Who Can Apply?
The Subclass 500 student visa is for international students enrolled in a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. This includes universities, TAFEs, private colleges, English language schools (ELICOS), and registered schools.
Key Requirements
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Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
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Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) — you must demonstrate you are coming primarily to study and genuinely intend to leave afterwards
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English proficiency — IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge (minimum scores vary by institution)
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — compulsory for the full visa duration
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Financial capacity — funds for tuition, living costs (~AUD $29,710/year) and return airfare
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Health and character requirements
Work Rights on the Student Visa
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Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time
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Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
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Partner of master's/doctoral student: unlimited work rights
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Partner of other students: up to 48 hours per fortnight
After Your Studies: Post-Study Pathways
Completing an Australian qualification opens several migration pathways:
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Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate): 2–4 years of work rights after graduation. Boosts your points score for skilled migration.
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Skilled Migration (189/190/491): Australian study adds 5 bonus points. Australian work experience adds further points.
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Employer Sponsored (482/186): If an employer wants to retain you after graduation.
Visa Subclasses
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
2–4 years of work rights after graduation. Boosts your points score for skilled migration.
Read more
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)
Australian study adds 5 bonus points. Australian work experience adds further points.
