Subclass 500

Student Visa Application

Your pathway to studying in Australia with expert guidance

About Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in Australia at an approved educational institution. This visa covers primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as vocational training and English language courses.

With a student visa, you can stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to 5 years), work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, and bring eligible family members with you.

Study Full-Time

Enrol in any registered course from primary school to doctoral programs at approved institutions.

Work Rights

Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Bring Family

Include eligible family members in your application to accompany you during your studies.

Eligibility Criteria

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

Demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes only.

Personal statement required
Explain study and career goals
Show ties to home country

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Obtain a valid CoE from an approved Australian educational institution for your chosen course.

CRICOS registered course
Full-time study requirement
Valid for visa duration

English Language Proficiency

Meet minimum English requirements through approved tests or exemptions.

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE accepted
Minimum score varies by course
Exemptions may apply

Financial Capacity

Prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and return travel.

Tuition fees paid or evidence
Living costs: AUD 24,505/year
Bank statements or sponsor

Health & Character Requirements

Meet health and character standards through medical examinations and police certificates.

Medical examination required
Police clearance certificates
OSHC insurance mandatory

Age & Academic Prerequisites

Meet age requirements and academic qualifications for your chosen course level.

At least 6 years old
Academic transcripts required
Course prerequisites met

Application Process

1

Choose Course & Institution

Select your preferred course and apply to CRICOS-registered institutions.

2

Receive Offer Letter

Obtain conditional or unconditional offer letter from the institution.

3

Accept Offer & Pay Fees

Accept the offer and pay initial tuition fees to receive your CoE.

4

Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents including CoE, financial evidence, and English test results.

5

Submit Application

Lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount with all supporting documents.

6

Visa Decision

Receive visa decision (typically 4-8 weeks) and prepare for your journey to Australia.

Required Documents Checklist

Essential Documents

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Recent passport-sized photographs

Financial & Additional Documents

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Evidence of tuition fee payment or scholarship
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
Medical examination results (Form 160)
Police clearance certificates
Birth certificate (for applicants under 18)
Important Note

All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations. Golden Pathway can assist you in preparing and organising all required documentation to ensure a smooth application process.

Important Visa Conditions

Study Requirements

Maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress. Notify your institution of any changes to your course or address.

Work Limitations

Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work must not interfere with studies.

Health Insurance

Maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

Accommodation

Students under 18 must maintain approved accommodation and welfare arrangements as specified in their visa conditions.

Visa Duration

Visa granted for course duration plus additional time. Must leave Australia before visa expires or apply for extension.

Compliance

Comply with all Australian laws. Visa may be cancelled for serious breaches including criminal activity or visa condition violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This allows you to gain work experience and supplement your living costs.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, you can include eligible family members (spouse and dependent children) in your student visa application. They will have the same visa validity period and certain work rights.

What happens after I complete my studies?

After completing your course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily for 2-4 years depending on your qualification level.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire duration of your student visa. It covers basic medical and hospital care during your stay in Australia.

Ready to Apply for Your Student Visa?

Let our registered migration agents guide you through every step of the application process.

Start Your Application