If studying in Australia is your dream, obtaining a student visa from the Australian Government is an essential first step.
Read on for a simplified guide about applying for a Student Visa (subclass 500), understanding eligibility criteria, and helpful tools to plan your stay in Melbourne.
Understanding Student Visas in Australia
What is a Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (subclass 500) is the most popular visa for international students. It allows you to:
- Live, study, and work in Australia: Stay for up to 6 years, depending on your course duration.
- Explore flexible work opportunities: Work part-time while studying and full-time during scheduled term and semester breaks.
To qualify, you must:
- be accepted into a full-time course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- meet the visa’s eligibility requirements.
For Students Under 18: Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
If you’re under 18 years old, you can still study in Australia! Your parent or guardian may be able to accompany you by applying for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590).
Key details about the Guardian Visa (subclass 590):
- Guardians can accompany and provide care for students under 18.
- Guardians cannot work during their stay in Australia.
- They must have enough financial resources to support both themselves and the student.
Visa Finder tool
If you're unsure which visa is right for your needs, the Visa Finder tool can help guide you.
Key requirements for a Student Visa
Here are some of the key requirements you need to meet when applying for your student visa:
This document is proof that you’ve been offered and accepted a full-time place at an Australian education provider.
- Your education institution will issue you a CoE upon your enrolment.
- Make sure the course is listed on the CRICOS website to ensure it qualifies for a student visa.
- View an example of the CoE document.
Evidence of your English language proficiency is required, which usually means taking an approved English language test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- The score requirement depends on your intended course (e.g. diploma, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate study).
- Students from some English-speaking countries may be exempt from this requirement. For more information on English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions refer to the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025 - Federal Register of Legislation.
- Check with your education provider for specific details.
You must demonstrate your genuine intention to come to Australia for study purposes. Ensure that your application:
- highlights your commitment to completing your course
- explains your plans after completing your studies.
You will be assessed for:
- Health: Undergo a health examination to meet Australian health conditions.
- Character: Complete a character assessment to confirm compliance with Australian visa laws.
You must show you have sufficient funds to support yourself while studying in Australia.
Find out more about the exact requirements and supporting evidence needed by visiting the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Planning your stay: Cost of Living in Melbourne
Before arriving, it's essential to budget for accommodation, transport and other expenses. Here's how to prepare:
- Use a budgeting tool: Use resources like the Moneysmart Budget Planner to plan your expenses.
- Estimate costs: Try the Cost of Living Calculator for a personalised estimate of housing, transport, groceries, and entertainment in Melbourne.
View transcript
[Inspiring music, visual of speaker talking to camera]
[On-screen text: Neha, International student]
Neha: As an international student, you'll want to know how much it'll cost to live and study in your new city. And we know that affordability is important.
[Visual of speaker talking to camera, in front of Melbourne GPO, followed by scenes of speaker shopping with friends, and sightseeing in Melbourne CBD]
It's a good idea to have a budget for daily expenses, but it's also good to set money aside for enjoying the best of life here. Festivals, eating out at incredible restaurants and travelling the state.
So what's the cost of living like in Melbourne?
Ranked as Australia's best student city, affordability is an important factor in Melbourne's appeal, but your cost of living will ultimately depend on your lifestyle.
One of the easiest ways to estimate how much it might cost to live in Melbourne is to use our Cost of Living calculator. With this quick and easy tool, you can select how much you'd like to spend on your desired accommodation type, ideal location, preferred modes of transport, and even how much you'd like to spend on entertainment and activities. Then the tool will calculate your approximate weekly spend in Melbourne.
If you desire to study in beautiful regional Victoria, you can enjoy even more affordable living.
As an international student, you'll be able to access a range of exclusive discounts and deals.
For example, eligible international students can save up to 50% on public transport costs by purchasing the International Student Travel Pass for 90 days, 180 days, or 365 days.
Also, keep an eye out for student and concession discounts at cinemas, gyms, retail stores, events, and attractions. You'll just need to show your student ID to access these.
Setting a budget and sticking to it is going to be the most effective way to manage your spending.
[Visual of speaker talking to camera, followed by footage of the Australian Government's Money Smart Budget Planner on a laptop, and scenes of speaker talking with friends]
The Australian Government's Money Smart Budget Planner can be an effective way to start working out where your money is going.
Some easy ways to save money include, cooking at home, turning off electrical appliances when not in use, keeping an eye on special deals and offers at the supermarket, and living in a share house with others where you can divide up expenses like utilities and rent.
As an international student, you can also work part-time while you study to cover some of your expenses. Visit the Study Melbourne website or the friendly team at the Hub to get more information about your work rights and employability tips.
[On-screen logo]
Study Melbourne
[End transcript]
How to apply for your Student Visa
Once you've reviewed all the requirements and gathered your documents, you can start your application.
Application methods:
- Create an account on the ImmiAccount platform via the Department of Home Affairs.
- Log in, select your visa subclass, upload your documents, and pay the application fee.
- Track your application status online.
- Education agents can guide you through the enrolment and visa process.
- You can check that an agent is qualified via the Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEACs) list.
- To find out more, read our handy guide on finding an education agent in Australia.
Ready to study in Melbourne?
Be sure to understand your course and student visa requirements, gather all the necessary documents, and seek help if needed. Your chosen educational institution and certified education agents can provide valuable guidance and support with your visa application, making sure the process is completed correctly.
With proper planning and the right assistance, you’ll be ready to embark on an enriching and rewarding study experience in Melbourne!
Useful links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I stay in Australia on a Student Visa?
Your length of stay is determined by the course you plan to study, with a maximum duration of up to 6 years. For further information, visit the Home Affairs website.
Can I bring my family members with me to Australia on a Student Visa?
Yes! Your spouse and dependent children may be eligible to come with you as part of your application. However, they must meet certain requirements and additional fees may apply.
More information on how to include your family in your student visa application is available on our website.
What’s the minimum English language score required?
The required score depends on your course type and institution. Check your education provider’s specific requirements and the Australian Government's guidelines for student visas.
Can I work while studying on a Student Visa?
Yes, the Student Visa (subclass 500) allows you to work while studying in Australia. You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks.
What is the processing time for a Student Visa?
Processing times vary depending on your application details and supporting documents. For the latest information, visit the Home Affairs website.
How much will my Student Visa application cost?
To work out what your visa will cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator.
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