Student Visa Australia
Live & Work While You Study
A Student Visa lets you study full-time in Australia while working limited hours, with the flexibility to travel in and out during your course.
Visa4you helps you to choose the right visa, to understand the Genuine Student requirements and prepare a strong, well-documented application.
Student Visa Australia
The Student Visa (subclass 500) is the main visa for international students who want to study full time in Australia. It allows you to:
- Enroll in an eligible course of study.
- Stay in Australia for the duration of your course (plus a short period before/after your course dates).
- Work up to 48 hours per 14 days while your course is in session.
- Include certain family members (partner and dependent children) in the same application.
It’s also the starting point for many students who later move on to a Temporary Graduate (485) or other visas
options
after completing their studies.
Who Can Apply For This Visa?
You may need a Student Visa Australia if you plan to:
- Full-time study (over 3 months) at a CRICOS-registered provider
- Choose from degree, diploma, certificate, language or school programs
- Option to bring eligible family members
General eligibility elements include:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Meet English and academic criteria
- Sufficient funds for tuition and living costs
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Meet Genuine Student (GS), health and character requirements
How to Show You’re a Genuine Student?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement assesses whether you genuinely intend to study and have chosen a course that fits your background and future plans. It also considers whether you understand your visa conditions and have realistic post‑study goals.
Work Rights & Limits
International students often rely on part-time work. Under current rules:
- Work allowance – Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
- More hours during breaks – Increased work rights during official course breaks.
- Study must come first – Work cannot interfere with your full‑time studies.
- Strict compliance required – Breaching work conditions can lead to visa cancellation.
Visa4you explains your work rights clearly, so you can stay compliant and avoid risking your visa.
Application Process
1
Choose Your Course & Apply
Select a CRICOS‑registered course that fits your background and goals, apply to the institution and accept your offer. Once approved, you’ll receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
2
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents, including your passport, CoE, academic records, English test results, financial evidence, OSHC and your Genuine Student statement.
3
Visa Application & Requirements
We handle your visa application, including submitting all documents and managing any additional requirements such as biometrics, health checks or requests for more information.
3
Visa Outcome & Next Steps
Once your visa is granted, we guide you on the next steps, such as preparing your move with practical tips.
Visa4you manages the full process, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and positioned for the best chance of approval.
Costs & Financial Requirements for Student Visa Australia
When budgeting for your move, consider:
- Visa application charge – which has increased several times recently, with proposals for further fee hikes.
- Tuition fees – vary by institution and course level
- Living costs – you must show sufficient funds for yourself (and family members, if included)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – required for the entire visa period
Visa4you helps you navigate documentation requirements and avoid common pitfalls in showing your financial eligibility.
Life After Study – Post-Study Options
A Student Visa Australia doesn’t automatically lead to permanent residency, but it can be an important first step. Depending on your course and circumstances, you may later consider:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – for many higher-education and some VET graduates
- Skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas, if you meet occupation and points requirements
- Further study or course changes (with careful attention to visa conditions and GS obligations)
Visa4you can map out a long-term plan, so your choice of course supports your broader career and migration goals where possible.
Why Choose Visa4you for Your Student Visa Australia Application?
- Specialised in Australia – We track changes to SID/482, 186, 494 and 191 rules and salary thresholds.
- Support for both workers and employers – We understand the unique needs of HR teams, business owners, and candidates throughout the process.
- Pathway-focused advice – We look beyond the first visa to your long-term plan (PR vs temporary stay).
- Compliance and risk awareness – We help you avoid issues such as underpayment, wrong choice of occupation or weak evidence, which can trigger refusals or future problems.
- Multilingual service – Consultations in English, German and Dutch, online or at our offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Student Visa Australia holders can work up to 48 hours per 14 days while their main course is in session, with more flexible hours during scheduled breaks. Breaching these limits can put your visa at risk.
In many cases, yes. You may be able to include your partner and dependent children as secondary applicants. They will have their own visa conditions, including work and study rules.
Some short courses (often up to 12 weeks) can be taken on a Visitor Visa, and certain longer short courses may be possible on a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa. For longer or full-time study, you usually need a Student Visa (500).
Given current policy settings and processing workloads, Australian authorities are urging students to
submit complete Student Visa applications as early as possible for future intakes, especially at peak times.
If your application is refused, you’ll receive a refusal notice explaining the reasons. Depending on your location and circumstances, you may have review or re-application options, but these can be complex and time-sensitive.
Ready to Start Your Study Journey in Australia?
If you’re serious about studying in Australia, it’s worth getting the course choice, Genuine Student explanation and financial evidence right from the start.
Tell us about your current education, English level, budget and study goals. We’ll help you understand your Student Visa Australia (subclass 500) options, what you need to show, and how your studies can fit into a bigger career and migration plan.
