Tasmania Graduate Stream

Tasmania’s Skilled Graduate Stream offers international students a structured pathway to state nomination under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. While both streams are built around studying and living in Tasmania, the requirements differ significantly in terms of duration, residency, and competitiveness.

Subclass 190: Higher Threshold, Long-Term Pathway

The Subclass 190 stream is designed for graduates who have established a longer-term presence in Tasmania.To be eligible, you must complete a CRICOS-registered course of at least 92 weeks, studied full-time and on-site in Tasmania.

1. The qualification must be at Diploma level (AQF 5) or higher, or a relevant Certificate III aligned with eligible occupation groups.

2. Applicant must be living in Tasmania for at least 2years from the start of your course, and remaining in the state throughout your studies.

Additional conditions include:

• Full-time, in-person study (minimum 75% load)

• VET courses meeting required contact hours

• No credit transfers counted toward study duration

• Currently living in Tasmania with intent to stay

PhD students may qualify after completing two years of their doctorate while living in Tasmania.

Subclass 491: More Accessible, Shorter Pathway

1. Applicants must complete a CRICOS-registered course of at least 40 weeks, again delivered full-time and on-site in Tasmania. The qualification level requirements remain the same as the 190 stream.

2. Applicant must be residing at least one year living in Tasmania from the start of the course is required.

Other conditions mirror the 190 stream:

• Full-time, on-site study

• Minimum contact hours for VET courses

• No credit transfers counted

• Must be living in Tasmania and intend to remain

• Key Difference at a Glance

Subclass 190 → 92-week study + 2 years in Tasmania → more competitive, direct PR pathway

Subclass 491 → 40-week study + 1 year in Tasmania → more accessible, regional pathway

Tasmania is placing increasing weight on genuine residency and consistent study within the state. While the 491 pathway allows a shorter timeframe, both streams require applicants to demonstrate real commitment to living in Tasmania, not just completing a qualification.As selection becomes more competitive, factors like stability, employment, and long-term intent are playing a bigger role in nomination outcomes.

For those navigating their next step, the focus is no longer just on where to go, but where progress is most effectively realised. If you are on student visa, about to graduate or, on TR 485 weighing your options, book a free phone consultation or, simply sms/whatsApp to: +61410478759. At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.