Apply for an Australian Student visa (Subclass 500)

How to get an Australian Student visa

The Australian Student visa is a temporary visa that is valid for up to five years, depending on the type and duration of your studies.

Before you can apply for a Student visa, you must be enrolled in an approved degree programme in Australia. If you need help choosing and applying to a university in Australia, you can contact one of our qualified study abroad advisers.

Australian Student visa requirements

To qualify for this visa you need to meet the following requirements:

1. Financial requirements

   At the time of your Student visa application, you must be able to show you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, travel expenses, private health insurance and living costs for the duration of your stay for yourself and any dependant applicants included on your application. These requirements depend on various factors such as the location of the educational institution, duration of your course, living arrangements and various other factors.

2. English language proficiency

   If you are not from an English-speaking country or one that is exempt (or you haven't completed five years of study in an English-speaking country), you will need to take an English language test from an accredited provider to prove your proficiency.

3. Health requirement

   All Australian Student visa applicants must undergo an immigration health examination. The specific examinations required depend on the following factors:

   • The length of your stay in Australia
   • Your country’s level of tuberculosis risk
   • Any special circumstances that may be applicable
   • The presence of any significant medical condition

   You will have to attend an appointment with a doctor who is approved by the Australian immigration department.

4. Character requirement

   You might be asked to provide a police clearance certificate when applying. The requirements may be different if you’ve lived in multiple countries in the past.

5. Adequate health insurance

   You must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). As an applicant, you must have OSHC for the entirety of your stay in Australia. You cannot get a visa without adequate health cover.

You will also be expected to submit the following documents:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) – A CoE is an official document issued by the education provider to verify your enrollment and which confirms that you have paid your required tuition fees.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) – The government requires proof that the student’s intentions to stay in Australia are temporary and that they will return home upon completion of the course. You will need to have a Statement of Purpose (SoP) to show genuine intention to study.

Australian Student visa fees

As of 1 October 2023, the Australian government increased the Student visa application fee to AUD 710 for the main applicant. An additional charge applies for each family member who applies for the visa with you.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have a minimum of AUD 24,505 in funds to meet annual living expenses which includes money to cover your travel, course fees, and living expenses during your stay.

Actual living costs for students vary depending on which part of Australia you’re living in. Note that you might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.

Australia student visa cost

Australian student processing time

Applicants for a Student visa in 2023 can expect an average processing time of one month. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on a number of factors, including the:

• Complexity of your application
• Number of applications currently being processed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs
• Time you need to provide any additional information that may be required
• Time it takes for you to complete your medical assessment and OSHC application

If you are planning to study in Australia, it is important to submit your Student visa application as early as possible, at least 6-8 weeks prior to your course commencement date. This will give you the best chance of having your visa approved in time for the start of your studies.

Here are some tips for speeding up the processing of your Australian Student visa application:

• Make sure your application is complete and accurate.
• Include all of the required supporting documentation
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
• Complete your medical examination and OSHC application as soon as possible.

Student visa to permanent residency in Australia

Obtaining a Student visa is the first step on the road to permanent residency in Australia. After completing your studies, you can apply for permanent residency if you meet the requirements for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa. These options provide international students with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and potentially obtain permanent residency.

An immigration expert can help clarify requirements to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for your specific occupation in the relevant visa category. Finally, they can help you weigh up your options and decide which route is the best and closest to your goal.