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Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Student Visa Services in Melbourne – Apply, Extend & Change Courses

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at an Australian educational institution. It permits students to stay in Australia for the duration of their course, up to a maximum of five years. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their course and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The visa also allows for multiple entries into and exits from Australia.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE):You must have a valid CoE from an approved Australian education provider for your intended course of study.
  • English language proficiency:You may need to provide evidence of sufficient English language skills, such as results from an approved English language test.
  • Financial capacity:You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. As of 2024, international student visa applicants must provide proof of at least $29,710 in financial capacity.
  • Genuine Student requirement:You must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) criterion, demonstrating that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes.
  • Health insurance:You must have valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia.
  • Health and character requirements: You may need to undergo a health examination and meet certain character requirements, which could include providing a police background check.

Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

The Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is a temporary visa that allows a guardian to accompany and support a child who holds a student visa in Australia. Here are the key details:

  • Purpose: This visa is designed for parents, legal guardians, or approved relatives to provide care and support for students under 18 years of age or those over 18 who require assistance due to exceptional circumstances.
  • Duration: The visa allows the holder to stay in Australia for the duration of the student’s course, which can be up to 5 years.
  • Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, the applicant must be at least 21 years old, be a parent or a relative nominated by a parent, and demonstrate the ability to financially support both themselves and the student. They must also meet health and character requirements and have adequate health insurance coverage.
  • Work Restrictions: Visa holders are not permitted to work while in Australia.

This visa ensures that international students have the necessary support and welfare while studying in Australia.

Student Visa Services in Melbourne – Apply, Extend & Change Courses

Student Visa Services – Trusted Guidance on Pursuing Study in Australia

If you’ve been looking forward to pursuing study in Australia, an application for a student visa is the first step. While applying for this visa sounds simple, the process is cumbersome and involves strict eligibility requirements and carefully prepared supporting documents. 

Even a minute error can be the reason for a delay or even refusal. The reason can be anything, like a weak Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement or missing financial record(s). Here’s when aspiring students need guidance.

At Ubhi Immigration, we provide specialised assistance to students at every step of the way, right from the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application process. As experienced MARA-registered migration agents, we provide you with professional advice and help you prepare a precise application. 

Our guidance will help you through the immediate visa requirements. We help you understand how your choices may impact your study in Australia and how you may connect to future opportunities based on those choices. Our experts also discuss post-study work visas or permanent residency.

Understanding the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Evidence Levels of several countries in South Asia have been altered from January 6, 2026. The change in Evidence Levels is intended to facilitate the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to help those genuine students who are exploring quality education opportunities in Australia. 

In line with the changes in Evidence Levels, The Department of Home Affairs Australia has strengthened its Student Visa (Subclass 500) framework to protect genuine students and maintain the integrity of the migration system.

If you are planning to study in Australia, it is critical to understand certain updates.

  • Visa requirements are not the same as admission requirements.
  • Financial and Genuine Student Scrutiny has now increased.
  • Onshore visa transitions are now restricted.
  • Your compliance during the selected course is strictly monitored.

Key Features of the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

  • Enroll in a full-time CRICOS-registered course in Australia
  • Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official course breaks
  • Include eligible family members (partner and dependent children) in your application
  • Travel in and out of Australia while your visa remains valid
  • Become eligible for post-study pathways, including the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), if qualification requirements are met

Student Visa Requirements

To apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that you are a genuine student with sufficient financial and academic capacity.

You will generally need –

  • A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-approved institution
  • Evidence of meeting English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent, where required by your provider or visa criteria)
  • A Genuine Student (GS) statement explaining your study plans and future intentions
  • Evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover living expenses, tuition fees and travel costs
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
  • Health and character clearances (where applicable)
  • Financial Capacity (Current Thresholds)

Applicants must show access to –

1. Single Applicant
  • AUD 29,710 per year (living costs)
  • First 12 months tuition fees
  • Approx. AUD 2,000 travel costs OR
  • Sponsor income of at least AUD 87,856 per year
2. Applicant with Family
  • AUD 29,710 (student living costs)
  • AUD 10,394 (spouse)
  • AUD 4,449 per child
  • AUD 13,502 per school-aged child (school fees)
  • Travel costs (approx. AUD 2,000) OR
  • Sponsor income of at least AUD 102,500 per year

*Funds must be genuinely accessible and properly documented.

Key Challenges Facing Students During the Visa Process

With recent regulatory changes, student visa assessments have become more rigorous. Many refusals now occur due to weak Genuine Student (GS) responses, inconsistent financial documentation, unrealistic course progression, or misunderstanding of visa conditions.

