Student Visa Australia

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows eligible international students to undertake registered study in Australia. Your application should demonstrate that you meet the applicable visa criteria and have prepared the required evidence.

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement applies to student visa applications lodged from 23 March 2024. Applicants need to address their circumstances, proposed study, the value of the course and other relevant matters in the visa application.

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Student Visa Information

Use the resources below to understand the key parts of the Student visa process.

Student Visa Requirements

Understand the documents and evidence that may be required, including enrolment, financial capacity, English evidence, health insurance and other criteria relevant to your application.

Funds Calculator

Estimate the financial capacity you may need to demonstrate for your student visa application, including relevant living, travel, tuition and dependant costs.

Student Visa Extensions

Learn about situations where a further Student visa may be relevant, course progression and important timing considerations before your current visa expires.

Student Visa for Dependants

Find information about including eligible family members and the evidence and visa considerations that may apply to secondary applicants.

Changing Course or Provider

Understand important visa and enrolment considerations before changing your course or education provider in Australia.

Key Student Visa Requirements

Depending on your circumstances, a Student visa application may require evidence relating to:

  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and the proposed course of study
  • Genuine Student (GS) requirement
  • Financial capacity
  • English language ability, where required
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Health and character requirements
  • Identity and immigration history
  • Additional evidence requested by the Department of Home Affairs

The exact document list can vary according to your circumstances. The Department’s Document Checklist Tool should be checked before lodgement.

Genuine Student (GS)

The GS requirement focuses on whether you are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student. The Department considers matters such as your circumstances, immigration history, proposed study, understanding of the course and provider, and the value of the course to your future.

Applicants should provide accurate answers supported by relevant evidence.

Student Visa Application Process

  1. Choose an appropriate CRICOS-registered course and education provider.
  2. Meet the provider’s admission requirements and obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment.
  3. Prepare evidence for the visa application, including any financial and English evidence requested.
  4. Prepare your Genuine Student responses and supporting evidence.
  5. Apply through ImmiAccount and provide the required documents.
  6. Complete health examinations or biometrics if requested.
  7. Monitor ImmiAccount for requests and the visa decision.

Apply well before your intended course commencement date and check current processing guidance before making travel arrangements.

Student Visa Conditions & Work

Student visas have conditions that can affect study and work. Do not assume that a particular work arrangement is permitted. Check your current visa conditions through VEVO and follow the conditions attached to your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

The visa stay period is generally linked to the course and relevant circumstances. The Department states that the maximum stay for a Student visa will generally not exceed six years, subject to the applicable rules.
If financial capacity evidence is required for your application, you must provide the evidence specified by the Department. This can include funds for travel, living costs, tuition and eligible dependant costs.
Some applicants must provide evidence of English language ability using an approved test or qualify for an applicable exemption. Requirements depend on the circumstances and current rules.
GS assesses whether the applicant is a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student, taking into account relevant circumstances, immigration history and proposed study.
Eligible members of the applicant’s family unit may be able to accompany or later join a Student visa holder, subject to the applicable requirements and declarations.
A course or provider change can have enrolment and visa consequences. Check the applicable requirements before making the change.
If you need to continue studying after your current visa period, you may need to apply for another Student visa and satisfy the requirements applicable at that time.

Need Help With Your Student Visa?

Explore the resources above or contact Study Choice to discuss your study and visa options.