Australia Student Visa Guide
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
For full-time study at registered Australian institutions. The Genuine Student (GS) requirement (formerly GTE) is the central credibility test.
- Application fee
- ~$1095
- Processing
- 4–8 weeks (varies)
- Validity
- Up to 5 years (course-dependent)
- Work rights
- 48 hrs/fortnight during semester; unrestricted in breaks. Post-Study Work visa 2–4 years.
Document checklist
- ✓Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- ✓Genuine Student (GS) statementReplaces GTE since 2024.
- ✓Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)For the duration of stay.
- ✓English proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL iBT 64+ / PTE 50+
- ✓Financial capacity proofLiving costs AUD 24,505/yr + tuition + travel.
- ✓Health examination
- ✓Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
- ✓Academic transcripts + qualifications
Step-by-step process
- 1
Receive offer + pay deposit
Convert offer to CoE.
- 2
Buy OSHC
Health cover from Bupa, Medibank, etc.
- 3
Draft GS statement
Genuine intent: course choice, ties to home, post-study plans.
- 4
Apply online (ImmiAccount)
Upload all documents and pay AUD 1,600 visa fee.
- 5
Biometrics + medicals
When notified — usually within days.
- 6
Decision
Visa grant notice via email; no stamp on passport.
Interview tips
- GS interview can happen — be specific about your course, why Australia (not US/UK), and career plans back home.
- Have your funding numbers and CoE on hand.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Generic GS statement copied from samples online.
- Insufficient living-cost evidence (under AUD 24,505/yr).
- OSHC not purchased before application submission.
Practise your Australia visa interview
Oxbrivy’s AI mock interview scores your answers and tells you what to improve.
Official source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.