📚 Public Information Zone — General information only
Studying in Australia
General publicly-available information about the student visa process. Not migration advice — speak with a Registered Migration Agent for advice on your specific circumstances.
This page provides general information sourced from the Australian Government's Home Affairs website. Always verify requirements directly at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
General preparation categories
These are common categories that are generally relevant to student visa preparation. Your specific requirements will depend on your circumstances — a Registered Migration Agent can advise what applies to you.
Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You generally need to be enrolled at a registered Australian education provider (a CRICOS-registered institution) before applying for a student visa. Your provider will issue a CoE once your enrolment is confirmed.
CRICOS Provider Register ↗Understand the Genuine Student criterion
The student visa requires applicants to demonstrate they are a genuine student — that their primary purpose is study, and that they intend to comply with visa conditions. Home Affairs assesses this based on your circumstances.
Home Affairs — Genuine Student ↗Financial capacity
Applicants are generally required to demonstrate they can meet tuition fees, living costs, and travel costs for themselves and any accompanying family members. Home Affairs publishes indicative amounts.
Home Affairs — Student visa financial requirements ↗English language proficiency
Most applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test (such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge). Minimum scores vary by institution and course level.
Home Affairs — English requirements ↗Health and character requirements
You may be required to undergo a health examination. All applicants must meet character requirements, including providing police clearances from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more.
Home Affairs — Health and character ↗Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Most student visa holders are required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. OSHC must be arranged before lodging or as directed by your provider.
OSHC information — Department of Health ↗Ready to get organised?
Use the VisaHub101 information organiser to sort your notes across these preparation categories before your RMA consultation.
Open information organiser →General questions
When should I apply for a student visa?
Home Affairs recommends applying as early as possible — at least several months before your intended start date. Processing times vary. Always check the current processing times on the Home Affairs website.
General information only — speak with a Registered Migration Agent for personalised advice.
Can I work on a student visa?
Student visa holders may be able to work while studying, subject to conditions. The number of hours permitted may depend on your course and study period. Check current work condition information on the Home Affairs website.
General information only — speak with a Registered Migration Agent for personalised advice.
What happens if my circumstances change during study?
Changes such as changing your institution, course, or personal circumstances may affect your visa conditions. You should speak with a Registered Migration Agent if your circumstances change.
General information only — speak with a Registered Migration Agent for personalised advice.
Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?
Eligible family members may be able to accompany you as secondary applicants. Financial requirements are higher when dependants are included. A Registered Migration Agent can advise on your specific situation.
General information only — speak with a Registered Migration Agent for personalised advice.
This page provides general publicly-available information about the Australian student visa (subclass 500). It does not constitute migration advice, legal advice, or an assessment of your eligibility or prospects. Requirements change — always verify directly at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Speak with a Registered Migration Agent for personalised advice on your specific circumstances.