Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) — Complete Guide

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to study full-time at a registered Australian educational institution. It is the primary visa for international students and is valid for the duration of your enrolled course.

OZAIN PTY LTD's MARA-registered migration agents provide comprehensive student visa assistance — from assessing your eligibility, helping select the right course, obtaining your COE, through to lodging your visa application and responding to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) if you meet the following criteria:

• You have been accepted into a full-time registered course in Australia (have a COE)
• You meet the genuine student requirement (must genuinely intend to study)
• You meet the English language proficiency requirements
• You have adequate financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel
• You meet health requirements (medical examination may be required)
• You meet character requirements (clean criminal record)
• You have adequate health insurance (OSHC) for the duration of your stay

Key Features of the Student Visa

• Work rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term
• Unlimited work during holidays: No work restriction during official course breaks
• Family inclusion: Your partner and children can join you as secondary applicants
• OSHC required: Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for the visa period
• Pathway to graduate visa: Study for 2+ years → apply for Graduate Visa (485) to remain and work
• Course transfer: You may change your course with some restrictions — we advise on compliance

Documents Required

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond course end)
• Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from a registered institution
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge)
• Evidence of financial capacity (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship letters)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
• Academic transcripts and educational certificates
• Health examination results (if required by nationality)
• Character documents (police clearance certificate)

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

The GTE requirement is one of the most critical aspects of your student visa application. You must demonstrate that you are genuinely coming to Australia temporarily for educational purposes. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your:

• Circumstances in your home country (ties to home, family, employment, assets)
• Potential migration incentives — whether you have a genuine reason to return home
• Value of course to future employment or study in your home country
• Immigration history — past visa compliance
• Any other relevant circumstances

Our MARA agents are experts in preparing compelling GTE statements that address all of these factors — significantly improving your visa approval chances.

After Your Studies — Graduate Visa (485)

After completing your Australian studies, you may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This allows you to remain in Australia and work for 2–6 years depending on your study and location. It is a key stepping stone towards permanent residence through skilled migration pathways such as the Subclass 189, 190, or 491.