Student visa (500 Visa)

Key Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an Australian Student Visa, applicants generally need to meet the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, including:

• Enrolment in an Australian Course: Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a registered course with an Australian education provider.
• Genuine Student Requirement: Demonstrate that studying in Australia is the primary reason for applying and provide information supporting your study intentions and circumstances.
• Financial Capacity: Demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover relevant travel, living and study expenses.
• English Language: Meet the applicable English-language requirements or an exemption, depending on your circumstances.
• Health Requirements: Meet Australia's health requirements.
• Character Requirements: Meet the applicable character requirements and provide police certificates where required.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Maintain appropriate health insurance for the required period of your stay.
• Welfare Arrangements: Applicants under 18 must satisfy the relevant welfare and accommodation requirements.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

A Confirmation of Enrolment is an important document for a Student Visa application. It confirms that you have been accepted into a registered Australian course.

Before applying, students should carefully consider:

• Course and education provider
• Course duration
• Entry requirements
• Tuition fees
• Location
• Career relevance
• Future study or migration plans

Genuine Student Requirement

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is an important part of the Student Visa assessment.

Applicants may need to explain:

• Their current circumstances
• Why they have chosen the particular course
• Why they want to study in Australia
• How the course relates to their previous education or employment
• How the proposed study may benefit their future
• Any other relevant circumstances supporting their application

The information provided should be genuine, consistent and supported by appropriate evidence where required.

Financial Requirements

Students must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial capacity to support themselves and any eligible family members accompanying them.

Depending on the circumstances, evidence may relate to:

• Travel expenses
• Living costs
• Tuition fees
• Schooling costs for eligible school-aged dependants
• Financial support from an eligible source

Financial requirements can change, so applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before lodging an application.

English Language Requirements

Some Student Visa applicants need to demonstrate a specified level of English through an approved test.

The applicable requirement can depend on the applicant's circumstances, course and nationality, and exemptions may apply.

Students should confirm the current accepted tests and minimum scores before booking an English test.

Student Visa Work Rights

Student visa holders may be permitted to work in Australia while studying, subject to their visa conditions.

Work rights can include restrictions on the number of hours a student can work and when work can commence. Students must check their individual visa conditions and comply with Australian workplace laws.

Working should not interfere with the primary purpose of the Student Visa, which is study.

Bringing Family Members to Australia

Eligible Student Visa holders may be able to include or subsequently bring certain family members to Australia.

Family members can include:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• Dependent children

Family members must satisfy the relevant visa requirements, and additional financial, health, character and documentation requirements may apply.

Student Visa Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Course

Select a suitable course and Australian education provider based on your academic background, career goals and eligibility.

Step 2: Apply to the Education Provider

Meet the institution's admission requirements and obtain your offer of enrolment.

Step 3: Obtain Your CoE

After completing the required enrolment and payment processes, obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Step 4: Prepare Your Visa Application

Prepare your identity, education, financial, English, health insurance and other supporting documents.

Step 5: Address the Genuine Student Requirement

Provide accurate information explaining your study plans, circumstances and reasons for choosing Australia and your selected course.

Step 6: Lodge the Student Visa Application

Submit the application online through ImmiAccount and pay the applicable visa application charge.

Step 7: Complete Health and Other Requirements

Complete medical examinations, biometrics or other requirements if requested.

Step 8: Await the Visa Decision

The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application and makes a decision based on the applicable migration requirements.

Benefits of the Student Visa 500

Depending on the visa conditions and individual circumstances, a Student Visa can allow eligible students to:

• Study in Australia
• Work subject to visa conditions
• Live in Australia for the duration of the approved study period
• Include eligible family members
• Gain Australian education and qualifications
• Potentially explore other eligible visa pathways in the future

A Student Visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Students who later wish to remain in Australia must qualify independently for another visa pathway.

Student Visa and Future Migration Options

After completing an Australian qualification, some graduates may be eligible for other Australian visa pathways depending on their occupation, qualifications, skills, age, English proficiency and circumstances.

Potential options can include skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways, where the relevant requirements are satisfied.

The Visa can assist international students in understanding the Student Visa (Subclass 500) process, course-related considerations, Genuine Student requirements and potential future migration options.

Australian student visa requirements, financial thresholds, English requirements, visa charges and processing arrangements can change. Applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before lodging an application.