Thinking about studying in Australia in 2025? Great choice. But before you pack your bags, there’s one big step you can’t skip: applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa lets you live and study in Australia for the length of your course.
The application process might seem complicated at first, but if you break it down step-by-step, it’s manageable. You’ll need to pick a registered course, prove you have enough money to support yourself, get health insurance, and provide a bunch of documents. Miss one thing and your application could get delayed or rejected.
So, here’s a clear, detailed guide to help you understand exactly what to do when to do it, and what to watch out for. No confusing jargon, no extra fluff—just what you need to know to get your student visa approved smoothly.
Choose a CRICOS-registered course and Institution
The first step in applying for an Australian Student Visa is to select a course and institution that is officially registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). This registration ensures that the course and the school meet Australian government standards for international students.
When researching your options, consider important factors such as the tuition fees, the location of the institution, its reputation, and how well the course aligns with your career goals. Once you have found a course and school that suit your needs, apply directly to the institution.
If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer, which confirms that the institution is willing to enroll you in the chosen course. This letter is the first official document you will need to move forward in the visa application process.
Accept the Offer and Get Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
After you receive the Letter of Offer from your chosen institution, the next step is to officially accept it. This usually involves signing an acceptance form and paying an initial deposit or tuition fee, if required by the institution.
Once your acceptance and payment are confirmed, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The CoE is an important document that proves you are officially enrolled in the course.
You will need this document when you apply for your student visa, as it confirms your place in the institution and the course start date. Without the CoE, your visa application cannot proceed.
Meet Financial Requirements
Before your Australian student visa can be approved, you need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
This means showing that you can cover several key expenses: your tuition fees for the entire course, living costs such as accommodation, food, transport, and other daily expenses, the cost of a return airfare to your home country, and any additional expenses if you are bringing family members or dependents with you.
To demonstrate this, you must provide official financial documents as evidence. Acceptable proof includes recent bank statements showing sufficient funds, fixed deposit certificates, income statements or salary slips, tax returns, or letters from sponsors confirming financial support.
It’s important that these documents clearly show you have access to the required amount of money to cover all these expenses for the full duration of your study in Australia.
Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students applying for an Australian Student Visa. This insurance, called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), helps cover the cost of medical treatment and hospital care while you are in Australia.
You must have OSHC for the entire duration of your stay, from the moment you arrive until you leave. You can buy OSHC either directly through your education institution or from private health insurance providers approved by the Australian government.
Once you purchase your OSHC, the provider will give you a certificate as proof of coverage. This OSHC certificate is a required document when submitting your visa application, so make sure to keep it safe and include it with your other application materials.
Gather Required Documents
Before you start your visa application, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. These documents prove your eligibility and help the visa officers assess your application quickly. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Valid Passport
Your passport must be current and valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. It is your primary identification document. - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
This is issued by your institution once you accept their offer and pay any deposit. It confirms your enrolment in a registered course and is essential for your visa application. - English Language Proficiency Test Results
Commonly IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests. These scores demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate in English, which is required for most courses. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Certificate
Proof that you have purchased health insurance for the full duration of your studies in Australia. - Proof of Financial Capacity
Documents showing you can cover tuition, living costs, return airfare, and any dependent expenses. Examples include bank statements, fixed deposits, income certificates, or tax returns. - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
A written statement explaining your genuine intention to study temporarily in Australia and return to your home country after your course. - Academic and Work Experience Records
Transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or letters from previous educational institutions and employers. These prove your academic background and relevant work experience. - Passport-Sized Photographs
Recent photos that meet the visa application specifications. - Parental Consent (If Under 18 Years Old)
If you are a minor, you must provide written consent from your parents or legal guardians.
Create an ImmiAccount and Submit Your Visa Application Online
To apply for your Australian Student Visa, you first need to create an account on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website called ImmiAccount. This online portal is where you will complete and submit your visa application.
After registering, fill out the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application form carefully, making sure all information is accurate and complete. You will be required to upload all your supporting documents, such as your passport, Confirmation of Enrolment, financial evidence, and health insurance certificate. It’s important to double-check each uploaded file to avoid errors that could delay your application. Once everything is uploaded, you will need to pay the visa application fee around AUD 1,600 but may vary. The ImmiAccount also allows you to receive updates and track the progress of your application.
Complete Health and Character Checks
As part of the visa process, you may be asked to complete health and character assessments. This involves undergoing a medical examination at a clinic approved by the Australian government to ensure you meet health requirements.
Additionally, you might need to submit police clearance certificates from your home country or any other country where you have lived. These documents verify that you do not have a serious criminal record and meet Australia’s security standards.
Passing these checks is mandatory and helps protect public health and safety in Australia.
Attend a Visa Interview (If Required)
In some cases, visa officers may require you to attend an interview. This interview is usually conducted to clarify your study plans, financial situation, and your intention to study temporarily in Australia.
It gives you the opportunity to explain why you chose your course and institution, how you will fund your studies, and your plans after completing your education.
If called for an interview, prepare to answer questions clearly and honestly. Being straightforward and providing consistent information increases your chances of a positive visa decision.
Wait for Your Visa to Be Processed
After submitting your application and completing all required steps, you will need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your visa. Processing times can vary widely depending on factors like your country of origin and the completeness of your application but generally range from 2 to 12 weeks.
During this time, you can log into your ImmiAccount regularly to check the status of your application and see if any further information or documents are required.
After Your Visa Is Granted
Once your student visa is approved, there are important conditions you must follow. These include maintaining your enrolment in the course listed on your visa, achieving satisfactory course progress, and attending classes regularly.
You must also keep your contact details up to date, including your Australian residential address, by informing your institution promptly. Failure to comply with these conditions causes visa cancellation and affects your ability to stay in Australia or apply for future visas. Staying compliant ensures your study experience in Australia remains smooth and uninterrupted.
Final Wrap Up
Applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) requires careful preparation of your course choice, documents, financial proof, and health checks to ensure a smooth process.
If you want expert help to navigate each step and increase your chances of approval, the Nobel Educational Foundation is ready to assist you with personalized guidance from course selection to visa submission.
Contact Nobel Educational Foundation today and take the first step toward making your Australian study plans a reality.
