STUDENT VISA
Subclass 500
For eligible international students undertaking an approved course of study in Australia. Visa holders must satisfy applicable enrolment, Genuine Student, health insurance and other visa requirements.
TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA
Subclass 485
For eligible international students who have recently completed qualifying Australian studies and meet the requirements of the relevant Temporary Graduate visa stream. This visa can allow eligible graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.
STUDENT GUARDIAN VISA
Subclass 590
A temporary visa for eligible parents, custodians or relatives providing care and support to a student under 18, or in exceptional circumstances, a student aged 18 or older.
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows eligible international students to study in Australia with an approved education provider.
Depending on your circumstances, the visa may allow you to:
• study an eligible course in Australia
• work in accordance with your visa conditions
• travel to and from Australia while your visa remains valid
• include eligible family members in limited circumstances
From 2 October 2026, important changes apply to where Student visa applications can be lodged, applications for further Student visas while in Australia, and the inclusion of family members.
Most applicants are now required to lodge their Student visa application from outside Australia unless they meet specific eligibility and exemption requirements.
Primary Visa Requirements
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
English Language Proficiency
Generally, you must be registered in a CRICOS-approved program and submit the official Confirmation of Enrolment for your planned academic path.
Applicants must demonstrate that studying in Australia is the primary reason for applying for a Student visa.
Applicants must meet the applicable English language requirements unless an exemption applies.
Financial Capacity
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Financial Capacity: Applicants may need to demonstrate access to sufficient funds for tuition fees, living expenses, travel and eligible accompanying family members.
It is usually mandatory to maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your stay unless you are exempt.
Genuine Student (GS) Standards
The GS requirement is an important part of a Student visa (Subclass 500) application. The Department of Home Affairs considers the applicant's overall circumstances and the information and supporting evidence provided with the application.
Factors considered may include:
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your current circumstances, including family, community, employment and economic circumstances
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your previous study and qualifications
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why you have chosen your proposed course
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why you have chosen your education provider
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your understanding of the course and of studying and living in Australia
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how completing the course will benefit your future
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your circumstances in your home country or country of residence
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your Australian and international immigration history
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previous visa applications, refusals or cancellations
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compliance with conditions of visas previously held
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any other relevant circumstances
Duration of Your Stay
The length of your stay is determined by the duration and category of your education program.
Course timelines, health insurance dates, and personal factors influence the final grant period.
The specific expiration date of your stay will be clearly listed on your official grant letter.
Work Rights for Students
Visa holders are typically allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours every two weeks during the semester, following the rules of their visa grant.
Alternative limits might apply during official term breaks or for students in specific advanced research programs.
It is the responsibility of the holder to adhere to their visa terms. Use the VEVO system to verify your current work authorizations and conditions.
Including Family Members
From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applicants can no longer include their partner or dependent children in their Student visa application unless an exemption applies.
Limited exemptions may apply to certain applicants, including PhD students, DFAT or Defence-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, and eligible students from Pacific countries and ASEAN member countries.
Importantly, family members can no longer apply later as subsequent entrants after the Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to the subsequent entrant restriction.
If you intend to study in Australia with your family, it is important to consider the family member requirements before lodging your Student visa application.
Applicants who have previously held a Student visa, or who are applying in Australia while holding a non-student visa, may be required to address an additional question as part of the GS assessment.
Supporting evidence is important. The Department gives greater weight to statements that are supported by relevant evidence.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
POST-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION WORK STREAM
For eligible international graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs.
Key Considerations
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Age Limit: Generally 35 years or under, with exemptions up to age 49 for eligible applicants based on qualifications, visa stream or passport.
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Visa History: Must have held an eligible Student visa within the past 6 months.
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Australian Study Requirement: Generally requires 92 CRICOS-registered weeks of eligible study completed over at least 16 calendar months in Australia. Eligible qualifications may be combined, subject to visa stream requirements.
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Mandatory Criteria: Must meet specific English language proficiency, health insurance, and character/police check requirements.
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Visa Duration: Generally 18 months for Post-Vocational Education Work and 2–3 years for Post-Higher Education Work. Longer stays and regional extensions may apply to eligible applicants.
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Family Members: Eligible partners and dependent children may be included or apply later as subsequent entrants, subject to visa requirements.
Eligibility for a Temporary Graduate visa does not automatically provide a pathway to permanent residence. Future visa options depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the migration requirements in force at the relevant time.
The Temporary Graduate visa allows eligible international students who have recently completed qualifying Australian studies to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after graduation.
POST-HIGHER EDUCATION WORK STREAM
For eligible international graduates who have recently completed a degree-level or higher qualification from an Australian institution and meet the relevant requirements.
SECOND POST-HIGHER EDUCATION WORK STREAM
An additional temporary pathway for certain Temporary Graduate visa holders who graduated from an Australian institution located in a designated regional area and meet the relevant residence and other requirements.
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is a temporary visa for eligible people who need to come to Australia to provide care and support to a Student visa holder who is under 18 years of age, or in certain exceptional circumstances, is 18 or older.
WHO CAN BE A GUARDIAN?
The guardian will generally need to be the student’s parent, legal custodian or an eligible relative who meets the applicable requirements.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
A nominated relative acting as guardian generally needs to be at least 21 years of age.
WELFARE & SUPPORT
The guardian must be able to provide appropriate accommodation, welfare and other support for the student while in Australia.
FINANCIAL CAPACITY
Applicants must demonstrate that appropriate financial arrangements are available to support themselves, the student and relevant accompanying family members where required.
Important Considerations
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From 2 October 2026, most applicants must apply for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) from outside Australia. Existing subclass 590 visa holders may still apply for another Student Guardian visa while in Australia, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Student Guardian visa arrangements must align with the student's welfare requirements, including appropriate accommodation, care and support arrangements throughout their stay in Australia.
How CHIN & CO Migration Assists You
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1. Initial Assessment
2. Eligibility Review
3. Document Preparation
4. Application Preparation & Lodgement
5. Ongoing Assistance
We review your circumstances, immigration history, studies and intended pathway to identify the relevant visa requirements.
We assess the requirements relevant to your Student, Temporary Graduate or Student Guardian visa pathway and identify potential issues before lodgement.
We provide a tailored document checklist and help you prepare and organise the supporting evidence relevant to your application.
We prepare and lodge your visa application with the supporting documentation and information required for your circumstances.
We assist with Department correspondence and requests for further information and keep you informed throughout the application process.
This content is for general information and is not formal legal advice. Migration rules and government stances change; please seek a personal assessment for your specific case.
Turnaround Times
The Genuine Student Standard
How long is the waiting period? Wait times are fluid and subject to shift.
Duration is impacted by:
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current volume of files and internal priorities
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the accuracy and completeness of your file
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any unique complications in your background
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time taken for health or security vetting
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requests for more data from the department
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your response speed to official queries