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Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Study in Australia with Work Rights & PR Pathways

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to study full-time at a registered Australian institution while gaining valuable work experience and building pathways to permanent residency. 

Key Benefits: 

  • World-class education
  • Work up to 48hrs/fortnight
  • Include family members
  • Path to Graduate Visa
  • PR pathway opportunities
  • Book Consultation
  • Download Guide

What Is the Student Visa?

The Subclass 500 visa lets international students live, study, and work in Australia while completing a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered education provider. 

Important: 

  • Course must be full-time and registered with CRICOS 
  • Visa duration matches course length plus additional time 
  • Work rights are limited during study periods 
  • Genuine Student requirement must be met 
  • Leads to post-study work opportunities 

Who Can Apply?

Basic Eligibility: 

  • Enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course 
  • Meet Genuine Student (GS) requirement 
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (where required) 
  • Show financial capacity 
  • Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 
  • Meet health and character requirements 

You Can Apply: 

  • From outside Australia (offshore) 
  • From inside Australia (onshore, with eligible visa) 

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement 

You must demonstrate genuine intention to study temporarily in Australia for educational purposes. 

Your Application Should Explain: 

  • Why you chose Australia for study 
  • Why this specific course and institution suits you 
  • How the course aligns with your background and career goals 
  • Your ties to your home country 
  • Your future plans after completing studies 

We Help You: 

  • Prepare a strong Genuine Student statement 
  • Present your academic and career objectives clearly 
  • Address any potential concerns proactively 
  • Ensure compliance with Department expectations 

English Language Requirements

Minimum English Scores (Common Tests): 

Test 

Minimum Score 

IELTS 

Overall 6.0 

PTE Academic 

50 

TOEFL iBT 

64 

Cambridge CAE 

169 

OET 

B in each component 

Lower Scores Accepted: 

  • If packaged with English language course (ELICOS) 
  • Check specific requirements with your institution 

You May Be Exempt If: 

  • Passport holder from eligible English-speaking country 
  • Completed recent studies in English 
  • Studied in Australia for 2+ years 
  • Enrolling in specific education sectors 

Financial Capacity

You may need to demonstrate funds to cover: 

Required Costs: 

  • Course tuition fees 
  • Living expenses (approximately AUD $24,505 per year) 
  • Travel costs 
  • Dependent costs (if applicable) 

Acceptable Evidence: 

  • Personal savings or bank statements 
  • Family support with financial guarantees 
  • Government or education sponsorship 
  • Loan approvals or income evidence 

Note: Financial evidence requirements vary based on country risk assessment. 

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Mandatory Requirement: 

  • Must maintain OSHC for entire visa duration 
  • Covers medical treatment and hospital care 
  • Required before visa grant 
  • Must be from approved provider 

What OSHC Covers: 

  • Doctor visits 
  • Hospital treatment 
  • Ambulance services 
  • Limited prescription medications 

Student Visa Conditions

Key Conditions You Must Follow: 

Study Requirements: 

  • Maintain enrollment in CRICOS course 
  • Study full-time each term 
  • Meet attendance requirements (usually 80%) 
  • Make satisfactory course progress 

Work Limitations: 

  • Maximum 48 hours per fortnight during study periods 
  • Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks 
  • Work starts only after course commences 

Other Conditions: 

  • Maintain valid OSHC at all times 
  • Notify education provider of address changes 
  • Do not engage in work prohibited by visa 

Breach of Conditions: 

  • Can result in visa cancellation 
  • May affect future visa applications 
  • Compliance is critical 

Study + Work + PR Pathway

Strategic Education Planning: 

We help you choose courses that align with: 

  • Post-study work visa eligibility 
  • Skilled occupation lists 
  • PR points optimization 
  • Long-term migration goals 

Typical Pathway: 

1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

2. Complete qualification in Australia

3. Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

4. Gain Australian work experience

5. Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190/491) 

Why This Matters: 

  • Not all courses lead to PR pathways 
  • Course selection impacts future visa options 
  • We connect education decisions to migration outcomes 
  • Strategic planning from day one saves time and money 

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose Your Course 

  • Select CRICOS-registered course and institution 
  • Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) 
  • Ensure course aligns with your goals 

Step 2: Prepare Your Application 

  • Gather required documents 
  • Write Genuine Student statement 
  • Obtain English test results (if required) 
  • Arrange OSHC coverage 

Step 3: Lodge Visa Application 

  • Apply online through ImmiAccount 
  • Pay visa application fee 
  • Submit all supporting documents 

Step 4: Health & Character Checks 

  • Complete health examinations (if required) 
  • Provide police certificates 
  • Declare all relevant information 

Step 5: Visa Decision 

  • Wait for Department assessment 
  • Respond to any additional requests 
  • Receive visa grant notification 

Processing Times: 

  • Vary by country and application complexity 
  • Higher education generally faster than VET 
  • Complete applications process quicker 

After You Arrive in Australia

Within First Few Weeks: 

  • Enroll and attend orientation 
  • Understand your course requirements 
  • Set up Australian bank account 
  • Register with healthcare provider 
  • Understand work rights and limitations 

Throughout Your Studies: 

  • Maintain enrollment and attendance 
  • Keep OSHC current 
  • Monitor visa conditions 
  • Plan for future visa options 

Post-Study Options

After completing your Australian qualification: 

Temporary Graduate Visa (485): 

  • Post-Study Work stream: 2-4 years (depending on qualification) 
  • Graduate Work stream: 18 months (for specific trades) 
  • Gain Australian work experience 
  • Build points for skilled migration 

Skilled Migration: 

  • Subclass 189 (Independent) 
  • Subclass 190 (State nominated) 
  • Subclass 491 (Regional) 

Employer Sponsorship: 

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (482) 
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (186) 

We help you plan your post-study pathway before you even start your course. 

How SettleU Can Help

Education Services

  • Course selection for PR pathways 
  • Institution recommendations 
  • Enrollment assistance 
  • CRICOS compliance guidance 

 Visa Services

  • Genuine Student statement preparation 
  • Complete visa application lodgement 
  • Document review and compliance check 
  • Visa condition monitoring 

Strategic Planning

  • Study-to-PR pathway mapping 
  • Points calculation and optimization 
  • Post-study visa options 
  • Long-term migration strategy 

Our Unique Approach

  • Migration lawyer + education counselor working together 
  • Every course choice considers visa implications 
  • Honest advice about PR prospects 
  • 20+ years combined expertise

Common Student Visa Questions

Yes, up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks.

Yes, eligible partners and dependent children can be included.

Usually course length plus 1-3 months additional time, depending on course duration.

Yes, but you must notify your provider and maintain full-time enrollment.

We can assess appeal options or alternative pathways. Complex refusal cases benefit from legal expertise.

No. Course selection is critical for migration pathways. We help you choose strategically.

Secure your Student Visa with Our Help

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