The Student visa (Subclass 500) is Australia's primary visa for international students. It covers all study levels — from primary school to PhD programs — and allows you to work part-time while studying.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered education provider before applying. The CoE confirms:
- Your enrolled course and institution
- Course start and end dates
- Whether OSHC is arranged through the provider
You can have multiple CoEs if you're undertaking a packaged course (e.g., English language course followed by a university degree).
2. Genuine Student (GS) Test
From March 2024, the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test was replaced by the Genuine Student test. You must demonstrate:
- Why you chose this course — how it connects to your previous study or career
- Why Australia — specific reasons beyond generic statements
- Why this provider — research showing you've compared options
- What you'll do after — realistic post-study plans
- Your current circumstances — employment, ties to home country, immigration history
This is assessed through a written statement (maximum 300 words per question) as part of your application.
3. Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds for:
| Expense | Annual Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Living costs (student) | $29,710 |
| Living costs (partner) | $10,394 |
| Living costs (per child) | $4,449 |
| Tuition fees | First year's fees (as per CoE) |
| Return airfare | Approximate cost of flights home |
| School fees (dependent children) | $9,661 per child per year |
Evidence can include bank statements, loan approval letters, government scholarship documentation, or a financial declaration from parents/sponsors with supporting bank statements.
4. Health Insurance (OSHC)
You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your visa. See our Condition 8501 guide for provider details and costs.
5. English Language Proficiency
Most courses require evidence of English proficiency:
| Test | Minimum Score (typical) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 5.5–6.5 (varies by course) |
| TOEFL iBT | 46–79 (varies by course) |
| PTE Academic | 42–58 (varies by course) |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 162–176 (varies by course) |
ELICOS (English language) courses may have lower or no English requirements. Some nationalities or passport holders may be exempt.
6. Health and Character
- Medical examination — required for most applicants. Arranged through a Bupa Medical Visa Services (BVMS) panel doctor.
- Police clearance — from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa application charge | $710 |
| OSHC (single, per year) | $500–$700 |
| Medical examination | $300–$500 |
| Police clearance | Varies by country |
| Biometrics (if required) | Included in visa fee |
How to Apply
- Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider
- Arrange OSHC
- Create an ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au
- Complete the online application and upload documents
- Complete your health examination (you'll receive a referral letter)
- Pay the visa application charge
- Wait for a decision
Processing Times
| Situation | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Higher education sector | 14–30 days |
| VET sector | 30–60 days |
| ELICOS | 20–40 days |
| Schools sector | 30–45 days |
| Complex cases | 2–4 months |
Key Visa Conditions
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 8105 | Work max 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions |
| 8202 | Maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress |
| 8501 | Maintain adequate health insurance (OSHC) |
| 8516 | Remain enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course |
| 8533 | Notify provider of address within 7 days of arrival |
After Your Studies
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
If you complete an eligible qualification, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa allowing you to work in Australia after graduation:
| Stream | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Work | Qualification related to an occupation on the skills list | 18 months |
| Post-Study Work | Bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian institution | 2–4 years (depends on qualification level) |
Applying for Other Visas
Many students transition to skilled work visas (Subclass 189, 190, or 491) if their occupation is on a relevant skills list. Some transition through employer sponsorship (Subclass 482 or 494).
Practical Tips
- Apply 6–8 weeks before your course starts — this allows time for processing and travel
- Don't overstate your case — the GS test values honest, specific answers over generic enthusiasm
- Keep all documents current — expired passports, lapsed insurance, or outdated financial statements delay processing
- Budget realistically — the listed living costs are minimums, not comfortable budgets. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are significantly more expensive.
Official Resources
- Student visa Subclass 500 — Home Affairs
- Genuine Student requirement — Home Affairs
- CRICOS course search
- Study in Australia — official guide
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.