Student visa (Subclass 500)
The purpose of this visa is to allow international students to undertake full-time education and training in Australia. This visa enables a student to stay in Australia for the duration of the relevant course. The student must enrol, or in some cases have a letter of offer (if in Australia), with an Australian education provider before lodging a visa application.
The exact requirements for this visa will depend upon the level of risk assigned to your application (the ‘Immigration Risk’), which is a combined immigration risk assessment determined by the risk rating of the education provider and your passport nationality.
General Requirements
As the visa applicant, you must:
- enrol with an Australian education provider as a full-time student, and obtain written confirmation of this enrolment (predominantly on-line courses are not eligible)
- genuinely intend to complete the relevant period of study in Australia
- have the required level of English language proficiency unless exempt
- have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia
- have access to sufficient funds to cover your return airfares, tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia, as well as costs required for any dependents included in your application. The exact amount of funds a student requires is set by Department of Home Affairs, and is determined by your chosen education provider, your course of study and other personal circumstances.
- Have intended arrangements for accommodation, support and general welfare (for students under 18)
A visa application should not be made more than 3 months before the course commences.