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Australia Student Visa
Home Australia Student Visa

TL; DR

  • The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) lets you study full-time at CRICOS-registered institutions while enjoying work and travel opportunities.
  • Apply online via ImmiAccount, submitting essential documents like CoE, proof of funds, and health insurance.
  • Key benefits include access to top Australian universities, part-time work during studies, and pathways to permanent residency after graduation.
  • Ensure you meet eligibility criteria including course enrollment, English proficiency, health, and character requirements.
  • Visa processing takes around 4-12 weeks—apply early and follow conditions to enjoy a smooth student experience in Australia.

Studying in Australia is a dream for many international students, thanks to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and vibrant student life. To turn this dream into reality, obtaining the right visa is a crucial first step. The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) is designed specifically for international students planning to study full-time at registered Australian institutions. This comprehensive guide by A One Australia Education Group will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for an Australia Student Visa in 2025, including eligibility requirements, application process, and important tips to ensure your success.

What is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live, study full-time, and work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight) during their course in Australia. It covers a wide range of courses from vocational training to advanced degrees at universities and registered training organizations. This visa also opens the door to post-study work opportunities, including applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) after completing your studies in Australia.

Key Requirements for the Australia Student Visa

To apply for the Australia Student Visa, you must meet several essential requirements:

  • Enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course
    You must have an offer and accept full-time enrollment in a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
    This is a mandatory document issued by your educational institution confirming your admission and course details. A copy of your CoE must be submitted with your visa application.
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
    Health insurance is compulsory for the duration of your stay in Australia, ensuring coverage for medical and hospital expenses.
  • Proof of sufficient funds
    You need to provide evidence that you have enough financial resources to cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for the duration of your studies. This typically includes bank statements, education loans, or sponsorship letters.
  • English language proficiency
    Depending on your course and institution, you may need to submit IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or other accepted English test scores.
  • Genuine Student Requirement
    You must demonstrate your intention to genuinely study in Australia temporarily, proving that the chosen course aligns with your career paths and future opportunities in your home country.
  • Health and Character Checks
    Medical examinations and police clearance certificates may be required to show you meet the health and character standards set by the Australian Government.

Step-by-Step Australia Student Visa Application Process

1. Secure Admission and Obtain CoE

The first step in your Australia Student Visa journey is getting accepted into an Australian institution registered with CRICOS. After accepting the offer and paying any required deposit, the institution will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Ensure your CoE details are accurate, as this is a critical document for your visa application.

2. Create Your ImmiAccount

The official Australian Department of Home Affairs website requires all student visa applicants to apply online via an ImmiAccount. This portal is your central hub to submit your visa application, upload documents, pay fees, and track the progress of your visa.

  • Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount by registering with your email and setting up secure login credentials.
  • Choose the correct visa category — Subclass 500 — during your application.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary documents before starting your application. Key documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Financial evidence demonstrating sufficient funds
  • Health examination and police clearance certificates (if applicable)
  • Genuine Student statement (Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement)
  • Translations of any non-English documents by certified translators

Using the Document Checklist tool on the Department of Home Affairs website can help you ensure completeness.

4. Submit Your Online Application and Pay Fees

Complete the online application form in your ImmiAccount, carefully entering personal details, course information, and attaching all required documents. The application fee as of 2025 starts from AUD$2,000. Payment can generally be made via credit or debit card online.

5. Respond to Additional Requests

After submitting your application, you may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) and attend a medical examination with an authorized panel physician. Promptly respond to any additional information requests to avoid processing delays.

6. Track Your Application

Keep checking your ImmiAccount regularly for updates and further requests. Respond quickly to any communications from the Department of Home Affairs.

Important Tips for a Successful Australia Student Visa Application

  • Apply early to allow ample processing time before your course start date.
  • Double-check that your name matches your passport and that all documents are correctly prepared and translated.
  • Write a clear Genuine Student statement outlining your study intentions and ties to your home country.
  • Keep proof of funds organized and ensure the amounts meet the Australian Government’s financial requirements.
  • Understand visa conditions, such as limits on work hours during the term.
  • Include eligible family members in your application if they will accompany you.
  • Use professional help if needed, such as a registered migration agent or education consultant.

After You Receive Your Australia Student Visa

With your Australian student visa granted, you can prepare to embark on your study abroad journey. The visa allows you to:

  • Live and study in Australia full-time for the duration specified on your CoE.
  • Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
  • Access healthcare through OSHC.
  • Travel in and out of Australia multiple times during your study.
  • Apply for post-study work visas such as the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) after graduation.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) is a vital milestone for anyone planning to pursue education in Australia. By understanding the requirements, preparing your documents carefully, and following the application steps through your ImmiAccount, you can achieve a smooth and successful visa application process. A One Australia Education Group is here to support and guide students every step of the way to study down under with confidence.

Start your journey today by exploring Australian courses, securing your Confirmation of Enrolment, and submitting your student visa application through the official Department of Home Affairs website. The opportunity to study in one of the world’s most vibrant academic destinations awaits you.

FAQs About Australia Student Visa 

1. What is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) and who is eligible to apply?

The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study full-time in Australia at CRICOS-registered institutions. To be eligible, applicants must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), meet health and character requirements, demonstrate sufficient funds, and fulfill genuine student criteria showing a primary intention to study in Australia temporarily.

2. How do I apply for the Australia Student Visa online?

Applications for the Australia Student Visa are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. You need to set up an ImmiAccount, complete the application form, upload all required documents such as CoE, proof of funds, and OSHC, then pay the visa application fee. Regularly check ImmiAccount for updates and respond promptly to any additional requests to ensure smooth processing.

3. What are the key documents required for my Australia Student Visa application?

Important documents include your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), valid passport, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), evidence of English proficiency, proof of sufficient financial capacity, health and character certificates, and a statement supporting the genuine student requirement. Non-English documents require certified translations.

4. Can I work while studying in Australia on a student visa?

Yes, the Australia Student Visa allows work rights up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term, with unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This work condition applies to most courses except for certain research degrees where unlimited work hours may be permitted.

5. What should I do after receiving my Australian Student Visa?

Once your student visa is granted, you can prepare for your move to Australia. You should maintain full-time enrollment, comply with visa conditions, keep your Overseas Student Health Cover active, and keep track of the course progression. After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to live and work in Australia temporarily.