
To meet the Australian study requirement when applying for certain visas (like the Temporary Graduate visa 485, Skilled visas 189, 190, and 491), here’s what you need to know:
1. What Counts as Two Academic Years?
Two academic years is equal to 92 weeks of registered study, not two full calendar years.
The course(s) must be registered on CRICOS (a list of courses for international students).
2. How to Calculate 92 Weeks of Study
If your course is CRICOS-registered for 92 weeks or more, you meet the requirement.
You can combine multiple qualifications, but their total CRICOS-registered duration must add up to at least 92 weeks.
3. If You Finish Faster or Take Longer
If you finish a course faster (like by taking summer classes), you still meet the requirement if the course’s CRICOS duration is 92 weeks or more.
If you take longer than the CRICOS time (like completing a 78-week course in 92 weeks), you will only get credit for the original 78 weeks.
4. Credits and Exemptions
If you get credit from previous study, it may reduce your study time.
Credits from non-CRICOS courses or overseas study usually don’t count toward the Australian study requirement.
If credits reduce your study to less than 92 weeks or shorten your time in Australia to less than 16 months, you won’t meet the requirement.
5. Minimum of 16 Calendar Months
Your study must also last at least 16 calendar months in Australia.
Even if you meet the 92 weeks of study, if you complete it in less than 16 months, you won’t qualify.
6. Example
A bachelor’s degree registered for 92 weeks that you complete in 92 weeks meets the requirement.
If you finish in 80 weeks due to fast-tracking, you still qualify as the course is registered for 92 weeks.
Key Points:
92 weeks of study based on CRICOS registration.
16 months minimum in Australia.
Watch out for credits or exemptions, as they may reduce your eligible study time.
Make sure you meet both the 92 weeks and 16-month minimums!
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