92 weeks minimum
Two academic years, calculated as 92 weeks of registered study. Not calendar years.
92 Weeks · CRICOS-Registered · English Instruction
The Australian Study Requirement anchors the 485.
ASR verification is handled by Vishal Sharma and Sourabh Aggarwal for 485 and skilled migration applicants from Brisbane and Gold Coast. It is also a points test element. The ASR is precisely 92 weeks of study at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution in English, with specific calculation rules. Here is what counts.
ASR core rules
Four requirements.
Every ASR assessment tests these four elements.
CRICOS-registered institution
Study provider must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
English instruction
Course must be delivered in English. Foreign-language courses at Australian institutions do not count.
Degree, diploma, or advanced diploma
Most registered qualifications count. Short courses, foundation programs, and some non-degree study do not.
How weeks are counted
Study weeks, not calendar weeks.
The 92-week calculation is stricter than many students expect.
Only official study weeks countWeeks where you were registered and engaged in study. Term breaks do not count directly but are included in standard course length.
Combined qualificationsMultiple qualifications can combine. Bachelor + Masters = more than 92 weeks. All counted if at CRICOS institution.
Overseas study excludedDistance learning from overseas or study while offshore does not count. Study must be onshore in Australia.
Credit exemptions reduce weeksCredit for prior learning reduces the weeks of study at the Australian institution. May affect ASR.
ASR for points test
Also valuable for 189/190/491.
Beyond 485, the ASR contributes to skilled migration points.
5 points for ASR
Meeting the ASR contributes 5 points to the points test.
Regional study bonus
Additional 5 points for study at a regional Australian institution.
STEM Masters or Doctoral bonus
Specific STEM qualifications add further points.
The 92-week requirement is precise.
Students who completed 90 or 91 weeks of study in Australia do not meet the ASR. The threshold is precise. If your course was shorter than 92 weeks, an additional short course or different completion strategy may be needed.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For ASR verification, book with Vishal Sharma.
Does my one-year Masters meet the ASR?
Depends. Many one-year Masters courses run 48-50 weeks. You may need an additional course to reach 92 weeks.
Do English language courses count toward the 92 weeks?
Usually no. English language preparation courses generally do not count. Main qualification period does.
What if I transferred credits from overseas?
Credits reduce the weeks of Australian study. May affect ASR. Verify carefully.
Can multiple courses combine to meet ASR?
Yes. Sequential CRICOS-registered courses can combine. Total weeks must exceed 92.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.