Applying for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

If you are planning to study a Bachelor, Master, or PhD course at an Australian university, you must obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study program and work part-time up to 48 hours per fortnight.

In this guide, we outline the step-by-step application process for the Subclass 500 visa.

Step 1: Secure Your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)

To apply for the visa, you must have an official Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by your Australian university.

  • The CoE is issued once you accept your unconditional admission offer and pay your first-semester tuition deposit.
  • It contains a unique code that you must input into your online visa application.

Step 2: Buy OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

You must have continuous health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

  • You must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian provider.
  • Your university can often arrange this on your behalf, or you can buy it directly from providers like Bupa, Medibank, or Allianz.

Step 3: Complete the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

As of 2024, Australia has replaced the old GTE requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

  • You must answer a series of targeted questions inside your visa application detailing your academic background, career plans, and why you selected Australia as your destination.

Learn how to write a winning GS statement on Studplex.

Step 4: Organize Your Financial Proof

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel costs, one year of tuition fees, and annual living costs.

  • Annual living costs requirement: $29,710 AUD (as of mid-2024 regulations).
  • Funds must be held in a savings account, educational loan, or sponsored bank account.

Step 5: File Your Application Online (ImmiAccount)

Create an account on the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal (ImmiAccount).

  1. Fill out the application form with your CoE and OSHC details.
  2. Upload scans of your passport, academic transcripts, CoE, OSHC certificate, and financial proofs.
  3. Pay the visa fee (currently $1,600 AUD).

Step 6: Attend Biometrics & Health Checks

After submitting, you will receive instructions to register your biometrics at an Australian Visa Application Center (VFS Global) and complete a health check-up with an approved panel doctor. Once processed, your visa will be issued digitally as a visa grant notice linked directly to your passport.

Match with Australian universities and verify eligibility scores on Studplex.