Do you dream of studying in a foreign country where you can choose from a wide range of study programs, degrees, and training courses? Imagine you may have an opportunity to work part-time, earning pocket money and gaining valuable job experience while hitting the books in Australia. The Study Visa Australia Subclass 500 is a popular choice for making this dream a reality.
A student visa Australia (subclass 500) is a temporary visa that allows international students to remain in Australia for up to 5 years to participate in a full time study program (inline with enrollment) at an Australian institute. Under this visa stream, students can live and study in Australia for up to five years. Moreover, they can travel in and out of Australia multiple times within a specified time period.
Under subclass 500, international students can:
- Students can enrol in various courses, including higher education, vocational training, and English language courses.
- Work up to 48 hours a fortnight while studying in Australia.
- Include their family members or dependents in their visa application.
Note: However, each member has to submit a separate visa application form and fee charges.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
It is essential that you meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs for a student visa (Subclass 500). The eligibility requirements for Subclass 500 include the following;
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Age Requirements
You must be six years of age or older to apply for this visa. Moreover, you must be:
- Below 17 when you start Year 9.
- Below 18 when you start Year 10.
- Below 19 when you start Year 11.
- Below 20 when you start Year 12.
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Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
Before applying for a student visa, enrol yourself in an eligible program on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). You will receive a letter, the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), from your education provider or educational institute. Attach this evidence to your visa application form; otherwise, your visa will be rejected.
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Overseas Student Health Cover Insurance
You must have registered yourself for adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an Australian government-authorised health insurance program. Therefore, register for this insurance to cover your medical expenses during your stay in the country.
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English Language Requirement
You must be proficient in the English language to secure a student visa in Australia. Below is the table that provides an overview of the score requirements for different English language exams:
| English Language Test | Minimum Score Required |
| IELTS | 6.0 points |
| TOEFL | 64 points |
| PTE | 50 points |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 169 |
According to the New Migration Strategy, released on December 11, 2023, the government has increased the English language requirement. For a student visa (subclass 500);
- The minimum score requirement has increased from 5.5 to 6.0 for the IELTS exam.
- The minimum requirement for a packaged ELICOS program has increased from 4.5 to 5.0 for the IELTS exam.
- The minimum score you need for university foundation programs will be 5.5 for the IELTS exam.
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Financial Stability
You must have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel expenses during your stay in Australia. Living costs in Australia are very high and vary from region to region. Therefore, submit evidence of your financial stability in the form of bank statements.
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Character Requirements
You must be of good moral character to apply for subclass 500. You must not have been involved in any criminal activity in the past. To meet the character requirements, you must not have been involved in a sexual crime involving a child. If you have committed any crime in the past, it is important for you to declare all your criminal activities and speak truthfully during the interview.
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Health Requirements
Before applying for a subclass 500, make sure that you are in a good health position. If you are suffering from a serious medical condition that can also affect the Australian community, the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth will not approve your visa application.
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Immigration Record
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your immigration history while making decisions regarding your visa application. If you have had a visa rejection in the past, you may not be eligible for this stream. However, under certain circumstances, you can apply for a second visa after the rejection of the previous one.
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Genuine Student Test (GST) Requirement
You must be a genuine entrant who will return to his home country after completing his studies. GTE refers to a statement in which a candidate assures the Australian Government that he is visiting the country only for study purposes.
According to the New Migration Strategy 2023, the Genuine Student Test (GST) is going to replace the GTE. The genuine student test (GST) is based on twenty targeted questions to check a student’s purpose in visiting Australia. Answering these questions carefully and correctly will help you get successful approval for your visa application.
What is the Application Process for a Student Visa (subclass 500)?
The application process for Australian student visas is quite a daunting and challenging task and demands careful attention to detail and observation. The following are the steps students must take to apply for a student visa in Australia:
Step 1: Select the Course of Study
Select a program that aligns with your interests. Your course must be on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) list. Submit your application to enrol in that particular course. The education provider or institution will assess your application within a few weeks and will send you a letter of offer upon successful completion.
Types of Courses
International students can enrol in the following courses under a student visa, subclass 500:
- ELICOS: English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) to improve English proficiency.
- Postgraduate Research: Overseas students can study for master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and research work.
- Higher Education Sector: The higher education sector includes bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, higher education diplomas, and advanced diplomas.
- Non-award Courses: Courses that don’t offer any Australian awards but are designed to help you with higher education.
- Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector: These courses are offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of Defence.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET): International students can enrol in Certificates I, II, III, IV, VET diploma, VET advanced diploma, and VET graduate certificate.
Step 2: Gather all the Documents
After getting your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), the next step is to gather and organise your documents to avoid any confusion and trouble. Here is the subclass 500 documents checklist that students need to organise before applying for a student visa (Subclass 500);
- Identity documents (passport, CNIC, photographs, and biometrics).
- Evidence of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and a letter of support.
- Proof of financial stability to cover your tuition fees and other living expenses.
- Evidence of paid Overseas Health Student Cover medical insurance.
- Genuine student test documents.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
It is important that students translate all their non-English documents into English and scan all the documents to attach to the application form.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa
Apply for the visa online by creating an account on the ImmiAccount website and downloading the application form. Fill out the application form correctly and attach all the required documents in the required format. Pay the application fee. Applications submitted with the relevant paperwork may be accepted or completed.
Step 4: Stay Up-to-Date
After paying the application fee, keep checking the status of your application on ImmiAccount. If you change any information regarding your identity, email, or phone number, notify the Department of Home Affairs. Otherwise, your visa will be rejected.
Step 5: Wait for the Visa Outcome
Wait patiently for the outcome of your visa application. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you about the status of your application. If your visa is approved, you will be provided with a visa grant number, an expiration date, and other visa conditions. Furthermore, if your application is not approved, you will be informed about the decision and why they rejected your application.
What is the Visa Processing Time of Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The processing time of Australia student visa applications varies depending on various factors. Generally, the Department of Home Affairs processes visa applications within months; however, under certain circumstances, it can take longer than the expected period. Below is the table that shows the student visa processing time for different courses:
| Type of Sector | 25% Applications | 50% Applications | 75% Applications | 90% Applications |
| Independent ELICOS Sector | 6 days | 24 days | 23 days | 38 days |
| Higher Education Sector | 11 days | 19 days | 17 days | 32 days |
| Foreign Affairs or Defense Sector | 11 days | 33 days | 20 days | 26 days |
| Vocational Education and Training | 24 days | 87 days | 36 days | 52 days |
| Postgraduate research sector | 14 days | 35 days | 39 days | 77 days |
What are the Student Visa (Subclass 500) Work Limitations?
International students make sure that they are genuine temporary entrants and must focus on their studies. However, they can work for some limited hours under subclass 500 to meet their living expenses. The Department of Home Affairs subjects students to the following visa conditions (8104 and 8105) to work under a student visa:
Student Visa Subclass 500 Condition 8104
According to this visa condition, students and their family members are allowed to work only 48 hours within two weeks. However, the family members of a student who is enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral degree can work more than 48 hours in a two-week time period.
Student Visa Subclass 500 Condition 8105
This visa condition implies that students cannot work before the start of their designated study course. Moreover, you cannot work more than 48 hours in two weeks during the academic session. Unlimited work is allowed under certain circumstances, such as during course breaks.
What is the Cost of a Student Visa (subclass 500)?
The main applicant must submit AUD$710.00 to the Department of Home Affairs with their application form. Furthermore, if the applicant has included family members or dependents in their application, each family member has to pay separate charges for this visa. Additional costs include charges for medical examinations, police certificates, character certificates, and biometrics.
FAQs
Can I work on a student visa (subclass 500)?
Yes, you can work on a student visa (subclass 500) while they stay in Australia. During academic sessions, they can work 48 hours a fortnight and are free to work during summer vacations. Moreover, students in masters or doctoral programs are not bound by work-hour limits.
What are the eligibility criteria for student visa (subclass 500)?
The following is the eligibility criteria for student visas in subclass 500:
- You must be six years of age or older.
- You must be enrolled in an eligible course of study.
- You should have a confirmation of enrollment (CoE).
- You must meet certain health and character requirements.
- You must be financially stable enough to cover your living expenses.
- You must be a genuine student and plan to return home after completing your studies in Australia.
Can I include family members in my student visa application?
Yes, you can add your family members, including your spouse or dependent children, to your student visa application. Your family members must also be eligible to apply for this visa.
Contact Us
The Australian visa application process is very complex and challenging; therefore, it is advisable to seek professional advice. The Migration is a registered company that provides authentic visa and educational consultancy consultancy services. With our MARA-certified immigration expert, we ensure smooth and seamless visa services.
We help you choose the right program and educational institute by assessing your skills, qualifications, and interests. Our team of study visa counsellors can help you to choose a prior study course as well as guide you through the complete study visa process.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to book a consultation now!