Internationally recognized universities, practical teaching methods, multicultural environment, and strong links with the industry have contributed in making Australia the most preferred study destination for international students. Each year, thousands of across the world, including India, visit Australia for undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational and English language programs, by applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This Australian visa is given to eligible international students which allows them to undertake a registered course of study in Australia, subject to visa conditions, and also work while studying. Nevertheless, obtaining the Australian Student Visa requires careful preparation of academic, financial, health insurance, English-language, and Genuine Student evidence. 

Officially known as Subclass 500, the Australian Student Visa is designed for international students who intend to study an eligible course in Australia. The Visa can cover a wide range of education sectors, such as, schools, English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), vocational education and training, higher education and postgraduate research.

As per Student Visa provisions, students can study their approved course, travel to and from Australia and usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. 

The Student Visa can be granted for a period to the length of the course. The Department of Home Affairs also considers other factors, such as, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while determining the visa period.

Those students who have been successfully accepted into an eligible Australian program can generally apply for Subclass 500. Before applying for the visa, international students are required to select a suitable course and education provider, satisfy the provider’s admission requirements and obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

It is a requirement that the education provider should be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The Department of Home Affairs uses the CoE as evidence that the student has been enrolled in an eligible course.

Students are free to apply from inside or outside Australia, provided they meet the relevant requirements. If they are applying from Australia, they are required to hold an eligible substantive visa.

Before submitting their applications, it is important for students to understand the requirements:

1. Confirmation of Enrolment

The Coe is a confirmation that the student has been accepted into an eligible course.

2. Genuine Student Requirement

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is an important document of Australia’s current student visa assessment, where, the applicant must answer questions in English with a maximum of 150 words for each relevant question, such as:

- Why they want to study the selected course

- Why Australia is appropriate for their education

- Why they selected the particular institution

- How the course relates to their previous studies or experience

- How the qualification will support their future career

- Their understanding of studying and living in Australia

Students are required to avoid generic or copied statements, and the information should be supported by appropriate documents wherever possible.

3. English Language Requirements

Applicants re required to demonstrate English-language proficiency through an approved test or qualify for an exemption. For tests taken on or after 7th August 2925, the Department lists approved tests and minimum scores for Student Visa purposes. For example, the current minimum for IELTS Academic is 6.0 overall. Different thresholds may apply where the principal course is accompanied by ELICOS, foundation or pathway programs. Subject to the specified requirements, TOEFL iBT and PTE are also among approved tests.  

However, a university may require a higher score for a particular course than the visa minimum. The Department does not accept evidence from tests delivered completely online or remotely, such as IELTS Online, for Australian visa purposes.

4. Financial Capacity

The Department mandatorily states that students should have enough money for expenses including travel, 12 months of course fees, 12 months of living costs and relevant school costs for accompanying school-age children. However, the actual cost of living can be considerably higher than the minimum amount used for visa purposes.

Financial evidence accepted by the Department can include funds held with a financial institution, certain government or financial-institution loans, scholarships and similar financial support. Parental or partner income may also be used in specified circumstances. Students are required to ensure that the source of funds is clear and credible.

For their stay in Australia, international students are required to take Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cover needs to extend for the required period of the students’ stay. Before travelling, students are required to understand the exact benefits, exclusions and excesses of their policy.

Documents Required

- Valid passport

- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)

- English-language test evidence, where required

- Evidence of financial capacity, where required

- Genuine Student supporting evidence

- Overseas Student Health Cover details

- Academic transcripts and certificates

- Employment documents, where relevant

- Evidence of scholarships or loans, where applicable

- Health examination documents, if required

- Character-related documents, if required

- Documents relating to accompanying family members, if applicable

There is an online Document Checklist Tool which provides an indication of the evidence required. Therefore, the final checklist shown in ImmiAccount should be followed carefully. If the checklist reflects that there is a requirement of English or financial evidence, it must be attached before submitting, else, the application may be refused.

The application process for applying in Australia is primarily online, and it can be completed through ImmiAccount.

Processing time depends on various factors, like: completeness of the application, verification requirements, demand and the relevant processing priorities. However, there is no guaranteed time-period for an Australian Student Visa.

Usually, students are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session. They are allowed to work more freely, when their course is not in session, subject to visa conditions. However, Master’s by research and doctoral students have different arrangements.

This work experience proves valuable for students, as it helps to meet day-to-day expenses.

- Insufficient financial evidence

- Weak or inconsistent Genuine Student responses

- Incorrect information in the application

- Missing documents

- Failure to demonstrate a logical study plan

- Inadequate health insurance

- Problems with English-language evidence

- Failure to meet health or character requirements

- Inconsistences between academic history, proposed study and career plans

Firstly, students should select a course which is in consistence to your previous education and future career plans. Then, understand the program structure, tuition fees, and location and living costs before applying. Thirdly, maintain clear and genuine financial documentation. Thereafter, prepare thoughtful GS responses rather than using generic information.

Students are required to check the official Department of Home Affairs requirements immediately before submitting the application, because there might be changes in the visa fees, document requirements and immigration policies.