Visa Types
Student Visa – Subclass 500
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study in Australia while enjoying limited work rights. With this visa, you can enroll in a registered course, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and work full-time during holidays.
With this visa, you can:
- Enroll in and attend a course registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid
- Work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods (and more during scheduled breaks)
- Potentially bring family members under certain conditions or apply to include them in your visa.
Eligibility Requirements:
- To apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you generally need:
- A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved Australian education provider
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.) unless exempt
- Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
- Meet character and health requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs
Extending or Renewing Your Visa
If your course finishes after your current visa expires—or if you decide to continue studying—you can apply for a new Student Visa to stay longer. You’ll need a fresh CoE or a letter from your education provider confirming your graduation date.
Students whose studies were disrupted by COVID-19 might also be eligible for visa extensions, additional stay time, or fee waivers.
If you complete a course and want to stay longer in Australia, you might qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)—but you’ll need to apply within 6 months after completing your studies.
How Maven Consulting Group Melbourne Supports You
Applying for a Student Visa can feel daunting. That’s why Maven Consulting Group Melbourne offers guidance tailored especially for students. Here’s how we make it easier:
- GTE Statement Preparation: We help you draft and polish your GTE statement so it clearly shows your genuine study intentions and future plans.
- Document Collection and Checklists: We guide you step-by-step to gather the necessary documents—from CoEs to financial statements, OSHC proof, English test results, and welfare plans.
- Health Insurance Setup: We assist with selecting and arranging OSHC coverage that meets ATO requirements.
- Application Lodgement: We ensure your visa application is complete, properly formatted, and lodged on time to avoid delays or refusals.
- Follow-up and Compliance Advice: After you arrive in Australia, we provide ongoing advice on visa conditions (such as working hours, academic progress, and maintaining health insurance) so you stay on the right track.
FAQs
What Students Often Ask
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How many hours am I allowed to work?
With Subclass 500, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods, and unlimited hours during breaks. Some work sectors may allow additional hours.
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Can I travel outside Australia during my studies?
Yes. The Subclass 500 visa allows multiple entries so you can leave and re-enter Australia while your visa is valid, provided you abide by visa conditions.
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What happens if I finish my course and want to stay longer?
If your visa will expire before you graduate, or if you want to undertake further studies, you should apply for a new Student Visa in good time—your education provider must issue documentation confirming your ongoing or completed study. Alternatively, you may be eligible for Subclass 485 depending on your finishing date and course.
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What is the visa fee and are there extra costs for family members?
The base fee for a Student Visa application is AUD 1,600 for the main applicant. Family members included in the same application will incur additional fees.
Extending or Renewing Your Visa
If your course finishes after your current visa expires—or if you decide to continue studying—you can apply for a new Student Visa to stay longer. You’ll need a fresh CoE or a letter from your education provider confirming your graduation date.
Students whose studies were disrupted by COVID-19 might also be eligible for visa extensions, additional stay time, or fee waivers.
If you complete a course and want to stay longer in Australia, you might qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)—but you’ll need to apply within 6 months after completing your studies.