The student visa (subclass 500) lets you live in Australia while you take a registered course: English, vocational education (VET), undergraduate or postgraduate. Several requirements were tightened over the last two years, so it pays to review what you will be asked for before paying tuition.
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Everything starts with the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), issued by the institution once you accept the offer and pay the deposit. You cannot lodge the visa application without it, and the course must be registered on CRICOS.
2. Genuine Student requirement
Since March 2024 the old GTE has been replaced by the Genuine Student requirement. You will answer specific questions about your study and work history, why you chose that course and institution, and how it fits your plans. Generic or copied answers are one of the most common reasons for refusal.
3. Proof of funds
You must show funds to cover:
- Living costs: the benchmark for the main applicant is AUD 29,710 per year (current at the time of publishing).
- Tuition for the first year.
- Return airfare.
The amount goes up if you bring a partner or children. Bank statements must show available money with a clear origin.
4. English level
Regular courses require at least IELTS Academic 6.0 (or the equivalent in PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or Cambridge). If you package your course with an English course (ELICOS), the required score is lower. Some nationalities and applicants who already studied in English may be exempt.
5. OSHC health insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the whole length of the visa. It is usually purchased together with tuition.
6. Can I work?
Yes. During term the visa allows a limited number of hours per fortnight (48 hours under the rule in place since 2023) and unlimited hours during official breaks. The government has announced reviews of this cap, so confirm it on the Home Affairs website before you travel.
Visa fee
The application charge has gone up several times since 2024. Check the current amount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au when you build your budget.
How we help
At Migrate we review your profile, choose the course and institution with you, and prepare your Genuine Student statement and financial documents so your application is complete from the first attempt.