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What is an Australian Student Visa – Subclass 500?
An Australian study visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies.
Guidelines for the Australian Student Visa have changed, effective from July 1, 2016, with the introduction of the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).
According to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, all international students intending to study in Australia are now required to apply for a visa under Subclass 500, which effectively consolidates the previous subclasses 571 – 576 into one.
Upcoming Intakes In Australia
Australian universities offer two intakes each year:
Intake 1: Runs from February/early March to late May/early June.
Intake 2: Runs from July/early August to November.
The first intake is typically considered the primary intake by most students. It is advisable to prepare for the next upcoming intake.
Top 20 Universities in Australian 2023
Australian National University (ANU)
29
The University of Melbourne
38
The University of Sydney
42
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
43
The University of Queensland (UQ)
47
Monash University
58
The University of Western Australia (UWA)
86
The University of Adelaide
106
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
140
University of Newcastle
207
University of Wollongong
212
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
224
Curtin University
230
Macquarie University
237
RMIT University
238
Deakin University
271
University of South Australia (UniSA)
274
University of Tasmania
291
James Cook University (JCU)
377
Swinburne University of Technology
383
La Trobe University
400
Flinders University
424
Bond University
442
University of Canberra
484
Document Evidence Required for an Australian Study Visa
When applying for an Australia Student Visa, you will typically need the following essential documents:
- An Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment, which serves as proof of your admission to a college or university.
- A valid passport.
The visa application fee. - Your GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement.
- Academic and work experience records.
- Evidence of your financial capability to cover expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, support for dependents, and return airfare.
- Details of your OSHC health insurance policy.
- A statement of purpose.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you may also be required to provide additional documents like parental consent.
Application Process: Studying in Australia in 3 Simple Steps!
Before filling out the visa application, ensure that you meet all the requirements. In order to fulfill these criteria, you will be required to:
Step 1: Meet Australian study requirements: Enroll in a full-time undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D. course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The university will provide an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate as proof of your enrollment.
Step 2: Meet Language Requirements: Demonstrate your language proficiency by taking a language test. Acceptable test scores include:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.5 – 6
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 46
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 42
- Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 162
- Occupational English Test (OET): ‘b’ for each test component.
– Provide a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, affirming your intention to study in Australia and your plans to return.
– Have adequate health insurance: Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to demonstrate your ability to cover healthcare expenses while in Australia.
– Meet health requirements: Maintain reasonably good health and pass required medical tests.
– Meet character requirements: Ensure you have no criminal or terrorist background, as eligibility for a study visa requires a clean record.
Step 3:
– Create a profile on the Australian Immigration Website and keep scanned copies of your documents ready.
– Complete your visa application, which can be submitted up to 124 days before your course starts.
– After successfully submitting your application and paying the visa fees, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number to track your application’s status.
Cost/Free Requirment & Course Expenses for students
International students must adhere to visa fee regulations based on their respective categories below.
Average Tuition Fees & Course Expenses for Students
The following are the average annual tuition fees for international students, as per information provided on the official government website:
- International Undergraduate Students – AUD 14,999 to AUD 389,999
- International Postgraduate Students (Masters Degree) – AUD 19,999 to AUD 36,999
- Doctoral Degree – AUD 13,999 to AUD 36,999
It’s important to note that these figures exclude high-value programs such as medical degrees or veterinary science, which come with significantly higher costs.
- For this step, you will need to obtain your Certificate of Enrolment, and you may be required to make a partial tuition fee payment to acquire it.
- Additionally, you might be asked to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover to provide assurance to authorities that your health-related expenses are covered.
Australian Student Visa Processing Time in 2023
Typically, the processing time for an Australian student visa is around one month. Nonetheless, the process may extend up to a maximum of three months.
| Stream | 75% Processing | 90% Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Affairs or Defense Sector | 20 days | 26 days |
| Postgraduate Research Sector | 39 days | 77 days |
| Independent ELICOS Sector | 23 days | 38 days |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector | 36 days | 52 days |
| Higher Education Sector | 17 days | 32 days |
However, Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) streamlines the visa processing time. Processing Time for Student Visa is:
With the implementation of the SSVF process, the typical processing time now falls within the range of 4 to 6 weeks. However, this duration can vary depending on the specific educational institution, and additional documentation may be requested by the visa officer if deemed necessary.
The Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE), a crucial component of the Student Visa Program (SVP) process, will be issued by the higher education provider in Australia. Subsequently, the application is forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs.
To ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to submit your student visa application at least 12 weeks prior to the orientation day at your chosen educational institution.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's
Different Australian universities have their own admission criteria. While the acceptance of gap years varies among universities, short gaps of one or two years are typically considered normal. Larger gaps of three to four years may require justification. Regardless of the course you intend to pursue, justification may be necessary, and in some cases, you may need to provide evidence.
Upon completing your higher education in Australia, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, which can lead to permanent residency. This visa allows international students to live and work temporarily in the country after completing two years of studies in Australia.
There is no maximum age limit for fulfilling your educational aspirations at an Australian university. The student visa for Australia has no age restrictions. Living in Australia offers incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth, and age should not deter you from seizing such opportunities.
Yes, it is possible. While many Australian universities require students to take an English language proficiency test like IELTS, some have waived this requirement. However, this waiver varies, and you should verify it with the admission department of the specific university. Often, students who have previously completed their education in English may be exempt from the IELTS requirement.
Your spouse and children can accompany you while you pursue your studies in an Australian educational program. You can apply for their visas either inside or outside Australia through the online portal. Before applying, consider these key points:
Ensure you are enrolled in your desired study program in Australia.
Determine if you fall into an exemption category or have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
If you are under 18, you must demonstrate that you have a welfare arrangement in place.
Ensure you are enrolled in your desired study program in Australia.
