Student visa
A visa that lets international students live in Australia to study full time in a registered course. It allows limited work rights and can include eligible family members.
At a glance
Overview
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you stay in Australia to study full time in a course registered on CRICOS. It is granted for the length of your study, allows limited work, and can include family members. Many students later move to a Temporary Graduate visa to gain work experience after finishing.
How the pathway works
The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.
What this visa lets you do
- Study full time in a registered course
- Work a limited number of hours once your course starts
- Include eligible family members
- Travel to and from Australia while enrolled
- Move to a Temporary Graduate visa after study in many cases
Who can apply
To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.
Enrolment in a registered course
You must be accepted and hold a confirmation of enrolment in a course registered on CRICOS.
Genuine student requirement
You must satisfy the genuine student requirement, showing you intend to study and comply with your visa.
English language
You must meet the English requirement for your course, unless exempt.
Financial capacity
You must show you can meet the costs of study and living, as required.
Health cover and character
You need adequate health insurance and must meet health and character requirements.
How to apply, step by step
- Choose and apply for a course registered on CRICOS.
- Receive your confirmation of enrolment from the institution.
- Arrange overseas student health cover for your stay.
- Prepare your evidence of English, funds and genuine intent.
- Lodge your visa application with all supporting documents.
- Plan ahead for a Graduate visa if you intend to stay after study.
Costs and processing
A visa application charge applies, with separate costs for health cover, English tests, health examinations and police checks. Tuition and living costs are additional. Government charges and processing times change and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.
When you have the visa
You must remain enrolled, maintain satisfactory attendance and progress, keep your health cover current, and comply with any work-hour limits. Tell your institution and keep your details up to date if your circumstances change.
For more information on the current official requirements, read the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa. Click here →