Australian Student Visa: Process, Requirements, Processing Time
An Overview of Student Visa application
Wishing to study in Australia? Home to many reputed schools and colleges, popular around the world, Australia has become one of the most desired destinations among the young generation to pursue their higher studies.
The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) is an approach for students belonging to certain eligible countries, listed by the government of Australia to let students study in their country. With this visa students from foreign countries can get enrolled in the schools and colleges, universities, and education and training institutions of their choice. To apply for this Student Visa (Subclass 500), there are certain essential criteria that the students applying should fulfill.
Why Apply for an Australia Student Visa with Us?
We partner with a MARA-registered Australian migration agent to ensure you receive the best possible service. It means we adhere to rigorous professional standards for Australian visa applications.
As a MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 0745913), Jay Ghose will provide personalised assistance to ensure a seamless and stress-free application process.
We offer support in English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, and Nepali languages.
You must know that to study in Australia you have two options based on the duration of course:
- For Full-time course, apply for an Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), which is valid for the entire duration of the course.
- For up to Three-months course or less, they can opt for the Australia eVisitor visa (Subclass 651). But this visa can be applied by some countries only like EU member countries, UK, USA and Canada.
Summary table: Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Category | Key Facts |
Visa Type | Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) |
Purpose of the Visa | Studying full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution/ university in Australia |
Who are eligible | International students, enrolled in a course in Australia. |
Course Types Allowed |
|
Validity offered | Varies by course |
Work Permission | Grants permission to Work for 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, during holidays it’s unlimited. |
Family Members | Partner and children |
Key Requirements | CoE, GTE Statement, English Proficiency, Financial Proof, OSHC, Health & Character |
Processing Time | 4-12 weeks (varies) |
Application Method | Online |
Visa Fees | Varies depending on certain factors |
Health Insurance Coverage | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
Travel In & Out Allowed? | Unlimited |
After course ends | Study further, Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa, Skilled Migration Visa, etc |
To have a clear understanding, here is an overview of the Australia Student Visa.
What is the Australia Student Visa and how is it beneficial?
Students whose dream is to study in Australia, the Australian government welcomes students from eligible countries to pursue the same, however they must obtain the Student Visa first to enter the country to study for a full-time course.
The Australia Student Visa grants permission to international students to fulfil their dreams to enroll in a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered educational university/ institution. The validity of this visa is till the completion of the course, and during this timeframe the student can exit and enter Australia as many times as he wants.
Those international students dreaming to live and study in Australia, take a full-fledged course of your choice, and fulfill your dream.
Privileges Granted Under the Student Visa:
With the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), here’s what’s possible with this visa:
- Study full-time at a CRICOS-registered educational institution/ university in Australia
- This Visa is valid till the duration of the course, you can move in and out freely during this time.
- Grants permission to Work for 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, during holidays it’s unlimited
- Permitted to bring along with you family members, your partner and dependent children
- You are eligible to apply for further visas like Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing the course.
- If you are enrolled in certain courses, you will have the permission to participate in training and professional development programmes.
- Through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), the students with this visa have access to health insurance.
Recognised Courses for Student Visa Eligibility:
With the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), the students are eligible to choose the following recognised courses.
- Primary and Secondary School Programs
- Vocational Education and Training
- Research Degrees (PhD)
- Diploma courses, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate
- Bridging Courses required for further study
- English Language Intensive Courses (ELIC) for International Students
What are the eligibility criteria’s of Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
To be eligible to apply for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) there are many requirements which they must fulfill, here is a breakdown of the same.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Proof that you have enrolled for the course in a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Furnish evidence that you are entering Australia temporarily for study purpose, and not any other reason. You will need to state study and career goals, show your immigration history and your family ties to your home country.
Financial Ability: Proof that you have money to support your stay, your living expenses, tuition fees, and travel costs for yourself and your family members (in case they live with you). You should not be a burden to the government of Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Required to have this insurance cover is mandatory and be valid for the entire duration of stay in the country
Health Requirements: Undergo medical examination to ensure that you do not have any health issue and you meet the health standards of Australia, and not be a threat to the population.
Character Requirements: To prove that you have a good character you should provide Police Clearance Certificate
Age Requirements (for school students): Meeting the age limit requirement is mandatory especially if applying for primary or secondary education.
What you’ll need to Apply for an Aussie Student Visa?
Get your docs ready! Here are your supporting documents for Subclass 500 Visa Application for hassle-free Student Visa Paperwork:
Valid Passport:
- Ensure the passport is valid for the entire length of stay in the country for the course.
