Do you have dreams of studying in Australia? If your answer is yes, then you must learn how to apply for an Australian student visa, as it is one of the most important documents you will need. In this article, we have compiled all the essential information on how to apply for an Australian Student visa.
Australia is one of the top English-speaking study abroad destinations for international students because of its world-class, globally recognized education and post-study work opportunities. Universities in Australia also offer a wide range of courses and degrees, providing international students with numerous options to choose from.
An Australian student visa, also called a Subclass 500, is an important document that permits international students to study, live, and work part-time legally in Australia. The visa gives international students access to quality education, a student community and also offers work opportunities to cover living costs (48 hours per fortnight during study, full-time during breaks) during the course of their study.
Top Reasons Why International Students Should Study in Australia
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider studying in Australia:
Top Study Destination
Australia is one of the top study destinations for international students around the world. It ranks as the third most popular English-speaking country for education, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Every year, students from many different countries choose Australia because it offers a welcoming and multicultural environment. People in Australia are known to be friendly and supportive, which helps international students feel comfortable and settle in quickly.
Globally Recognized
Australian qualifications are strongly recognized across the world. Employers and institutions value graduates from Australian schools because the country maintains a solid reputation for quality education. The Australian government actively regulates schools and universities to ensure they meet strict academic and teaching standards. This regulation helps protect the value of every degree and certificate awarded. As a result, graduates leave school with skills and knowledge that employers trust and respect globally.
Affordable Cost of Living
Students in Australia enjoy a safe environment, good healthcare, and well-developed cities at a cost generally lower than that in the United States and the United Kingdom. International students can work part-time while studying, which helps them cover everyday expenses such as food, transport, and rent. Many schools and organizations also offer scholarships that reduce tuition costs and make studying in Australia more affordable for international students.
Variety of Courses to Choose from
Institutions in Australia offer a wide variety of courses and degrees, so international students can easily find the school and field that is right for them. The first decision international students have to make when choosing a degree program is which school caters most to their needs and interests. Students can choose between universities, vocational education, and English language training. If necessary, it is easy for students to move between one qualification level and from one institution to another.
Work
In Australia, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia. This is a great opportunity for those who want to earn money while pursuing their education and for students who want to gain work experience before they graduate.
How to apply for a study visa for Australia?
The majority of international students will need to apply for a Subclass 500 student visa if they wish to study in Australia. A Subclass 500 visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years, in line with your study plan.
What is a Subclass 500 student visa?
The Australian Subclass 500 Student Visa is for international students to study full-time in Australia, allowing them to stay for up to five years, work limited hours (40 per fortnight during study, unlimited during breaks), and bring family members, requiring proof of enrolment (CoE), funds, health insurance, and meeting health/character requirements.
With this visa, you can
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participate in an eligible course of study in Australia
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travel in and out of Australia
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work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session.
It costs from AUD2,000.00 (unless exempt).
Processing times for a Subclass 500 Visa
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
For more information about visa processing times for applications lodged by students outside Australia, visit Student visa processing priorities.
Find out what you can do to help us process your application faster.
You must
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apply online in or outside Australia
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be enrolled in a course of study in Australia and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when we decide your visa
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hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall in one of the exemption categories
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be 6 years or older
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prove you have a welfare arrangement, if you are under 18
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If in Australia hold an eligible substantive visa. See, ‘Have this Visa if applying while in Australia” in Eligibility Tab.
Note:
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A CoE is no longer valid if it is cancelled or the course is complete
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A substantive visa ceases to be in effect if another substantive visa is granted
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Applications are received Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) (or Australian Eastern daylight standard time (AEDST) when applicable)
How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa
Letter of Offer
Read the Letter of Offer carefully before you accept it. It will include your course details, enrolment conditions and fees you will need to pay if you accept the offer.
Make sure that you understand all your rights, including the refund arrangements. If you don’t start or finish your course, the agreement will be used to determine if you will receive a refund on any fees paid.
Do not accept the Letter of Offer if you are not happy with any of its terms.
Keep a copy of the Letter of Offer. You will need this copy so that you are aware of your rights and if you have to claim your education provider.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document that will be issued by your education provider that verifies your enrolment in a specific course. The CoE will be sent to you after you have accepted your Letter of Offer and paid your deposit.
You must include a copy of your CoE in your student visa application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.
Please note: Concurrent CoEs will no longer be issued. If you choose to change your course from a higher education degree to a vocational education and training course you must meet all student visa requirements. You may be eligible for credits and exemptions in recognition of your prior learning.
Step 3 - Proof of English proficiency
Australian educational courses are taught in English, so you may need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test. This certificate will prove to the Australian Government that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels needed to succeed in your course.
Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The online student visa application form contains a list of questions. Your answers to these questions will give visa decision makers information about you and your reasons for wanting to study in Australia, which gives context to the documentary evidence that you provide in support of your application.
The GS questions cover:
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Details of your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
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Why you chose your course and why you chose Australia as your study destination.
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How you will benefit from studying your chosen course.
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Details of your study history in Australia (if any).
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If you are holding a visa other than a Student visa, you will need to give your reasons for applying for a Student visa.
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Any other relevant information that you’d like to provide.
For more details on the GS requirement, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Financial capacity requirement
To meet the requirements for a student visa, you must prove that you have enough savings to cover the costs and expenses associated with your course, such as travel, course fees and rent. International student visa applicants must provide proof of at least $29, 710.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As an international student in Australia, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
If you don’t provide proof that you have this insurance, your student visa application will be refused.
Health requirement
The Australian Government requires all international students to be in good health before entering the country. As a result, you may need to undergo a health examination to meet the student visa health requirement.
Character requirement
There are also certain character requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Australia. In your application, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you may need to provide a police background check.