Subclass 500
Student
Important
Description
The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to study full-time at an approved Australian educational institution. It also enables students to work part-time during their studies and provides a pathway for further visa opportunities, including post-study work visas.
Student/Graduate
TR
Visa Class TU
Requirements
The first step in applying for your subclass 500 Student visa is fulfilling all of the eligibility requirements. You need to be diligent and organised when going through the application process. The entry requirements for the subclass 500 Student visa are:
- be 6 years or older
- apply online in or outside Australia
- be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
- hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall in one of the exemption categories
- prove you have a welfare arrangement, if you are under 18
- Can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying (with unlimited work hours during designated breaks).
Process/Steps
Check Your Eligibility
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Subclass 500 visa.
- Ensure you have an offer to study in an eligible Australian education provider.
- Verify that you meet the financial requirements to support yourself during your stay.
- Check that you have adequate health insurance for the duration of your study.
English Test
- If English language proficiency is not a part of your previous academic qualifications, you may need to sit for an English language test.
- Common tests accepted include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic.
- Make sure to achieve the required score as specified by your course provider or visa requirements.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system if applicable.
- This step is required for applicants seeking to combine their studies with skilled migration options.
- Make sure your EOI includes the correct details about your qualifications and skills.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
- After submitting your EOI, you may receive an invitation to apply for your visa.
- Once invited, you will have a specified period to submit your visa application.
Applying for Visa
Prepare all necessary documents required for the visa application, including:
- Proof of identity
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian institution
- English language proficiency results
- Financial statements to prove your ability to support yourself
- Health insurance documentation
- Police clearance certificates (if applicable)
Health and Character Checks
- Undergo health checks with an approved panel doctor to meet health requirements.
- Submit police clearance certificates from your home country or countries where you have lived for a long period.
- Complete the required character assessments to demonstrate that you meet Australian standards.
Await Visa Processing
- Once your visa application has been submitted, it will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Visa processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications.
Visa Grant
- Once your visa is granted, you will receive notification of the outcome.
- You may be required to abide by specific conditions related to your studies and stay in Australia.
