing your degree and be in Australia when you apply.
The duration of the 485 visa depends on your qualification level. Indian students receive extended durations under AI-ECTA, which is a significant advantage over students from most other countries.
| Qualification Completed at RMIT | 485 Visa Duration (General) | 485 Visa Duration (Indian Students under AI-ECTA) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (including honours) | 2 years | 2 years |
| Bachelor's degree with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT) | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master's by coursework or extended | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master's by research | 3 years | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 3 years | 4 years |
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs, Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) official page.
The extra year under AI-ECTA gives Indian master’s students more time to gain work experience, improve their points score, and secure state nomination before the 485 visa expires. This period is crucial for building eligibility for skilled migration.
The 485 visa costs AUD 4,600 (₹3.09 lakh). Applicants must generally be under 35 (or 50 for research master’s/PhD) and provide health insurance and an Australian Federal Police check.
Which RMIT Programs Give Indian Students the Strongest PR Pathway in 2026?
Not all RMIT degrees lead to the same PR outcome. The strength of your PR pathway depends on whether your occupation appears on Australia's skilled occupation list and whether your degree qualifies for a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority. STEM, ICT, engineering, healthcare, and accounting programs at RMIT consistently produce graduates in occupations that are on the skilled occupation list.
| RMIT Program | Typical Occupation After Graduation | 485 Visa Duration (Indian Students) | PR Pathway Strength | Skills Assessing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science / MS Data Science / MS AI / MS Cyber Security | Software Engineer, Data Scientist, ICT Security Specialist | 3 years | Strong | ACS (Australian Computer Society) |
| Master of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) | Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer | 3 years | Strong | Engineers Australia |
| Master of Information Technology (MIT) | ICT Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, IT Project Manager | 3 years | Strong | ACS |
| Master of Accounting / Master of Finance | Accountant, Financial Analyst, Management Accountant | 3 years | Strong | CPA Australia / CAANZ / IPA |
| Bachelor of Nursing / Master of Nursing | Registered Nurse | 2–3 years | Very Strong (nursing is on the priority occupation list) | AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) |
| Master of Architecture | Architect | 3 years | Moderate (requires AACA registration) | AACA (Architects Accreditation Council of Australia) |
| MBA | General Manager, Business Development Manager | 3 years | Moderate (occupation must be on skilled list; management roles vary) | VETASSESS |
| Master of Social Work | Social Worker | 3 years | Moderate to Strong (social work is on the skilled list) | AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) |
| PhD (any STEM field) | Research Scientist, University Lecturer, Senior Engineer | 4 years | Strong (PhD adds 20 points to skilled migration score) | Relevant authority for nominated occupation |
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list and RMIT University official program pages.
Note for Indian students: The occupation you nominate for skilled migration does not have to be the exact title of your degree. It must be the occupation you are working in and for which you can obtain a positive skills assessment. An RMIT MS Computer Science graduate working as a Software Engineer would nominate Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313) and apply for a skills assessment through ACS.
Explore: Jobs After MS in Australia: Top Recruiters and Salaries for Indian Students
Step 2: The Points-Tested Skilled Migration System
After gaining work experience on the 485 visa, the main PR pathway for RMIT graduates is through the points-tested skilled migration system. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If you score enough points and receive a state nomination or an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, you can apply for a permanent visa.
The minimum points score to be invited is 65. In practice, most invitations for competitive occupations require 80 to 90 points or more. Here is how an RMIT master's graduate from India can build their points score.
| Points Factor | Criteria | Points | Typical RMIT Indian Graduate Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 25 to 32 years | 30 | Most Indian master's students graduate at 24–27 years old. Applying within 2–3 years of graduation typically keeps them in the 30-point age bracket. |
| English Language | Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in all bands) | 20 | Achievable with preparation. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in all bands) gives 10 points. |
| English Language | Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in all bands) | 10 | More commonly achieved by Indian students. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree or above from any institution | 15 | RMIT master's degree qualifies. PhD qualifies for 20 points. |
| Educational Qualification | PhD from any institution | 20 | RMIT PhD graduates receive 20 points instead of 15. |
| Specialist Education | Master's by research or PhD from an Australian institution in STEM or ICT (at least 2 academic years) | 10 | RMIT PhD or research master's in CS, Engineering, IT, or Science qualifies for this additional 10 points. |
| Australian Study Requirement | At least 1 degree from an Australian institution meeting the study requirement | 5 | RMIT degree qualifies. This is 5 free points for all RMIT graduates. |
| Australian Skilled Employment | 1 to 3 years in nominated occupation in Australia | 5 | Gained during the 485 visa period. 3 to 5 years gives 10 points. |
| Australian Skilled Employment | 3 to 5 years in nominated occupation in Australia | 10 | Achievable for Indian students with a 3-year 485 visa (master's under AI-ECTA). |
| Professional Year | Completion of a Professional Year in Accounting, ICT, or Engineering in Australia | 5 | Available to RMIT IT, Engineering, and Accounting graduates. Adds 5 points and improves employability. |
| State/Territory Nomination (Subclass 190) | Nominated by a state or territory government | 5 | Victoria (where RMIT is located) nominates skilled workers in priority occupations. Adds 5 points and converts to a direct PR visa. |
| Regional Nomination (Subclass 491) | Nominated by a state/territory for a regional area or sponsored by an eligible family member | 15 | Adds 15 points. Requires living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years before converting to PR (Subclass 191). |
| Partner Skills | Single or partner is an Australian citizen/PR | 10 | Single applicants receive 10 points automatically. |
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs, Points Table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) — the same points table applies to Subclass 189 and 190.
