Student Visas In Australia

Why Apply For An Australian Student Visa?
Student visas issued by the Australian government allow prospective students from overseas to move to Australia and study. For overseas students wanting to study in Australia, the Student visa (subclass 500) covers those wishing to study full-time at a recognised educational institution.

This visa is a temporary Australian visa.

Who Can Apply For A Student Visa?

You can apply for a subclass 500 Student visa if you have been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). There is a minimum age limit on applying for a Student visa for Australia, which is 6 years old.

When you apply, you must also include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your course with your visa application. A letter of offer from your education provider will not be accepted. There are some circumstances where a CoE is not required – check the Department of Home Affairs website regularly for updates.

Eligible family members can also accompany you to Australia on a Student visa. You can see more information about Student visa application requirements at the Department of Home Affairs website.

How Do I Apply For A Student Visa?

You can apply for a Student visa when you are within or outside Australia. Your Student visa application must be lodged online via the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount.  When applying for the Student visa, you need to make sure that the correct information is included in the visa application.

You need to also pay the correct fee in full – the current Student visa application cost is from $AUD 575. If this does not occur, the Department of Home Affairs may reject the application.

You will also need to submit documents which support your visa application – which will be specified by the Student visa application document checklist tool which is updated regularly. You must also not provide false or misleading information in your application.  You may also need to provide evidence of your English language skills with your visa application, as well as evidence of your financial capacity to study and live in Australia. There are also some character requirements which need to be answered during the application process.

The Department of Home Affairs estimates that the processing time for most Student visa applications is approximately four weeks. The exact time it will take depends on the information you supply and any queries throughout the visa application process. You can withdraw your application at any time before a decision is made by the Department on your Student visa.

How Long Does A Student Visa Last?

An Australian Student visa can last for as long as five years. Normally, the visa duration is the same as the length of your course of nominated study. You can also renew your initial Student visa, as long as you are enrolled in a course approved by CRICOS.

Can I Work On An Australian Student Visa?

You are allowed to work in Australia on a Student Visa, but you need to meet the work conditions specified. Currently, you are not permitted to work until you have commenced your studies in Australia. Once your course has begun, a Student visa allows you to work for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session throughout the semester and examination periods, and unlimited hours when your course is out of session.

You will also need to obtain an Australian Tax File Number from the Australian Taxation Office before you commence work.

You can see more information in regards to work conditions for Student Visas at the Department of Home Affairs page on Work Conditions for Student Visa Holders.

Can I Study In Australia On A Different Visa?

If you are planning on a shorter period of study, you may be able to apply for a 600 Visitor visa, 601 Electronic Travel Authority visa, 651 eVisitor visa, or for a 417 Working Holiday visa or the 462 Work and Holiday visa if you’re from an eligible country in the Australian Working Holiday Program.

For student guardians, there is also the 590 Student Guardian visa option. Depending on these individual visa requirements, you may need to consider Overseas Visitors Health Cover.

Immigration laws, including student visas, are regularly reviewed and amended by the Australian government. Prospective applicants should always check the most up to date information available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

You can also see more at our page on Immigrating to Australia.

Do I Need Health Cover On An Australian Student Visa?

The Department of Home Affairs has specified that health cover is required on a subclass 500 Student visa. While you are in Australia on your student visa, you will be responsible for all of your health costs while you are in the country.

Your health costs will not be covered by Medicare, Australia's national health system, unless your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia. Australia has reciprocal health agreements with a number of other countries, which you can view at the Department of Human Services website. Even if your country has an agreement with Australia, your access to cover may be limited and you may still be required to have OSHC.

Allianz Global Assistance provides Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which meets the relevant Government health insurance requirements in relation to the Student visa (subclass 500), where the primary reason for being in Australia is to study.

You must not arrive in Australia before your health insurance starts. If you are in Australia and do not have adequate health insurance, you are in breach of visa condition 8501. Overseas students who don’t maintain adequate health insurance are at risk of having their visa cancelled.

OSHC is health insurance designed for overseas students visiting Australia on a student visa.  OSHC helps you pay for medical and hospital services while studying in Australia. You can purchase OSHC via your educational institution, or directly online at the Allianz Global Assistance OSHC portal.


What's covered

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps you cover the cost of medical treatment while studying in Australia. OSHC benefits are similar to the cover Australians receive through Medicare (Australia’s public health care system).


Prescription medicine
If you’re prescribed medicine from your doctor, you may be able to claim back money for items included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).


Hospital costs
You’re covered for hospital treatment and accommodation. You can choose to go to hospital as a public or private patient.


Emergency ambulance
You’re covered for emergency ambulance transport to hospital for admission and on-the-spot emergency treatment.


Doctor’s appointments
You are partially covered on your medical costs when you see a doctor or specialist.