Determine if you fall into an exemption category or have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
If you are under 18, you must demonstrate that you have a welfare arrangement in place.
Subject to meeting immigration requirements, a student visa in Australia allows full-time undergraduate and postgraduate university degree students to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during summer vacations. However, you cannot exercise your work rights on the student visa until you have officially enrolled in your university program.
Many Australian universities also offer a Student Job Search service to assist you in finding part-time work during the term and full-time employment during summer breaks.
The Australian Student Visa permits full-time university degree students to work up to 48 hours every two weeks during academic terms and unrestricted hours during summer breaks.
Many Australian universities also offer a Student Job Search service to assist you in finding part-time work during the term and full-time employment during summer breaks.
The Australian Student Visa permits full-time university degree students to work up to 48 hours every two weeks during academic terms and unrestricted hours during summer breaks.
If your current visa does not have a No Further Stay condition, you can apply for an extension of your student visa while in Australia. The following steps apply to undergraduate and postgraduate program students:
Step 1 – Utilize the same online request form to obtain a new Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE).
Step 2 – Keep in mind that the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is not automatically extended with the eCOE. You will need to separately arrange an extension to cover the duration of your new student visa. Contact your OSHC provider directly to extend your policy.
Step 3 – Gather the necessary supporting documents to attach to your application. These documents include:
Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE).
OSHC Policy.
Your Passport.
Statement demonstrating your Genuine Temporary Entrant status.
Evidence of Financial Capacity.
Step 4 – You can submit your application online for a Student Visa Subclass 500 to the Department of Home Affairs. You have the option to complete this process independently or seek assistance from a registered migration consultant.
Upon receiving your application, the Department of Home Affairs will send you an acknowledgment along with a copy of your Bridging Visa if you are in Australia.
Step 1 – Utilize the same online request form to obtain a new Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE).
Step 2 – Keep in mind that the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is not automatically extended with the eCOE. You will need to separately arrange an extension to cover the duration of your new student visa. Contact your OSHC provider directly to extend your policy.
Step 3 – Gather the necessary supporting documents to attach to your application. These documents include:
Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE).
OSHC Policy.
Your Passport.
Statement demonstrating your Genuine Temporary Entrant status.
Evidence of Financial Capacity.
Step 4 – You can submit your application online for a Student Visa Subclass 500 to the Department of Home Affairs. You have the option to complete this process independently or seek assistance from a registered migration consultant.
Upon receiving your application, the Department of Home Affairs will send you an acknowledgment along with a copy of your Bridging Visa if you are in Australia.
Typically, your Australian Student Visa for university study will be valid for the duration of your enrolled study program, including holiday periods. It also allows you to stay in Australia for a certain period after completing your course.
The specific duration depends on the length of your course and the month it concludes. If your course spans more than ten months and ends in November or December, your student visa may remain valid until March 15 of the following year.
The specific duration depends on the length of your course and the month it concludes. If your course spans more than ten months and ends in November or December, your student visa may remain valid until March 15 of the following year.
Many educational institutions in Western Australia and South Australia offer a wide range of scholarships to outstanding students to assist them in financing their studies.
In addition to scholarships, the Australian government, as well as public and private organizations, provide grants and bursaries. However, it is essential to check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for these opportunities.
In addition to scholarships, the Australian government, as well as public and private organizations, provide grants and bursaries. However, it is essential to check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for these opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
International students who wish to study in Australia through the Student Visa Subclass 500 and enroll in a course registered under CRICOS must abide by certain eligibility rules and regulations. The eligibility criteria for the Student Visa 500 include:
The minimum age for a student to apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500 as a school student is 6 years old. However, this visa does not apply to students enrolling in the secondary school student exchange program. For higher years, the applicant must meet the following age restrictions:
Less than 17 years old when starting Year 9
Less than 18 years old when starting Year 10
Less than 19 years old when starting Year 11
Less than 20 years old when starting Year 12.
Less than 17 years old when starting Year 9
Less than 18 years old when starting Year 10
Less than 19 years old when starting Year 11
Less than 20 years old when starting Year 12.
A Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) letter is required as evidence of enrollment in a course of study for the Student Visa Subclass 500 application. Without this letter, the visa will not be valid or processed further.
The student is permitted to apply for more than one course, but he or she should provide a (CoE) or Confirmation of Enrollment for each of them. They will also have to mention it in their visa application; otherwise, the visa will be issued only for the mentioned course.
The student is permitted to apply for more than one course, but he or she should provide a (CoE) or Confirmation of Enrollment for each of them. They will also have to mention it in their visa application; otherwise, the visa will be issued only for the mentioned course.
Applicant must meet the English Proficiency Requirements i.e. IELTS/PTE. The minimum score requirements may vary as per the courses.
The GTE requirement assesses the student’s motivation for coming to Australia for their studies, and it is meant to ensure that students are genuinely interested in studying and are not using the student visa as a means to enter Australia for other purposes.
As part of the visa application process, international students must provide evidence and information to support their GTE claim, such as their academic background, work experience, English language ability, financial capacity, and other relevant information. The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) uses this information to assess whether the student has a genuine intention to study in Australia and will return to their home country after their studies.
As part of the visa application process, international students must provide evidence and information to support their GTE claim, such as their academic background, work experience, English language ability, financial capacity, and other relevant information. The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) uses this information to assess whether the student has a genuine intention to study in Australia and will return to their home country after their studies.
Health and character requirements must be met by international students and family members over 18 years old for the Student Visa Subclass 500. Additionally, adequate health insurance from an approved Australian insurance company must be held by the student and their family throughout their stay in Australia.
The international student must demonstrate their ability to financially support their stay in Australia by providing evidence of sufficient financial arrangements.
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States in Australia to Apply Student Visa
