Student Visa for Australia
Student visa for English courses, vocational training and university study in Australia.
The Student Visa
For university study, vocational training, school enrolment or English language courses.
On this page:
- Who needs a Student Visa?
- Student Visa work rights
- Visas for family members of students
- Options for follow-on visas
Studying and training in Australia
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world – with a high-quality education system, internationally recognised qualifications and an outstanding quality of life. An Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) allows you to study or complete vocational training at a recognised education provider. Whether you’re looking at university, college, VET, high school or a language school – the Student Visa gives you flexible options across a range of study pathways.
With a Student Visa you can live in Australia for the duration of your course and, under certain conditions, work while you study. Your partner and children can usually be included in your visa as well.
- What is a Student Visa?
The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to live and study in Australia while they undertake a full-time course.
It is linked to the length of your specific course and requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered education provider (CRICOS). With this visa, you can study at a university, attend school or complete a vocational qualification in Australia.
- Who needs a Student Visa?
You need a Student Visa if you:
- Intend to complete a course of study, vocational training or an English language course in Australia
- Plan to study in Australia for longer than three months
You generally don’t need a Student Visa if you are only taking a short language course of up to three months – in many cases an eVisitor visa or ETA is sufficient.
The pathway to an Australian Student Visa
Step by step to your visa
Course selection
Choose a specific course and submit your application.
Formal enrolment
Accept your offer and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Student visa application
Apply for your visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
Education
System
Schooling in Australia
Overview of the main visas for students and family
- Student
Visa - Visa for partners
and children - Visa for
parents
Visa
Student Visa (subclass 500)
Visa for international students
The Student Visa allows international students to live, study and, under certain conditions, work in Australia for the duration of their course. It is the basis for all recognised study and training programs.
What this visa allows:
- Full-time study at a CRICOS-registered education provider
- Work rights: generally up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester
Key requirements:
- Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student requirement and adequate financial capacity
- Meeting the health and character requirements
and children
Student Visa for family members (subclass 500)
Visa for family members of international students
Partners and children can be included in the main student’s visa. They may live in Australia, attend school and work – with work rights for the partner depending on the main applicant’s level of study.
What this visa allows:
- The whole family can stay together in Australia during the course
- The partner may work (part-time, or full-time if the main applicant is studying at Master’s or PhD level)
- Children can attend school in Australia
Key requirements:
- Main applicant holds a valid Student Visa
- Genuine relationship with the main applicant and sufficient financial capacity
- Meeting the health and character requirements
parents
Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)
Visa for parents of under-18 students
This visa is for parents or legal guardians of under-18 international students who need to be cared for in Australia while they are at school.
What this visa allows:
- Stay in Australia to care for a minor student
- Attend short, non-vocational courses (for example English language classes)
Key requirements:
- The child holds a valid Student Visa
- The guardian can demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs and accommodation
Key student visa criteria
- Work rights
Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and without restriction during semester breaks. For Master by Research and PhD students, full-time work rights are generally available.
Partners of student visa holders also receive work rights (part-time, or full-time once the main applicant is studying at Master’s or PhD level).
- Financial requirements
When applying for a Student Visa, applicants must declare that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The amount required depends on the length of stay and the size of the family unit.
What really matters: the “genuine student”
The key factor for visa approval is showing that you are a genuine, serious student with a clear study intention in Australia.
This includes the Genuine Student Statement, where you explain why you wish to study in Australia, how your chosen course fits your career plans, and that you intend to complete your studies successfully.
A well-written statement can be decisive – we help you present your motivation clearly and convincingly.
Pathways after your studies
Which Australian visa suits me?
Every student has different goals – improving English, gaining a qualification or building a long-term migration pathway.
Guiding questions:
- Do you want to study in Australia for just a few months or complete a full qualification?
- Should your family accompany you?
- Are you hoping for career opportunities in Australia after your studies?
- Have you held Australian visas or spent time in Australia before?
We outline your realistic options – clearly and in a structured way.
Alternatives to the Student Visa
A Student Visa is not always immediately necessary or the best fit. There are alternatives that also allow you to spend time in Australia to study or work:
An eVisitor visa (subclass 651) or Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows short courses of up to three months.
With a Working Holiday Visa, you can work and study for up to four months – ideal if you want to get to know the country and lifestyle.
If you already hold permanent residency, you can study in Australia without visa restrictions and often at lower, domestic fee rates.
These options can serve as a bridge until the right time for a long-term Student Visa or full qualification.
Your Student Visa – with Visapath
Have your Student Visa professionally prepared
What is the right pathway?
Is your goal more than just a short, clearly defined period of study in Australia – for example including family members or planning a longer-term strategy? Studying or training in Australia can support a future application for permanent residency. This pathway offers opportunities but also has its complexities. It’s important to choose the right course and visa strategy from the outset and align both carefully.
That’s where we come in: Visapath develops the most suitable solution for your individual situation – from your first questions through to a coherent visa strategy.
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