Subclass 500
Higher education or vocational study
For eligible full-time study with a registered Australian education provider.
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Study in Australia
Turn your study plans into a well-prepared visa pathway.
Understand the Student visa process, the evidence behind it and the responsibilities that continue after a visa is granted.
Start with the course
A student visa begins with a genuine study plan.
Your course choice, education provider and personal circumstances should form a coherent plan. A Confirmation of Enrolment is normally needed before lodging a Student visa application.
The application must also address the Genuine Student requirement and provide the health cover, financial, English-language and other evidence relevant to your circumstances.
Common study pathways
Which stage are you preparing for?
The course, provider and applicant circumstances determine what evidence and arrangements are required.
Subclass 500
Schools and other sectors
Student visa settings also cover eligible school, English-language and other registered courses.
Subclass 500
Postgraduate research
Research students follow the same visa subclass but some work and evidence settings differ.
After study
Plan the next step separately
Completing an Australian course does not itself guarantee another visa or permanent residence.
Build a credible application
Connect the course to your circumstances.
- ✓Choose a registered course and obtain the required enrolment evidence.
- ✓Explain why this course and provider make sense for your goals.
- ✓Prepare financial, English, health cover and welfare evidence where required.
Avoid weak assumptions
A student visa is not an unrestricted work visa.
- ×Do not rely on employment as the main purpose of the application.
- ×Do not submit inconsistent claims about study, finances or previous history.
- ×Do not assume study automatically creates a permanent migration outcome.
Preparing your evidence
Make every document support the same study plan.
Requirements vary by applicant, course and country. Documents should be current, genuine and consistent.
- 01 Confirmation of Enrolment
- 02 Genuine Student responses and supporting evidence
- 03 Academic records and qualifications
- 04 English-language evidence where required
- 05 Financial capacity evidence where required
- 06 Overseas Student Health Cover
- 07 Identity, health and character information
- 08 Welfare arrangements for applicants under 18
Application journey
From first check to a decision.
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01
Choose your course
Check the provider, course registration and how the study fits your goals.
-
02
Check requirements
Review the visa criteria and evidence applying to your circumstances.
-
03
Prepare and apply
Provide accurate information, supporting documents and required declarations.
-
04
Maintain conditions
After grant, monitor enrolment, work, health cover and other visa conditions.
Costs and timing
Check current information before you act.
Visa charges and processing times change. Course fees, health cover, examinations and document costs are separate from the visa application charge.
Common complications
Small inconsistencies can create large questions.
- • Unexplained study gaps or course changes
- • Financial evidence that does not match the stated plan
- • Incomplete Genuine Student responses
- • Under-18 welfare arrangements or previous visa history
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common starting questions.
Can I work while studying? +
Student visa holders may have limited work rights. The applicable limit and any exceptions depend on current settings and visa conditions, so check your grant notice and Home Affairs guidance.
What is the Genuine Student requirement? +
It assesses whether studying in Australia is the primary reason for the visa application, considering the applicant’s circumstances, course choice and future value of the study.
Do I need health insurance? +
Student visa applicants generally need Overseas Student Health Cover for the required period, subject to limited exceptions.
Does an Australian qualification guarantee permanent residence? +
No. Any later visa has separate criteria, and migration settings can change.
Authoritative sources
Check the official rules.
The following official pages were used to prepare this guide.
Sources last checked: 24 July 2026.
Your next step
Would you like clarity before you apply?
Tell us about your circumstances. We can help you identify the questions and evidence that deserve attention.
General information only: This page does not provide personal migration advice or guarantee eligibility, processing time or an outcome. Requirements and government information can change. Check current official information and consider professional advice for your circumstances.