Student Visa
Student Visa
(Subclass 500)
To study in Australia, most international students must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of your course.
Key Requirements
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered education provider before you lodge your visa application.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, demonstrating that their primary intention in Australia is to study and comply with visa conditions.
Financial Capacity
You must show access to sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Student visa holders must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.
English Language Requirement
Unless exempt, you must provide evidence of meeting the required score in an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).
- Minimum IELTS generally starts at 6.0 (or equivalent) depending on the course.
- Tests must be valid at the time of application under Department requirements.
Health Requirement
You and any accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health requirements, which may include medical examinations.
Character Requirement
Applicants aged 16 years and over must satisfy character requirements, typically through police clearances.
Onshore Application Restrictions
Certain visa holders in Australia (e.g., some Visitor or Temporary Graduate visa holders) may not be eligible to lodge a student visa onshore.
Choosing the Right Course Matters
Selecting the right course is critical for your long-term plans:
- Not all courses lead to post-study work or migration pathways
- Some courses do not support skills assessment or PR options
What Can You Do on a Student Visa?
A Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to:
- Study full-time in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official breaks. However, for Higher Degree by Research (Masters/PhD) students may work unlimited hours once their course has commenced
- Apply for another visa (temporary or permanent) if eligible after your studies
Including Family Members
You may include eligible family members in your application:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your or your partner’s dependent child (under 18 and unmarried)
Family members must meet applicable health, character, and financial requirements.
How We Can Help
At Bona Fide Migration Solutions, we provide professional assistance with all aspects of Student Visa applications, including:
- Course and pathway planning
- Genuine Student (GS) preparation
- Document review and application lodgement
- Strategic migration advice beyond your study visa
We also assist with Skilled Migration, Employer-Sponsored Visas, Partner and Family Visas, as well as review and intervention pathways.
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you are preparing to begin your studies in Australia or pursuing further education, we are here to support you through the student visa process with confidence, transparency, and personalised guidance.
Ready to Start Your Australian Journey?
Schedule a consultation with our registered migration agent to discuss your visa options and create a personalised migration strategy.
Contact us:
BONA FIDE Migration Solutions
ABN: 49841296550
25 McWilliams Crescent
Point Cook, Victoria
3030 Australia
Phone: +61 468 992 541
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