Planning to study in Australia is a dream for many international students, and obtaining a student visa (subclass 500) is the first essential step in making that dream a reality. The visa allows you to live, study, and work part-time in Australia for the duration of your course. However, the process is not automatic—you must meet specific eligibility criteria to be granted this visa.
In this blog, Edvise Hub breaks down the requirements you need to fulfill to qualify for an Australian student visa, helping you navigate the application process with ease and confidence.
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
To apply for an Australian student visa, you must first receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution. This document proves that you have been accepted into a full-time course that is recognized by the Australian government.
Key points:
- The course must be full-time (not part-time or online-only).
- You need to submit the CoE along with your visa application.
- If enrolling in multiple courses, you may need multiple CoEs (for example, a package course of English + degree).
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
The GTE statement is one of the most important aspects of the visa process. It assesses your genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes.
To satisfy the GTE, you must:
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
- Explain why you chose Australia over other countries.
- Provide a clear career plan and how the course supports it.
- Address any gaps in study or previous visa refusals.
At Edvise Hub, our expert counsellors help students draft compelling GTE statements to strengthen their applications.
3. Financial Requirements
You must show that you have enough funds to cover:
- Tuition fees.
- Living expenses (currently around AUD 24,505 per year).
- Travel expenses to and from Australia.
- Schooling costs for any accompanying children (if applicable).
Acceptable financial evidence includes:
- Bank statements.
- Scholarship letters.
- Income tax returns.
- Financial support letters from parents or sponsors.
4. English Language Proficiency
If you’re from a non-English-speaking country, you’ll need to prove your proficiency in English by taking one of the approved tests:
- IELTS (minimum score usually 5.5 to 6.0).
- TOEFL iBT.
- PTE Academic.
- Cambridge Advanced English.
Some exceptions apply for students who’ve studied in English or are from specific countries. Your course provider will usually specify the required score.
Pro tip: Apply for your English test early to avoid delays in your visa processing.
5. Health and Character Requirements
To be eligible for an Australian student visa, you must meet health and character requirements:
Health:
- Undergo a medical examination by a panel doctor approved by the Australian government.
- You may also need a chest x-ray.
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved provider for the duration of your stay.
Character:
- Provide police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Declare any criminal convictions.
Edvise Hub recommends organizing your health check and character documents in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
6. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Before submitting your visa application, you must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This insurance:
- Covers medical and hospital expenses.
- Is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay.
- Must be from an approved insurer (like BUPA, Allianz, Medibank, etc.).
You’ll need to provide your OSHC policy number when applying for the visa.
7. Age and Guardian Requirements (for Under 18 Students)
If you’re under 18 years old:
- You must have suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements in place.
- A guardian (parent or nominated relative) may accompany you under a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590).
Institutions can also approve guardianship arrangements if your family is not in Australia.
At Edvise Hub, we assist younger students and their families with finding appropriate and safe living arrangements in Australia.
8. Visa Application Process
Once you meet the above eligibility criteria, the application process includes:
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website.
- Complete the online application form and upload necessary documents.
- Pay the visa fee (currently AUD 710 for the main applicant).
- Attend medical appointments and provide biometrics if requested.
- Wait for a decision, which usually takes 1–3 months.
Having a professional guide like Edvise Hub can save time and prevent costly mistakes during this process.
9. Work Rights for Students
With the student visa, you are allowed to:
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions.
- Work unlimited hours during course breaks.
Your spouse (if accompanying you) may also be eligible to work, depending on the type of course you are studying (e.g., Master’s or PhD).
This benefit helps students manage living costs and gain valuable work experience in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an Australian student visa may seem complex, but with the right preparation and support, the process becomes much more manageable. From securing your CoE and writing a strong GTE statement, to gathering financial and health documents, each requirement plays a critical role in ensuring a successful visa outcome.
At Edvise Hub, we specialize in guiding students through every step of their Australian study journey. Our expert consultants provide personalized assistance with course selection, documentation, visa filing, and post-arrival support.
Start your Australian dream with Edvise Hub—your trusted education partner.
Need Help With Your Australian Student Visa?
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