The Subclass 574 Postgraduate Research Sector student visa enables international postgraduate students to pursue a research-oriented Master’s or Doctoral degree/PhD in Australia.

For information about visas for students enrolled in taught/coursework-based Master’s programs, please refer to our Higher Education Sector Visa (Subclass 573) page.

Eligibility: To qualify for this student visa, applicants must:

1. Provide evidence of acceptance into a Master’s or Doctoral research program at an Australian university or research center, such as an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment code, Confirmation of Enrolment letter, or Letter of Offer.

2. Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover travel, tuition, and living expenses for themselves and any included family members.

3. Meet the English Language proficiency requirements set by the educational institution.

4. Fulfill health requirements, including obtaining health insurance.

5. Satisfy character requirements, typically involving a criminal record check.

6. Convince Australian authorities of their commitment to a Genuine Temporary Entrant status, ensuring they won’t overstay their visa.

Students under 18: Applicants under 18 must meet specific criteria:

1. Have a parent or guardian sign their visa application. Alternatively, provide a statutory declaration letter or a copy of Australian form 1229 if the parent or guardian is unable to sign.

2. Stay with a parent/guardian or a nominated relative over 21 while in Australia. If not possible, alternative arrangements must be agreed upon with the student’s education provider.

Length of Stay: The Subclass 574 visa allows students to stay in Australia for the duration of their studies, plus an additional period determined by the course length and completion time:

1. Courses under 10 months: Visa lasts for the full course length plus 7 months.

2. Courses of 10 months or more, ending between January and October: Visa lasts for the full course length plus 8 months.

3. Courses of 10 months or more, ending in November or December: Visa valid until September 15th of the following year.

Family: Applicants can include the following family members on their visa application:

1. Partners

2. Dependent children (including partners’ dependent children)

3. Dependent relatives (including partners’ dependent relatives)

Work: The visa automatically permits research students to work unlimited hours per week once their research officially begins. No separate work authorization is necessary.

However, students below the school leaving age for their state cannot work during study/term time. Family members on the visa can also work unlimited hours once the student’s research officially commences.