The most common challenges include –

  • Choosing courses that do not align with previous studies or career goals
  • Submitting poorly structured Genuine Student (GS) statements
  • Providing insufficient or unexplained financial evidence
  • Relying on incorrect advice from social media or unregistered agents
  • Attempting onshore applications where restrictions now apply

In many cases, refusals occur not because students are ineligible, but because applications are poorly prepared, or lack clarity and consistency. Professional guidance can significantly reduce these risks. Here’s when we step in.

Our role doesn’t end here.

Students typically need ongoing advice on work rights, visa conditions, Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590),
and future applications like Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). Our role continues even after you’re granted the student visa.

How Ubhi Immigration Consultants Supports You

  • End-to-end tailored visa strategy and eligibility assessment
  • Course and education pathway guidance aligned with long-term migration goals
  • Structured Genuine Student (GS) statement preparation
  • Financial documentation review and compliance checks
  • Application review for accuracy, consistency, and legislative compliance
  • Refusal analysis and guidance on re-application or ART review (where applicable)

Our approach focuses on clarity, credibility, and compliance with current Department of Home Affairs regulations.

We’re your trusted migration experts.

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FAQs

Yes, an (eligible) spouse and dependent children can certainly be included. They may also be granted work rights. Your financial evidence should be strong enough.

You can always appeal the decision at the ART or simply reapply with stronger evidence. We will help you.

You should present proof that you have enough funds to afford living expenses, tuition, and travel costs for the entire family.

The GTE statement is the only element that reflects your genuine intention to study in Australia.

A Student Visa, via a Temporary Visa (Subclass 485), can be your pathway to permanent residency here in Australia. It allows for post-study work experience, which can eventually lead to a skilled migration or an employer-sponsored visa.

Currently, the base application charge for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 2,000. As per DHA’s guidelines, additional charges apply for family members included in the application.

Absolutely. If you are a student visa holder in Australia, you can 1. Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and 2. Work unlimited hours during official course breaks, provided you maintain enrollment and satisfactory academic progress while working.

Yes. As a postgraduate research student enrolled in a Master’s by Research or PhD programme, you can work unlimited hours once the course has commenced. However, all other student visa holders remain subject to the 48-hour per fortnight limit during study periods.

Yes. In Australia, most education providers require proof of English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent) before they issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Although certain visa-level English requirements may vary depending on the enrolling student’s nationality and education background, institutions generally apply strict English admission standards. As a student, you must know that without a valid CoE, you cannot lodge a student visa application.
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is simply an assessment of the genuineness of your intention of studying in Australia. The Department evaluates 1. Your academic background, 2. Course relevance and progression, 3. Your understanding of the qualification, 4. Your future plans, and 5. Your financial circumstances. A weak or inconsistent GS response often becomes the reason for refusal.

As per DHA guidelines, applicants must show genuinely accessible, properly documented, sufficient funds for 1 year living expenses, 1 year tuition fees, and travel costs. Currently, the annual living cost requirement for the main applicant is AUD 29,710. Higher amounts apply if it includes dependents.

Only property valuations or future income projections are not accepted. Acceptable evidence of your funds may include 1. Bank statements showing consistent savings history, 2. Education loan approval letters, 3. Scholarship confirmation, 4. Sponsor income documents (parents or spouse), and 5. Fixed deposits or recognised financial instruments.
Recent regulatory changes have restricted certain onshore applications, according to which, 1. Visitor visa holders cannot apply for a Student Visa onshore and 2. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) holders may face restrictions when applying for another Student Visa in Australia. While many applicants may need to apply offshore, we strongly recommend an individual assessment before you proceed.

Typically, your visa duration depends on your course length, for e.g., 1. Courses under 10 months → Course duration + 1 month, 2. Courses 10 months or more → Course duration + up to 2 months, 3. If your course ends in November or December → Up to 3 months additional stay. Generally, your visa validity is aligned with the end date listed on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), not your graduation ceremony date.

Only the eligible dependents included in your application can be granted work rights in Australia. However, work conditions for dependents may vary depending on your level of study and will be outlined in the visa grant notice.
The most common refusal reasons include 1. Weak Genuine Student responses, 2. Inconsistent or insufficient financial evidence, 3. Course selection not aligned with previous qualifications, 4. Incorrect or incomplete documentation, and 5. Immigration history concerns. As an immigration consulting specialist, we recommend proper preparation to reduce the risk of refusal.
Studying in Australia can undoubtedly support your future migration pathways, but PR is never automatic. Your eligibility depends on 1. Skilled occupation eligibility, 2. Points score, 3. English level, and 4. Work experience, Age and sponsorship availability. We always recommend students to consider strategic planning during studies, if PR is their long-term goal.