Student Visa Australia
Study and Build Your Future
Expert Student Visa Assistance by MIaus
Dreaming of studying in Australia? The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is your gateway to world-class education and life-changing opportunities. At McSweeney Immigration, we specialise in providing clear, personalised support to international students navigating Australia’s visa application process.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your student visa, our experienced MARA-registered migration agents will guide you every step of the way—maximising your chances of a smooth, successful outcome.
What is a Student Visa?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live, study, and work part-time in Australia while enrolled in a recognised course. It covers:
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Higher Education (University degrees)
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Secondary school and other eligible courses
Eligibility Criteria for Student Visa
To apply for a student visa, you must:
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Have a valid enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment – CoE) in an approved Australian education provider.
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Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel.
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Meet English language proficiency requirements.
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Have adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC).
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Meet health and character requirements.
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Intend to stay temporarily for study purposes.
How we Support Your Student Visa Journey
The student visa process can be complicated. We offer:
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Visa Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating your course and personal circumstances.
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Application Preparation: Ensuring your student visa application is accurate and complete.
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Document Assistance: Helping with CoE, financial proof, OSHC, and health checks.
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Timely Lodgement: Submitting your application to avoid delays.
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Ongoing Support: Advising on visa conditions, renewals, and work rights during your stay.
Common Student Visa Pitfalls and how we help
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Genuine Student Statements (GSS): We help craft compelling statements to satisfy immigration requirements.
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Financial Evidence: Guidance on acceptable documentation to prove funds.
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Health Insurance Compliance: Assistance arranging OSHC that meets visa conditions.
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Maintaining Visa Conditions: Advice on work limits and course requirements to avoid visa breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work on a student visa in Australia?
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Learn more about working rights on a student visa.
Can I apply for a skilled visa if my occupation is not on the list?
As of 23 March 2024, the Australian Government replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for student visa applications. This update aims to better assess applicants' genuine intentions to study and temporarily stay in Australia.
Under the GS requirement, applicants must demonstrate:
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That studying in Australia is the primary reason for their visa application.
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The value of their chosen course for their future career.
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Their personal circumstances in their home country and their intent to comply with visa conditions.
Additionally, from 1 July 2024, applicants currently holding visitor or temporary graduate visas can no longer apply for a student visa while in Australia; they must apply offshore and wait for approval before returning.
For full details, see the official Department of Home Affairs
How much does a student visa in Australia cost?
The current visa application fee is AUD 650. Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and migration agent fees. Learn more about student visa costs on our Student Visa Fees & Costs page.