Also read: RMIT University Acceptance Rate 2026
The Three Main PR Visa Pathways for RMIT Graduates
There are three primary permanent residency visa pathways available to RMIT graduates after completing their 485 visa. Each has different requirements, processing timelines, and obligations.
For most Indian graduates of RMIT University, the Subclass 190 (Victoria nomination) is the most practical option, as they are already living in Victoria and can apply for state nomination during their 485 visa.
The Subclass 491 is a good alternative for those open to regional areas. It offers +15 points and leads to PR after 3 years through Subclass 191.
| Visa | Type | Key Requirement | Minimum Points | Visa Cost (Main Applicant) | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | Points-tested, no sponsor needed | Occupation on skilled list, skills assessment, invitation from the Department of Home Affairs via SkillSelect EOI | 65 (in practice 80–90+ for competitive occupations) | AUD 4,910 (INR 3.30 lakh) | Permanent |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | Points-tested, state/territory nomination required | Occupation on the state's skilled list, nomination by a state/territory government, skills assessment, invitation | 65 (nomination adds 5 points; in practice 75–85+ for competitive states) | AUD 4,910 (INR 3.30 lakh) | Permanent |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) | Points-tested, provisional (5 years), leads to PR via Subclass 191 | Occupation on the regional skilled list, state/territory nomination or family sponsorship, must live and work in a regional area for 3 years | 65 (nomination adds 15 points) | AUD 4,910 (INR 3.30 lakh) | 5 years provisional, then PR via Subclass 191 |
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs official visa pages for Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
PR Timeline: From RMIT Graduation to Australian Permanent Residency
The typical timeline from completing an RMIT master's degree to receiving Australian permanent residency is 4 to 7 years for Indian students. This varies significantly based on occupation demand, points score, English proficiency, and whether you pursue state nomination or employer sponsorship.
| Stage | Action | Typical Duration | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Complete RMIT master's degree | 1.5–2 years | Degree completion triggers eligibility for 485 visa |
| Stage 2 | Apply for and receive a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | Apply within 6 months of graduation; visa duration 3 years (Indian master's students under AI-ECTA) | Full work rights in Australia for 3 years |
| Stage 3 | Secure employment in a nominated skilled occupation; build Australian work experience | 1–3 years on a 485 visa | 1 year = 5 points; 3 years = 10 points toward skilled migration |
| Stage 4 | Obtain skills assessment from the relevant authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, CPA, etc.) | 2–6 months (varies by authority) | Positive skills assessment required before submitting EOI |
| Stage 5 | Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect; apply for state nomination (Subclass 190) or regional nomination (Subclass 491) | EOI submission is immediate; nomination wait time varies by state and occupation (weeks to months) | Nomination adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491) to score |
| Stage 6 | Receive an invitation to apply for a permanent visa; lodge a visa application | Invitation timing varies; 60 days to lodge after the invitation | Visa application lodged |
| Stage 7 | Visa granted — Australian Permanent Residency | Processing: currently 12–24 months for Subclass 190 (applications from January 2025 being processed) | PR granted; eligible for Medicare, can sponsor family, path to citizenship after 4 years |
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs visa pages for Subclass 485, 190, and 491.
Important note on processing times: The Department of Home Affairs is currently processing Subclass 190 applications lodged from January 2025, as per Ministerial Direction No. 105. Processing times vary and are not guaranteed. Indian students should plan their timeline with a buffer of at least 6 months beyond the estimated processing time.
Also read: RMIT University Placements: Graduate Employment Rate and Salaries 2026
Indian students who complete a degree at RMIT University have access to a structured pathway to Australian permanent residency. Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian master's graduates receive a 3-year Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) instead of the standard 2 years. The PR pathway involves gaining skilled work experience on the 485 visa, obtaining a skills assessment, submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, and applying for a permanent visa through Subclass 189, 190, or 491. The typical timeline from RMIT master's graduation to PR is 4 to 7 years. This article covers every step of the pathway, the points system, which RMIT programs give the strongest PR outcomes, and what Indian students who have gone through this process actually say.
FAQs
Ques. Can Indian students get a PR after studying at RMIT University?
Ans. Yes. The typical pathway is: complete your degree → apply for the Subclass 485 visa → gain skilled work experience → get a skills assessment → submit an EOI → receive nomination/invitation → apply for PR (Subclass 189/190). Under AI-ECTA, Indian master’s students get a 3-year 485 visa, giving extra time to build PR eligibility.
Ques. How long does it take to get a PR after an RMIT master’s?
Ans. Usually 4–7 years, including 2–3 years on the 485 visa, time for skills assessment and nomination, and 12–24 months PR processing. Employer sponsorship (Subclass 186) can reduce this to 2–3 years after employment.
Ques. What is the post-study work visa duration for Indian students?
Ans. Under AI-ECTA:
- Master’s: 3 years
- STEM bachelor (Hons): 3 years
- PhD: 4 years
Ques. Which RMIT programs offer the best PR pathway?
Ans. IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Nursing, Accounting, and Social Work. PR depends on your occupation being on the skilled list and getting a positive skills assessment (ACS, Engineers Australia, CPA, AHPRA, etc.).
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