Student and Guardian Visas
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time in a registered Australian course. We help you meet the Genuine Student requirement, show your financial capacity, and put your best application forward.
Australia is one of the world's most popular study destinations. The Student visa (subclass 500) covers everything from English-language and vocational courses to university degrees - as long as your course and provider are registered on CRICOS.
Since 23 March 2024, applicants must meet the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. We help you prepare a clear, honest application that addresses it properly.
Not sure which course yet?
The visa is the second half of the journey. Our education consultants help you choose the course, provider and city first - free for students.
Health cover may be relevant
Learn about OSHC and OVHC options before arranging your cover.
Planning after graduation?Eligible ICT and Engineering graduates may be able to consider a recognised Professional Year Program later. Eligibility is set by the professional body, and a Student visa does not by itself qualify you.Explore Professional Year options
Key facts
- Subclass
- Subclass 500
- For
- Full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course
- Key test
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement
- Work rights
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying
- Health cover
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required
- Family
- Partner and children can be included
Your visa options
There is usually more than one way forward. Here are the main pathways within student and guardian visas.
Is this pathway right for you?
This may suit you if:
- You have been accepted into (or have an offer for) a full-time CRICOS-registered course
- You can meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
- You can show enough money for tuition, living costs and travel
- You have adequate health insurance (OSHC) for your stay
- You meet the English language requirements for your course
- You may want to bring your partner or children, or work after study
Why it's worth it
Study in Australia
Access world-class universities, colleges and training providers across the country.
Work while you study
You can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and without limit during scheduled breaks.
Bring your family
Your partner and dependent children can usually be included in your application.
Post-study options
Eligible graduates may access the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain work experience.
A possible stepping stone
Study can help build a profile for later skilled pathways - though it never guarantees permanent residence.
Travel in and out
You can travel to and from Australia while your visa is valid.
This may not be the right fit if…
- You're treating a student visa as a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency - it isn't one
- You can't yet demonstrate a genuine intention to study or sufficient financial capacity
- Your chosen course or provider isn't CRICOS-registered
These are general pointers, not a determination about your case - book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.
General requirements
Every case is different, but you'll generally need to:
- Be enrolled in, or have a confirmed offer (Confirmation of Enrolment) for, a CRICOS-registered course
- Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement - showing your genuine intention to study
- Show sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living and travel costs (the required amounts are set by the Department and change - we'll confirm the current figures)
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa
- Meet the English language requirements for your course
- Meet health and character requirements
Our step-by-step process
We keep things clear and calm, so you always know what's happening and what comes next.
Choose your course & provider
We help you confirm your course and provider are CRICOS-registered and right for your goals.
Get your Confirmation of Enrolment
You accept your offer and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your provider.
Prepare your Genuine Student evidence
We help you address the GS requirement honestly and clearly, tailored to your circumstances.
Financial capacity & OSHC
We help you evidence your funds and arrange the health cover the visa requires.
Lodge your application
We prepare and lodge a complete, well-documented application to reduce the risk of delays.
Arrive & comply
We explain your visa conditions - including work limits and course requirements - so you stay compliant.
Documents you'll typically need
A general guide - we'll give you a tailored checklist for your situation.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a CRICOS-registered course
- Evidence of financial capacity (funds for tuition, living and travel)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
- English test results, if required for your course
- A Genuine Student statement addressing your circumstances
- Passport and identity documents
- Academic transcripts and qualifications
- Health examinations and police clearances, if required
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what people ask us most.
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
How many hours can I work on a student visa?
Can my family come with me?
Can I work in Australia after I graduate?
How much money do I need to show?
Does a student visa lead to permanent residency?
This page is general information only, not migration or legal advice. Student visa rules - including the Genuine Student requirement, financial capacity amounts and work conditions - are set by the Migration Act 1958, Migration Regulations 1994 and Department policy, and change regularly. Book a consultation for advice specific to your circumstances; we never guarantee a visa outcome.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
Answer a few plain-English questions and get a friendly, no-obligation summary of the pathways that may suit you. It only takes about two minutes.