Student Visa Rules for Australia: A Complete Guide

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, offering world-class education, a high standard of living, multicultural cities, and work opportunities during and after studies. However, studying in Australia requires compliance with a set of well-defined immigration rules and regulations, especially regarding the student visa.

Australia offers tremendous opportunities for international students, but entering and remaining legally in the country requires a thorough understanding of the student visa rules. From the application process to maintaining compliance and exploring post-study options, every step requires diligence and preparation.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about student visa rules for Australia, including visa types, eligibility, application processes, financial requirements, work rights, obligations, and post-study options.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Student Visas
2. Visa Types for Students
3. Eligibility Criteria
4. Required Documents
5. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
6. Financial Requirements
7. English Language Requirements
8. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
9. Application Process
10. Visa Fees and Processing Time
11. Visa Conditions and Compliance
12. Work Rights for International Students
13. Dependent and Family Visas
14. Post-Study Work Opportunities
15. Extension and Visa Transition
16. Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
17. Rights and Responsibilities of Student Visa Holders
18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Introduction to Student Visas

To study in Australia as an international student, you must apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to 5 years) and grants the opportunity to work part-time while studying.

The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) manages student visa applications and imposes strict conditions to ensure that only genuine students enter the country and comply with their visa terms.

2. Visa Types for Students

While Subclass 500 is the main student visa, other related visa categories include:

• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): For guardians accompanying a student under 18 years.
• Training Visa (Subclass 407): For occupational training and development.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): For recent graduates to live, study, and work temporarily in Australia.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a student visa (Subclass 500), the applicant must:

• Be enrolled in a full-time course registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
• Have adequate financial resources.
• Meet English language proficiency requirements.
• Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Pass health and character assessments.

4. Required Documents

The following documents are generally required when applying:

1. Valid passport
2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution
3. GTE statement
4. Proof of financial capacity
5. English proficiency test results
6. OSHC certificate
7. Academic transcripts and certificates
8. CV/resume and work experience (if applicable)
9. Passport-sized photographs
10. Medical and character clearance certificates

Each case may vary depending on the applicant’s country and institution.

5. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

The GTE requirement is one of the most critical parts of a student visa application. It ensures the applicant intends to study temporarily in Australia.

Your statement must:

• Clearly state your academic and career plans.
• Provide details of your economic and personal ties to your home country.
• Explain any gaps in your education or employment.
• Show that you intend to return home after your studies.

Failure to convincingly address the GTE requirement is a common reason for visa rejection.

6. Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself (and family members, if any) while studying in Australia.

As of 2025, the Department of Home Affairs expects the following:

• Student living costs: AUD $29,710 per year
• Travel costs: AUD $2,000 (varies by location)
• Tuition fees: Must be paid upfront or shown in bank balance
• Family members: Additional AUD $10,000–$15,000 per dependent

You may prove this by showing:

• Bank statements
• Scholarships
• Financial guarantee from a sponsor
• Evidence of parental or third-party support

7. English Language Requirements

You must meet minimum English proficiency, typically through approved tests like:

Certain exemptions apply, e.g., if you’re from an English-speaking country or have completed study in English-medium institutions.

8. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All international students must purchase OSHC for the entire duration of their stay.

Approved providers include:

• Bupa Australia
• Medibank Private
• Allianz Global Assistance
• NIB OSHC
• AHM OSHC

Your visa will not be granted unless you have arranged OSHC. This insurance covers hospital and medical expenses.

9. Application Process

The student visa application process involves the following steps:

1. Apply for a course and obtain CoE.
2. Create an ImmiAccount on the DoHA website.
3. Gather and upload supporting documents.
4. Submit your visa application online.
5. Pay the visa application fee.
6. Attend a medical examination (if required).
7. Provide biometrics (if required).
8. Await visa outcome.

It is recommended to apply at least 6–8 weeks before your course starts.

10. Visa Fees and Processing Time

As of 2025:

• Visa fee: AUD $710 (for Subclass 500)
• Processing time: Typically 4 – 8 weeks
  • Depends on sector (e.g., higher education vs. ELICOS)

Additional fees may apply for biometrics, medicals, or dependent applicants.

11. Visa Conditions and Compliance

Upon grant of a Subclass 500 visa, students must adhere to specific conditions:

• Maintain enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course.
• Maintain attendance and academic performance.
• Inform the institution of any address changes.
• Work only the allowed number of hours (unless full-time during breaks).
• Maintain valid OSHC.

Failure to comply can result in visa cancellation.

12. Work Rights for International Students

International students can work:

• Up to 48 hours per fortnight (during study sessions)
• Unlimited hours during official school breaks

Work can be on-campus or off-campus in any industry. Students on research-based postgraduate programs may work unlimited hours.

Note: You must not rely solely on work to support yourself in Australia.

13. Dependent and Family Visas

Students can include eligible family members (spouse or children) in their application.

Conditions for dependents:

• Spouses may work up to 48 hours/fortnight.
• If enrolled in a master’s or PhD program, spouses can work full-time.
• Children must be enrolled in school (fees apply).

Family members must also hold OSHC.

14. Post-Study Work Opportunities

Upon completing eligible studies, graduates may apply for:

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa allows international graduates to remain in Australia and gain work experience.

Streams include:

• Graduate Work Stream: For diploma or trade-level qualifications—valid for up to 18 months.
• Post-Study Work Stream: For bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral graduates—valid for 2 to 6 years.

Applicants must apply within 6 months of completing their course.

15. Extension and Visa Transition

If your current visa is expiring and you need more time to complete your studies or begin another program:

• Apply for another Subclass 500 (before the current visa expires).
• Ensure you have a new CoE.
• Maintain continuous OSHC coverage.
• Transition to other visa types if eligible (e.g., 485, employer-sponsored visas, etc.).

Bridging visas may apply in certain cases while you await a new decision.

16. Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Avoid these mistakes:

• Incomplete or false documentation
• Poorly written or vague GTE statement
• Inadequate financial proof
• Failure to meet English or academic requirements
• Health or character issues
• Inconsistencies in your application
• Applying too close to course start date

17. Rights and Responsibilities of Student Visa Holders

Rights:

• Access to fair treatment under Australian law
• Protection under workplace laws
• The ability to work part-time
• The right to appeal visa decisions in some cases

Responsibilities:

• Follow all visa conditions
• Pay tuition fees on time
• Maintain student health insurance
• Do not overstay your visa
• Leave the country upon visa expiry unless lawfully extended

18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I change my course or institution after getting a visa?
Yes, but conditions apply. You must complete 6 months in your principal course before switching unless approved by your provider.

Q: Can I apply for a visa without IELTS?
Yes, if you’re exempt or meet English requirements through other tests or education history.

Q: What happens if I fail a course?
Your institution may report to the Department of Home Affairs. You may be at risk of visa cancellation unless you take remedial action.

Q: Can I travel outside Australia while on a student visa?
Yes, you may leave and return as long as your visa remains valid and you are enrolled in your course.

Q: What if I withdraw from my studies?
Your visa may be canceled if you’re no longer enrolled. You should inform DoHA and explore alternatives.

By meeting the requirements for the Subclass 500 visa, maintaining academic and legal responsibilities, and understanding your rights and pathways, you can enjoy a successful academic and cultural experience in Australia.

Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information, as visa rules and fees can change frequently.