Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500)

The student visa Australia (subclass 500) allows international students to live and study in Australia for the duration of an approved course. Whether you are enrolled in a school, vocational program, university degree, or English language course, the student visa is the pathway that makes it possible.

At OVEC, we assist students and their families throughout the entire application process — from assessing eligibility through to lodgement, Department communications, and post-grant advice. With over 15 years of experience and 176 five-star Google reviews, OVEC is one of Canberra’s most trusted registered migration agents (MARN 1170438).

Who Can Apply for a Student Visa?

To apply for a student visa Australia (subclass 500), you must be enrolled in — or have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for — a registered course with a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider. The visa is available for:

• University and higher education students
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) and TAFE students
• Secondary school students (Year 7 and above)
• English language course students
• School-aged dependants accompanying a primary applicant on another visa

The Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)

The most critical part of a student visa application is demonstrating that you are a genuine student — that your primary intention in coming to Australia is to study, and that you intend to stay temporarily. This requirement was formerly called the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and is now referred to as the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR).

The Department assesses multiple factors when evaluating your genuine student status, including:

• Your circumstances in your home country — family ties, property ownership, employment, and financial commitments
• Your potential circumstances in Australia, including whether you have family members already residing here
• Your immigration history, including previous visa compliance or any prior refusals
• The value of the course to your future career or educational plans
• Whether the course level is consistent with your existing qualifications and career trajectory
• Any other matter the Department considers relevant to whether you are a genuine student

A poorly prepared GSR statement is the single most common reason student visa applications are refused. OVEC assists applicants in preparing a well-structured, genuine response that accurately reflects their individual circumstances — not a generic template that can undermine credibility.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover tuition fees for the first 12 months of your course (or the full course if shorter), living costs for yourself and any accompanying family members, and return travel costs. Acceptable evidence includes personal or parental bank statements, scholarship letters, a statutory declaration from a financial sponsor, or a formal financial undertaking. Funds must be genuinely available — not borrowed specifically for the visa application. The Department scrutinises financial evidence carefully, and inconsistencies are a common ground for refusal.

English Language Requirements

Most student visa applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET. Minimum scores vary depending on the course and institution — university programs typically require higher scores than vocational or English language courses. Exemptions apply for passport holders from certain English-speaking countries or applicants who have recently completed study in English.

Health Insurance — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International students on a student visa must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their enrolment in Australia. OSHC must be obtained from an approved provider before the visa is granted and must cover the full period of your visa. Allowing OSHC to lapse is a breach of visa conditions and can have serious consequences.

Work Rights on a Student Visa

The subclass 500 visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. During scheduled course breaks, you may work unlimited hours. Work rights apply from the date of visa grant.

Your partner or spouse who accompanies you to Australia may also be entitled to work, depending on the level of your course. Partners of students enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral degree are generally entitled to unlimited work rights. Partners of students in other course types may have restricted or no work rights.

Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

If you are under 18 and studying in Australia, your education provider may require a welfare guardian to be approved. A parent or suitable relative can accompany a student under 18 by applying for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). The guardian visa does not permit work in Australia, but allows the guardian to reside here for the duration of the student’s schooling. OVEC can advise on whether a guardian visa is required and assist with the application.

Student Visa Conditions

Once granted, the student visa comes with conditions you must comply with throughout your stay:

• Condition 8202 — You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and achieve satisfactory attendance and academic progress
• Condition 8516 — You must maintain OSHC for the full duration of the visa
• Condition 8501 — You must notify the Department of any change in your contact address within seven days
• Condition 8104 — Work restrictions apply during study periods (48 hours per fortnight)

Breaching visa conditions can lead to cancellation and may prevent you from applying for future visas in Australia under Section 48 of the Migration Act.

Applying from Offshore or Onshore

You can apply for a student visa from inside or outside Australia. If you are already in Australia on a valid visa, you may be able to apply onshore. However, certain visa holders are prevented from applying onshore if they have previously had a visa refused or cancelled in Australia (Section 48 bar). OVEC assesses your immigration history before advising whether an onshore application is possible.

Post-Study Pathways — Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

One of the major drawcards of studying in Australia is the post-study work rights available through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). After completing an eligible qualification at an Australian institution, you may be eligible to live and work in Australia — in any occupation — for a further period after graduation.

The length of the 485 visa depends on the level and location of your study. Graduates from regional institutions or with regional qualifications may be eligible for longer grant periods. The 485 visa is also a common stepping stone to skilled permanent migration through visas such as the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated). OVEC advises students on post-study migration pathways from the beginning of the planning process — not just at graduation.

Common Reasons Student Visa Applications Are Refused

Student visa refusals most commonly arise from a weak Genuine Student statement, insufficient or inconsistent financial evidence, a poor immigration history (prior visa breaches or refusals), English language scores below the required threshold, or incomplete documentation. OVEC reviews all applications before lodgement to identify and address potential refusal grounds before they become a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work full-time on a student visa during holidays?

Yes. During scheduled course breaks, the 48-hour-per-fortnight restriction is lifted and you may work unlimited hours. Keep evidence of your course schedule in case it is queried.

Can my family come to Australia with me on a student visa?

Yes. Your spouse, de facto partner and dependent children can be included in your student visa application or apply for their own visa to accompany you. Their work rights depend on the level of your course, and they must meet their own health and character requirements.

How long does a student visa application take?

Processing times vary depending on your country of citizenship, the course, and current Departmental workloads. Some applications are processed within weeks; others can take several months. OVEC advises clients to apply well in advance of their course commencement date.

Can I get permanent residence after studying in Australia?

Studying in Australia can contribute significantly to a skilled migration pathway, particularly if your qualification is in a high-demand occupation. Many graduates apply for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa first, then build work experience and points toward a skilled visa. OVEC advises on the full post-study migration pathway.

What happens if my student visa application is refused?

A refusal can be reviewed in some circumstances, and may affect your ability to apply for future visas in Australia. If you receive a refusal, contact OVEC immediately to understand your options before taking any further steps.

How OVEC Can Help

As registered migration agents (MARN 1170438), OVEC provides professional student visa advice in Canberra and to clients nationally and internationally. Our services include eligibility and pathway assessment, Genuine Student Requirement guidance and statement preparation, document review, visa lodgement, Department communication management, and post-grant advice on conditions, work rights, and future migration options.

Contact OVEC

Contact OVEC today to discuss your student visa Australia application.

📞 0430 586 030
📅 Book a consultation online

OVEC — Oz Visa & Education Consultants. Registered Migration Agent MARN 1170438. General information only — not legal advice. Migration law changes frequently; always seek current professional advice before lodging any application.