Student Visa (Subclass 500)
With a valid student visa, international students can enrol in a wide range of full-time study options — including Higher Education programs, Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), primary and secondary schooling, and postgraduate research degrees at recognised Australian institutions.
Visa Eligibility Criteria:
1. Enrolment in a Registered Course
Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is required as part of the application.
2. Financial Capacity
You must provide genuine evidence of sufficient funds to cover:
Tuition fees
Living expenses
Travel costs
Expenses for any accompanying family members
3. English Language Proficiency
Applicants are required to demonstrate English language skills through approved tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). Evidence must be provided at the time of application or upon request — failure to do so may result in visa refusal.
4. Welfare Arrangements for Students Under 18
If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have proper welfare arrangements in place. This includes accommodation, support, and general care during your stay in Australia.
5. Accompanying Family Members
You can include family members (partner and children) in your visa application or they may apply to join you later. Proof of financial capacity is also required for accompanying dependents, including future family additions like newborns.
6. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
This requirement ensures that your intention to stay in Australia is genuine and temporary, primarily for educational purposes.
7. Health and Character Checks
Applicants must undergo medical examinations as part of the visa process, which may take several weeks. Additionally, you’ll need to answer questions related to your character to ensure you meet Australia’s standards.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Criterion for Student Visa (subclass 500)
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a vital part of the Student Visa (subclass 500) application process. It is designed to ensure that the visa is used for its intended purpose — study in Australia — and not as a pathway for extended or permanent residence.
When assessing your GTE status, the Department of Home Affairs considers several key factors:
✅ Personal Circumstances in Your Home Country
This includes your economic situation, ties to your home country (such as family or employment), and reasons for not undertaking similar studies there.
✅ Your Potential Circumstances in Australia
This refers to your understanding of the chosen course, living arrangements, and how well-prepared you are for life as an international student.
✅ Relevance of the Chosen Course to Future Goals
You must demonstrate how the course aligns with your academic background, previous qualifications, and future career plans, whether in your home country or elsewhere.
✅ Your Immigration History
A history of visa refusals or previous overseas travel experiences will be assessed to determine your compliance with immigration laws.
What you can do with this visa?
What You Can Do on a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Holding a Student Visa in Australia comes with several valuable benefits:
🎓 Full-Time Study Opportunities
You are allowed to study full-time at a recognised Australian institution in a course registered under CRICOS.
👨👩👧 Bring Eligible Family Members
Under certain conditions, you can bring your immediate family members (partner and dependent children) to accompany you during your studies.
💼 Work Rights for You and Your Family
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks.
Your family members may also be granted work rights, depending on the level of your course.
👩🎓 Study Rights for Your Partner
If eligible, your partner can study in Australia for up to three months without applying for a separate student visa.