Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and high quality of life. If you’re planning to study in Australia, obtaining the right student visa is a crucial first step. The most common visa for international students is the Subclass 500 visa, which allows you to study full-time at a recognised institution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility requirements, application process, visa conditions, and how you can avoid common mistakes.
What is an Australian Student Visa?
Discover boundless educational opportunities in Australia with the Subclass 500 Student Visa, the primary visa option for international students looking to live and study in Australia.
This visa allows you to enrol in an approved full-time course, from primary to postgraduate education, and gives you the flexibility to balance study, work, and travel.
With a Subclass 500 visa, you can:
- Enrol in a full-time course
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Travel freely in and out of the country while your visa is valid
While the visa offers many benefits, it also comes with responsibilities, including maintaining satisfactory attendance, progressing in your course, and notifying Immigration if your study arrangements change.
If you complete an eligible course of at least 2 academic years, you may also be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa to extend your stay.
Eligibility Requirements for an Australian Student Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 500 visa, you must meet several important criteria:
- CRICOS Course Enrolment: You must be enrolled in a course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Genuine Student Requirement: You must show that you are a genuine student, with clear reasons for your study and how it aligns with your plans.
- English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English requirements unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Financial Capacity: You need to provide evidence that you can pay for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The estimated minimum living cost for a single student living in Australia is currently AUD $30,000 per year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your visa, unless exempt.
If applying from within Australia, you must hold an eligible visa. You cannot apply for a Student visa while holding a Visitor visa, Transit visa, Maritime Crew visa, or Graduate visa.
How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia
Applying for the Subclass 500 visa can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes the process clearer:
Step 1: Choose a Course and Institution
Select a CRICOS-registered course and institution. Once accepted, pay the required deposit to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Step 2: Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
The CoE is issued by your institution after enrolment and is required to lodge your visa application.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You’ll typically need:
- A valid passport
- Your CoE
- Proof of financial capacity
- English test results
- Genuine Student statement
- OSHC confirmation
- Academic transcripts and employment history (if applicable)
Step 4: Apply Online
Upload your documents and pay the application fee.
Step 5: Health and Character Checks
Follow instructions for any required health exams and police checks.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Visa processing times vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. You can monitor the status of your application via your ImmiAccount.
This is a simplified overview of how to apply for a student visa but you don’t have to do it alone. At AVIE, we take care of the hard work and guide you through every step to help you secure your Australian student visa with confidence.
Student Visa Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights:
- Study full-time at your registered institution
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions
- Travel in and out of Australia
Your Responsibilities:
- Stay enrolled in a registered course
- Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Maintain satisfactory attendance and course progression
- Notify Immigration of any changes to your address or education provider
- Comply with all visa conditions
Failing to meet your responsibilities could lead to visa cancellation, so staying informed is essential.
How to Avoid Common Student Visa Mistakes
Many applications are delayed or rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Double-check all your documents before submitting your application
- Be honest and specific in your Genuine Student (GS) statement
- Make sure your CoE and OSHC are valid
- Apply early and don’t wait until the last minute
- Stick to visa conditions (especially around work hours and attendance)
For added confidence, work with a registered migration agent like AVIE to ensure your application is complete and accurate from the start.
FAQs
1. Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?
Yes, Subclass 500 visa holders can include eligible family members, such as a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children, in their application. You must declare your family members in your Student visa application even if they do not plan to travel with you to Australia at that time. Keep in mind that you’ll need to show sufficient financial capacity to support all family members during your stay and Health Insurance coverage.
2. How much bank balance is required for an Australian student visa?
You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. As a guideline, this means showing evidence of living costs (excluding tuition and travel). These figures can vary, so it’s best to consult an expert to understand your specific financial requirements.
3. How much is the student visa in Australia?
As of now, the base application charge for a Subclass 500 Student Visa is AUD $1600. There may also be extra costs for health checks, biometrics, and police certificates. Fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a migration expert for the most accurate estimate.
4. Can you work in Australia on a student visa?
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions. During official course breaks, there is no work limit. This allows students to support themselves financially while gaining valuable work experience. However, work should not interfere with your studies, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress is essential to keep your visa valid.
5. How long does a student visa take to process?
Processing times for the Subclass 500 visa can vary depending on your country of origin, the completeness of your application, and your specific circumstances. On average, it can take anywhere from one to three months. Providing all required documents and demonstrating that you meet all eligibility requirements can help avoid delays.
Get Expert Assistance from AVIE for Your Australian Student Visa Application
Applying for a student visa can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE), we specialise in helping students successfully apply for the Subclass 500 visa. Our team offers expert guidance throughout the entire process, from gathering documents and writing your statement to submitting a complete application.
With years of experience and a strong track record, we’re here to make your journey to Australia as smooth as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get personalised support with your student visa application.