FAQ
Find Quick Answers About Australian Migration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the most common questions about studying, living, and working in Australia, particularly for international students. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us for further assistance.
For more info visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/
About Student Visa
What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to study full-time in Australia at a CRICOS-registered educational institution. With this visa, you can work part-time (up to 40 hours per fortnight) during the academic semester and full-time during scheduled breaks, providing you with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while supporting your studies.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 500 visa?
To be eligible for the Subclass 500 Student Visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in a full-time course registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registered educational institution.
- Meet the Genuine Student Requirement.
- Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, PTE).
- Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
- Meet the character requirement.
- Meet the health requirement
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the academic semester and unlimited hours during holidays or breaks. Ensure you comply with your visa conditions to avoid any issues.
How do I apply for a student visa?
To apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa, follow these steps:
- Apply to a CRICOS registered educational institution and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Create an account called ImmiAccount with Department of Home Affairs website.
- Complete the online application and upload required documents (Passport, CoE, proof of funds, health insurance, etc.).
- Pay the application fee (AUD 2000 as of July 2025).
- Wait for your visa application to be processed.
What documents are required for the Student Visa application?
Key documents include:
- Valid Passport.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statements, scholarship details).
- English Language Proficiency (IELTS, PTE etc).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Academic Certificate Transcripts (depending on the course enrolling).
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement statement.
- Health Examination and Biometric.
- Police Clearance (if required).
Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?
Yes, you can bring your partner and children to Australia under your student visa by including them in your application or applying later. They will need to meet additional health and character requirements, and your partner may also have limited work rights depending on their visa condition.
Can I extend my student visa?
Yes, if you wish to continue studying in Australia after your current course ends, you can apply for a visa extension. You must apply before your current visa expires and provide evidence of your continued enrolment in a full-time course. However, you need to demonstrate Genuine Student (GS) requirement to obtain further visa.
ESOS Act and Visa Conditions
What are the visa conditions under the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
As a holder of the Subclass 500 Student Visa, you must adhere to specific conditions set by the Australian Government. These conditions are designed to ensure you comply with your visa requirements and study obligations:
- Full-Time Study Requirement: You must be enrolled in a full-time, CRICOS-registered course. Part-time or distance learning is generally not permitted unless special conditions apply (e.g., for postgraduate research students).
- Maintain Enrollment: Maintain enrolment in a registered course that is the same AQF level or higher for which you were granted your student visa, unless changing from AQF level 10 to level 9.
- Work Rights: While your course is in session, you are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. During university breaks, you may work unlimited hours.
- OSHC Requirement: You must have valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Notify Address Changes: You must inform the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your contact details or address within 7 days.
- Compliance with Australian Laws: You must obey Australian laws and regulations during your stay. Violations of Australian law may lead to visa cancellation or other penalties.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is mandatory visa condition for student visa. It is health insurance for international students in Australia. It helps cover basic medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care. You must have OSHC for the entire duration of your visa. Various providers offer OSHC, and costs can range from provider to provider and your circumstances.
What is the ESOS Act and how does it impact international students?
The ESOS Act (Education Services for Overseas Students) is an Australian law designed to protect the rights of international students studying in Australia as well as sets rules for education providers and international students. It ensures that students receive high-quality education and services, and that they are aware of their rights and responsibilities during their stay.
Key protections under the ESOS Act include:
- Accredited Institutions: The ESOS Act ensures that only registered and accredited providers can offer education to international students.
- Fee Protection: It requires education providers to hold prepaid fees in trust or in reserve bank, meaning your tuition fees are protected, and you are eligible for a refund if the provider fails to deliver the course.
- Support Services: It mandates that institutions provide international students with access to support services such as academic assistance, accommodation support, and access to student welfare services specially under 18.
While international students are primarily governed by the conditions of their student visa, the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) Act may impose additional obligations through education providers. These can include requirements such as:
- Monitoring Course Progress: Education providers are required to track the academic progress of international students to ensure they remain on track with their studies.
- Attendance Requirements: Some courses may have mandatory attendance requirements, and providers are obligated to monitor attendance to ensure students meet these criteria.
- Reporting Non-Commencement: If a student fails to begin their course as planned or discontinues their studies, education providers must report this to the Department of Home Affairs. This includes returning from break and deferment.
What happens if I don’t meet my visa conditions?
Failing to meet your visa conditions could result in serious consequences, including visa cancellation or restrictions on your ability to remain in Australia. If you have unsatisfactory course progress, fail to maintain full-time enrollment, or breach other visa conditions (such as working over the allowed hours), your visa may be cancelled.
