Student visa.

The subclass 500 is Australia's sole student visa, covering all education sectors from primary school through to postgraduate research. To apply, you must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered education provider — CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian Government's register of providers approved to teach international students. Without a CoE from a CRICOS-listed provider, a student visa application cannot be lodged.

Since March 2024, the Department of Home Affairs has assessed student visa applicants against the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, replacing the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. The GS requirement asks whether you are a genuine student — meaning you genuinely intend to study in Australia, your chosen course fits logically with your education and career history, and your circumstances support the conclusion that studying is the primary purpose of your visa. The Department considers your previous study, employment background, ties to your home country, the value of the course to your future, and your reasons for choosing a particular provider and location. There is no checklist to pass — it is a holistic assessment. A well-prepared application clearly explains why this course, at this provider, at this time.

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a limit that was increased from 40 hours in mid-2023. During scheduled course breaks, there is no cap on work hours. You cannot start work before your course begins unless your previous visa allowed it. Students completing a masters by research or a doctoral degree have unlimited work rights. All student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. English language requirements apply to most applicants, with the specific score depending on the education sector and the provider's own requirements. Financial capacity requirements may also apply — the Department may ask you to show you have enough money to cover tuition, living costs and return travel.

A registered migration agent adds value at several points in the student visa process. The Genuine Student requirement is the most common reason for refusal, and an agent can help you present your circumstances clearly and address any factors that might raise questions — such as gaps in study, a change of career direction, or prior visa refusals in any country. Agents also advise on course selection and packaging (enrolling in sequential courses to build a pathway toward a qualification), on the implications of changing providers or courses after arrival, and on planning the transition from student visa to post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For applicants with complex situations — such as those applying from countries with higher refusal rates, or those with previous visa cancellations — professional advice before lodgement is strongly recommended.

Reviewed by MIGI editorial team