Australia Student Visa Explained: Application, documents, process, post-study — all you need to know

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In a nutshell, studying in Australia begins with choosing a course and securing admission to an institution. Once selected, the institution issues a Letter of Offer, followed by a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

With the CoE, students can apply for the student visa (subclass 500), demonstrating adequate financial resources, overseas student health cover (OSHC), English language proficiency, and compliance with the Genuine Student (GS) and character requirements.

The overall process involves applying to an education provider, obtaining the CoE, and completing the visa application.

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Now, let’s break down the process in a more detailed way to make you understand how you can make your way and get a seat in a favourable Australian university, and that too in a choice course.

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Introduced on July 1, 2016, the Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to reside in Australia for the duration of their study programme—typically up to six years, depending on their enrolment. As mentioned on the official website, the cost is from AUD 2,000.00 (unless exempt), that is, roughly Rs 1.20 lakh.

With an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500), international students are permitted to pursue an eligible course of study in Australia while enjoying the flexibility to travel in and out of the country during the visa period. In addition, the visa allows students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course or training is in session, providing valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and support living expenses alongside their academic journey.

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To apply for a visa, you must submit your application online or create an ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login, either from within Australia or overseas. Applicants are required to be enrolled in a course of study in Australia and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of visa decision.

They must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless exempt, be at least six years of age, and provide evidence of a welfare arrangement if they are under 18. If applying from within Australia, they must hold an eligible substantive visa. It is important to note that a CoE becomes invalid once cancelled or upon completion of the course, and a substantive visa ceases to be effective if another substantive visa is granted.

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Applications are processed according to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDST), as applicable. To know more about the visa or to apply, study abroad aspirants can apply-immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

Requirements for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

When applying for a student visa to study in Australia, applicants are generally required to provide the following; however, for applicants under 18 years of age, additional documents such as parental consent must also be submitted.

–Proof of enrolment – Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE)

–Valid passport

–Visa application fee

–Genuine Student Criteria compliance

–Academic and work experience documents

–Evidence of English proficiency – e.g., IELTS test scores

–Proof of financial capacity – covering tuition fees, living expenses, dependent costs, and return airfare

–Health insurance details – Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

–Passport-sized photographs

Top Universities

Here is the list of the top universities in Australia based on QS University Rankings. 

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English language proficiency

To obtain an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500), applicants must have proficiency in the English language, typically by passing a secure English language test. This ensures they have the necessary communication and correspondence skills to succeed in their studies.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely accepted test for this purpose. For visa eligibility, the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0. However, higher scores are necessary for admission into leading universities, and the course opted for by the student.

Post-study opportunities

After completing studies on a Subclass 500 Student Visa, international graduates in Australia can explore a range of post-study opportunities through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa grants 2 to 6 years of work rights, with extended durations available for those who studied in regional areas or pursued higher-level qualifications.

If we tell you in a nutshell, what it takes to study in Australia, then the first step is selecting a course and getting admission to an institution, which provides a Letter of Offer, followed by a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). (Image: AI Generated)

It also serves as a pathway to permanent residency via skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491, or through employer-sponsored options like Subclass 482. In addition, graduates may consider short-term alternatives, including Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417/462), to gain further experience and flexibility in Australia