Student and Graduate Visa
Student and graduate visas provide pathways for international students to study in Australia, receive family support where needed, and remain temporarily in Australia after graduation to gain work experience.
1. Student Visa Subclass 500
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in Australia at an approved education institution. This visa enables students to undertake courses at schools, vocational education providers, universities, and English language institutions across Australia.
Australia is one of the world’s most popular study destinations, offering high-quality education, globally recognised qualifications, and strong career opportunities. The Student Visa provides international students with the opportunity to gain academic qualifications while experiencing life in Australia.
The visa is usually granted for the duration of the enrolled course, with a maximum stay period of up to six years, depending on the type and length of study.
What You Can Do with a Student Visa
• Enrol in a full-time course of study in Australia
• Travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
• Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
• Include eligible family members such as a partner or dependent children in the visa application
• Students enrolled in Master by Research or Doctoral programs generally have unrestricted work rights during their studies
Key Requirements for Student Visa
To be eligible for a Student Visa, applicants must meet several key requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Enrolment in an Eligible Course: Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and must obtain a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian education provider.
• Genuine Student Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate that they are a genuine student, meaning that their primary purpose for coming to Australia is to study. Immigration authorities may consider the applicant’s study plan, previous education, and future career intentions.
• English Language Requirement: Most students are required to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency through approved tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English. The required scores may vary depending on the course and education provider.
• Financial Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Australia. This includes the ability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The Australian Government sets minimum financial requirements for student visa applicants.
• Health Insurance: Student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia, unless they qualify for an exemption.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may include medical examinations and police clearances.
Student Visa Conditions
Student visa holders must comply with specific visa conditions during their stay in Australia. Common conditions include:
• Maintaining enrolment in a registered full-time course
• Maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Complying with work limitations during study periods
• Maintaining satisfactory course progress and attendance
Failure to comply with visa conditions may result in visa cancellation.
Family Members
Student visa applicants may include certain family members in their application, including a spouse or de facto partner or dependent children. Family members must also meet health and character requirements when applying for the visa.