Student and Graduate Visas
Want to further your studies in Australia? Completed a course here and looking to stay on and work? AVIE can help.
Student visa
- 500 Student visa allows people to study in Australia.
- 590 Student Guardian visa allows a guardian of a student under 18 to accompany the student while in Australia.
Learn more about Student visas here and Guardian visas here.
Graduate visa
- 485 Post-Higher Education Work (previously known as Post-Study work) visa allows international students who studied at least a bachelor degree level qualification to apply for a 2 or 3 year visa to live and work in Australia.
- 485 Post-Vocational Education Work (previously known as Graduate Work) visa is for international students who completed an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification in an occupation on the MLTSSL to apply for an 18-month visa to live and work in Australia.
Learn more about Graduate visas here.
How AVIE Can Help
Student visa
(subclass 500)
Assess your eligibility
Direct you to a reputable Education Agent to find a course of study
Advise on required documents and submissions
Lodge your application
Liaise with the Department of Home Affairs
Advise you on your rights and obligations while in Australia
Assist with any complex matters
Book a Consult
Graduate visa
(subclass 485)
Confirm your eligibility
Help you with a Skills assessment if required
Advise on required documents and submissions
Lodge your application
Liaise with the Department of Home Affairs
Advise you on your rights and obligations while in Australia
Assist with any complex matters
Book a Consult
Student Guardian
(subclass 590)
Assess your eligibility
Confirm your financial requirements
Advise on required documents and submissions
Lodge your application
Liaise with the Department of Home Affairs
Advise you on your rights and obligations while in Australia
Assist with any complex matters
Book a Consult
FAQs
I am currently in Australia and wanting to study here. Can I apply for a Student visa?
If you are interested in studying in Australia, and are already in the country, there may be a limitation on your ability to apply for a Student visa.
From 1 July 2024, it is no longer possible to apply for a Student visa while in Australia if you hold one of the following visas:
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate
- Subclass 600 Visitor
- Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority
- Subclass 602 Medical Treatment
- Subclass 651 eVisitor
- Subclass 771 Transit
- Subclass 988 Maritime Crew
- Subclass 995 Diplomatic Temporary – primary visa holders only
- Subclass 403 Temporary Work International Relations – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
- Subclass 426 Domestic Worker Temporary – Diplomatic or Consular
Intending students with these visas must depart Australia in order to lodge a valid Subclass 500 Student visa application.
The application process for these visas can be complex and may require a significant amount of documentation. It’s important to carefully review the requirements for each visa and seek professional advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the application process.
For more information on studying in Australia and the visa options available to you, you can consult with a visa and immigration expert here:
Book a Consult
I am currently on a Student visa; what are my future and more long term pathways?
If you are currently on a Student visa in Australia, there may be several temporary or permanent visa pathways available to you.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Graduate Visa (subclass 485): If you have completed a course of study at an Australian educational institution, you may be eligible for the Graduate Visa. This visa can be a pathway to skilled migration in Australia.
- Skilled Migration: Australia has a points-based system for skilled migration, which may be an option for you if you have certain qualifications and work experience in Australia or overseas. To be eligible, you must first have a Skills Assessment, ensure you have suitable points, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for a visa. There are several visa options available for skilled migration, including the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
- Employer-Sponsored Visa: If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, you may be eligible for an employer-sponsored visa, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482). These visas may require the employer to demonstrate that they cannot find an Australian worker to fill the role.
Your overseas qualifications and work experience may be used to start your pathway to permanent residence before you even finish your studies.
These are just a few of the future and long-term pathways available to you as a student visa holder in Australia. It’s important to carefully consider your options and seek professional advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the visa application process. You can consult with a visa and immigration expert here:
