Student (subclass 500) Visa
Australia is a leading destination for international students, renowned for its world-class education and vibrant cultural diversity. Studying in Australia opens doors to prestigious universities, diverse academic programs, and promising post-graduation career opportunities. With its high quality of life, welcoming communities, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Australia provides an enriching and unforgettable study experience for students worldwide.
Australia continues to be a top destination for international students, with over 1 million enrolments recorded in the year-to-date September 2024.
The student (subclass 500) visa is the most popular option for international students. It permits you to pursue a wide range of study options, including:
- Higher education
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
To apply, you must have already been accepted to a registered full-time course at an Australian education provider. You must also meet other eligibility requirements.
You may be eligible for this visa if you:
- have been accepted to study full-time at an institution and in a course approved by the CRICOS
- have proof of your language competency by providing your results from an approved English language test
- have adequate funds to cover your education and living expenses while in Australia
- can prove that your primary intention is to study in Australia and that you plan to stay temporarily (‘Genuine Student requirement’)
- have made adequate health insurance arrangements
- meet the health and character requirements.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa serves as a vital connection between the Australian Student visa program and employment opportunities in Australia.
For many students, gaining work experience in Australia is crucial to securing future career success in their chosen industry. The 485 visa offers former Australian Student visa holders the chance to gain valuable professional experience in Australia.
The visa consists of three streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream (previously called Graduate Work stream)
- This stream is available to international students who have completed relevant qualifications to enable them to fulfill the requirements for an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). A skills assessment in the eligible occupation is mandatory. This visa is granted for up to 18 months.
- Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called Post-Study Work stream)
- This stream is available to international students who have completed a CRICOS-registered course in a higher education field. The visa can be granted for between 2 years and 4 years, depending on the qualification obtained.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called Second Post-Study Work stream)
- This stream is for first-time Temporary Graduate visa holders in the post-study stream who obtained a degree from an Australian institution in a regional area and resided in an eligible designated regional area while holding their first Temporary Graduate visa. The visa is granted for a period of 1 to 2 years.
FAQs
Your stay duration depends on the length of your eligible course plus any additional time granted by the Department of Home Affairs.
Yes, you can include your partner (spouse or de facto) and dependent children in your application. Your partner may have work rights depending on your level of study. For example, if you’re enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, your partner may work full-time. For other study levels, your partner is usually limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
Yes, in many cases you can apply for a Student visa while onshore, as long as your current visa does not have a “No Further Stay” condition (such as 8503). If you’re already in Australia on a valid visa, you can lodge your student visa application online and may be granted a Bridging Visa to stay while it’s being processed.
Student visa holders are subject to visa conditions 8104 or 8105. This condition means you cannot work more than 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and semesters and before the course starts.
Students in a Masters by Research or Doctoral degree program may work more than 48 hours per fortnight at any time during their studies after the course has started.
Family members of student visa holders enrolled in a Master or Doctorate degree also have unlimited work rights. While family members of all other student visa holders are restricted to 48 hours per fortnight.
The Subclass 485 visa is available to applicants 35 years of age or under. However, applicants under 50 years of age may still be eligible if they have completed a Masters (by research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement or if they hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport.
You must apply for the 485 visa within 6 months of completing your course and before your student visa expires. You must also have held a valid student visa in the last 6 months. It’s critical to gather your course completion evidence and arrange health insurance before applying.
Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your 485 visa application.
Yes, you are required to have adequate health insurance (OVHC – Overseas Visitors Health Cover) from the time you apply for the 485 visa and throughout your stay. Your OSHC from your student visa will not be valid once you switch to a 485 visa.
Yes, the 485 visa is often a stepping stone to permanent visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), State Nomination (subclass 190), or Employer-Sponsored visas. You’ll need to meet eligibility criteria such as skilled occupation requirements, English proficiency, and points test scores.
If your 485 visa is refused and you were in Australia at the time of application, you may be eligible for a review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Reapplying is only an option if you still meet the eligibility requirements and timing constraints. Getting professional advice in these cases is strongly recommended.