Temporary Graduate Visa
Can I stay in Australia after my studies?
Yes, many international students choose to stay in Australia after completing their studies by applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) or other skilled migration pathways, depending on their qualifications and work experience.
How do I apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows you to stay and work in Australia after completing your studies. It mainly comes in two streams:
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation. You need your occupation to be listed in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and have a valid skills assessment.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. A degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area may allow you to gain a second temporary graduate visa. No skills assessment needed for this stream.
To be eligible, you must:
- completed an eligible qualification as per the stream you are applying and meet the Australian study requirement.
- apply within 6 months of completing your course.
- be 35 years of age or under when you apply unless you are using a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet the requirement or hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, where you can be under 50 years of age.
- need English test overall score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band in IELTS test or equivalent unless you hold passport from five listed countries.
- meet health and character requirements.
- have adequate health insurance
Complaint and Appeals
What should I do if I have a complaint about my education provider?
If you have a complaint about your education provider (e.g., regarding course delivery, tuition fees, or student services), it’s important to follow a clear process:
- Internal Complaints and Appeals Process:
- All education providers have an internal complaints and appeals process. This should be your first step in resolving the issue.
- You should submit your complaint in writing, including all relevant details (e.g., dates, events, and what outcome you seek).
- The provider is required to acknowledge and respond to your complaint within a reasonable time frame as per their policy.
- External Complaint Channels:
- If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal process, you can take your complaint to external bodies such as:
- Overseas Students Ombudsman: This is an independent government agency that investigates complaints from international students about private education providers.
- You can ask your education provider or check their policy to know who the right external complaint authority for you.
- If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal process, you can take your complaint to external bodies such as:
What are my rights if my education provider fails to resolve my complaint?
If your complaint remains unresolved after following your education provider’s internal complaints process, you have the right to escalate the issue externally. You can lodge a complaint with:
- Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO): The OSO investigates complaints from international students about private education providers. It’s free to use and independent.
- Regulatory Bodies: If the provider is failing to comply with the ESOS Act or the National Code of Practice, you can also file a complaint with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) (for VET providers) or Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) (for higher education providers).
Can I appeal a decision made by my education provider?
Yes, if you disagree with a decision made by your education provider (e.g., regarding academic progress, fees, or disciplinary matters), you can appeal.
- Internal Appeals Process:
- You should first use your education provider’s internal appeals process. The institution is required to give you the opportunity to appeal decisions regarding your academic standing, disciplinary actions, and other matters.
- Submit a written appeal outlining your reasons for disagreement, any supporting evidence, and the result you’re seeking.
- External Appeals:
- If the outcome of the internal appeal process is not favorable or if you are dissatisfied with the provider’s decision, you can seek an external review.
- You can approach the Overseas Students Ombudsman for assistance in resolving disputes with your education provider.
How long do I have to file a complaint or appeal?
- Complaints: You should submit your complaint as soon as possible. Education providers must acknowledge and respond to complaints within a reasonable timeframe. If no satisfactory resolution is found, you may escalate your complaint externally.
- Appeals: You must generally submit an appeal within the appeal timeframe given by your provider. Check your institution’s appeal policy for the exact timeframe.
Can my student visa be affected by complaints or appeals?
Filing a complaint or an appeal should not directly affect your student visa status, as long as you comply with the visa conditions.
However, if your complaint or appeal is related to your visa status (e.g., visa refusal due to non-compliance with course requirements), it is essential to resolve the issue promptly.
If your visa is at risk, seek professional advice from a Registered Migration Agent to understand your options.
What happens if my complaint is about my visa or immigration matters?
If your complaint is about visa-related issues or immigration matters, it’s best to consult a Registered Migration Agent. They can help resolve issues related to visa refusals, delays, or other immigration concerns.
- Visa Refusals or Delays: If your visa is refused or delayed, a migration agent can assist in filing an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
- Visa Conditions and Compliance: If you believe your visa conditions have been unfairly applied or misunderstood, a migration agent can guide you through the process of lodging a formal complaint with the Department of Home Affairs or an appropriate body.
Can I get help with lodging a complaint or appeal?
Yes, you can seek help from various support services, including:
- University Support Services: Many universities provide support to students with complaints or appeals, including guidance on the process, advocacy, or mediation services.
- Student Associations: Student unions or associations can offer advice and advocacy for students facing difficulties.
- Overseas Students Ombudsman: The OSO provides guidance to students about their rights and the process of lodging complaints or appeals against education providers.