- Have scanned copies of the passport’s biography page that has the ID photo as well.
Passport-sized Photographs:
- Should be clicked recently (as requested in the website)
- High-quality color photographs
English Language Proficiency (if required):
- Clear tests of the following like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English (CAE), or equivalent
- The minimum score received in these tests varies, for example in IELTS, the score should be 6.0.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE):
- Proof that you are coming to Australia temporarily, only for study.
- You will need to state study and career goals, show your immigration history and your family ties to your home country.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE):
- Evidence that you have enrolled in a course at a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider.
Financial Capacity Proof Docs:
- Proof that you have money to support your stay, your living expenses, tuition fees, and travel costs for yourself and your family members (in case they live with you).
- You should provide 6-months Bank Statements, financial support from a sponsor, Loan approval letters, Scholarship letters, fixed deposits in your name, filed ITRs by sponsor or self, etc.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
- Having this insurance cover is mandatory and is valid for the entire duration of stay in the country.
Health Requirements:
- Undergo medical examination to ensure that you do not have any health issue and you meet the health standards of Australia and not be a threat to the population.
Character Certificate:
- To prove that you have a good character you should provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
Additional Documents (if requested):
- Parental consent (if under 18 years of age)
- For minors, financial assistance or welfare arrangements
- Your previous academic records or qualifications
- For dependents mandatory to furnish marriage or birth certificates
How to Get Started with Your Student Visa Application? Steps Explained
Here is breakdown of the important steps that you should follow to apply for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500):
Step 1: Choose the preferred course and get enrolled
- Select a course of your choice and enroll, but it should be at a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider.
- If your application is accepted you will receive the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), only after receiving the CoE you will be able to fill in your Student Visa application.
Step 2: Gather the Prerequisite Documents
- Valid passport
- Provide Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Provide English proficiency test results
- Financial capacity proof docs
- Other supporting docs (e.g., police clearance and health exam certificates)
Step 3: Visit the Australia Student visa page
- Click on the button to apply for Australia Student Visa
- This online platform lets you submit your Australia Student Visa application stress-free
Step 4: Complete the Online Australia Student Visa Application form
- Fill in carefully the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) accurately.
- Upload all required requested documents.
- Pay the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee (may vary according to course type, duration, and country).
Step 5: Attend Health Examinations (mostly required)
- Once the application is submitted, you will be required to complete a medical check-up and chest X-ray through an authorized panel physician.
- You are required to provide biometrics for verification at a VFS Global centre.
Step 6: Submit Biometrics (might be requested)
- Some applicants might be requested to provide biometrics for verification at a visa application centre or VFS Global centre.
Step 7: Application is Reviewed, wait for decision
- The processing of the Student Visa usually takes time, maybe around 4-12 weeks, and more.
- Processing times vary on certain factors like course type, duration, country and completeness of your application.
- You can keep on tracking the application in the meantime.
Step 8: Receive your Student Visa Application Outcome
- Applicants whose applications are approved will receive the Visa Grant Letter by email.
- In the Visa Grant Letter important details are mentioned like visa number, validity, terms and conditions, expiry date and so on.
How much time will be taken to process the Australia Student Visa?
The processing of the Australia Student Visa usually takes time, maybe around 4-12 weeks, and more. The processing time varies on certain factors like course type, duration, country, completeness of your application, requirement of additional documents, health checks, biometrics, too much application, etc.
What is the timeframe covered by the Australia Student Visa?
The validity period of the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) depends mainly on the length of the course and in case you have been approved stay extensions.
How the Australia Student Visa validity works:
- Valid throughout length of the course
- Additional time offered before the course starts to settle down, usually 90 days (3-months) before the course starts.
- Extra time offered even after the course ends, usually 2-4 months, this allows the students to travel back, finalize another course or apply for another visa like Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- After completing your course, get the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which grants permission to work in Australia for up to 4 years
Are you ready to study in Australia and looking forward to applying for the visa? Get in touch with the visa experts, apply for your Australia Student Visa, know the essential requirements and paper works.
eVisaPrime and MARA: Important Legal information for our clients
We partner with a MARA-registered Australian migration agent (MARN#0745913) to ensure you receive the best possible service. It means we adhere to professional standards for Australian visa applications. For details on migration agent responsibilities, guidelines, complaints and dispute resolution please refer to the Consumer Guide.
By working with a registered migration agent, we are dedicated to uphold the Code of Conduct, which outlines the ethical and professional standards required to deliver trustworthy and transparent Australian visa services.
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