Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) #COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE by A2MS
Overview
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study in Australia for up to five years, depending on the length of their enrolled course. This visa is designed to facilitate a seamless educational experience, allowing students to participate in Australia's world-class education system.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 500 Student Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 6 years old.
• Welfare Arrangements: If under 18, proof of adequate welfare arrangements is required.
• Course Enrolment: Evidence of enrolment in an eligible course of study, such as:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution
- Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form for secondary exchange students
- Letter from the educational provider for postgraduate research students
• Financial Capacity: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
• Health Insurance: Payment evidence for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Health and Character: Completion of required medical examinations and character requirements.
• English Proficiency: Valid English language test scores unless exempt. • The Genuine Student (GS) requirement: Demonstration of applicant's primary intention as study in Australia.
Key Documents
Applicants must provide several key documents:• Valid identity Documents (Passport and National Id Card)• Proof of enrolment (CoE or equivalent)• Financial evidence (bank statements, scholarship letters)• Academic transcripts and certificates• OSHC payment confirmation• English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)• Health assessment results• Evidence of accommodation and welfare for under-18 applicants
English Language Requirements
Accepted English language tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE). Scores must be within two years of the visa application date.
The required minimum scores vary based on the course level and any English language intensive courses taken prior to the main course:• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0• PTE: Minimum score of 50• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 64• CAE: Minimum score of 169
Some applicants may be exempt from providing English proficiency test scores, such as those from English-speaking countries, those who have completed certain levels of education in English, or those who have completed recognized English language programs.
Financial Requirements
Applicants need to demonstrate their financial ability to support themselves and any accompanying family members for the duration of their stay.
The required funds include:
• Living Costs: AUD 29,710 per year for the student, AUD 10,394 for a spouse, and AUD 4,449 per child.• Annual Income Requirement: Alternatively, evidence that parents or a partner have a personal annual income of at least AUD 87,856 (AUD 102,500 if accompanied by family). This must be shown through official government documents such as tax assessments and Payslips.
Applicants can prove financial capacity through:• Deposits of Money: Deposits in a financial institution.• Government or Institutional Loans: Official loan documents.• Scholarships: Scholarship award letters.
Detailed Financial Requirements:
Living Costs:• Primary Applicant: AUD 29,710 per year.• Partner: AUD 10,394 per year.• Each Child: AUD 4,449 per year.
Annual Income:• If you opt to show annual income, your parents or partner must have a combined annual income of at least AUD 87,856. If accompanied by family, the requirement increases to AUD 102,500. Evidence must be provided through government documents like tax assessments, not bank statements or employer letters.
Course Fees:• First 12 Months: Calculate the fee for the first 12 months of the course or the total course fee if the course is less than 12 months.Example Calculations:o If your course fee is AUD 50,000 for 3 years, the annual fee is AUD 50,000 / 3 = AUD 16,666.o If your course fee is AUD 20,000 for 18 months, the annual fee is (AUD 20,000 / 18) x 12 = AUD 13,333.
Schooling Costs for Dependents:• Minimum of AUD 13,502 per year per child. Costs can vary by state and school.
Travel Costs:• Estimate travel costs to be:o AUD 2,500 if applying from East or Southern Africa.o AUD 3,000 if applying from West Africa.o AUD 2,000 if applying from other regions outside Australia.o AUD 1,000 if applying within Australia (AUD 1,500 if returning to Africa).
Evidence of Genuine Access to Money:Applicants must demonstrate genuine access to the funds they claim. This involves showing that the declared funds are available for use and not merely on paper. Evidence may include:• Bank Statements: Recent bank statements showing regular deposits and withdrawals.• Income Proof: Documents such as pay slips, employment contracts, and tax returns.• Loan Documents: Official documentation for any loans taken, showing the terms and disbursement schedule.• Scholarship Letters: Official letters confirming scholarship amounts and disbursement details.
If someone else is providing the funds, additional evidence is required:• Relationship Proof: Documentation showing the relationship between the applicant and the fund provider.• Identity Documents: Identification documents of the fund provider.• Financial Support History: Evidence of any previous financial support provided to the applicant or other student visa holders.• Business Proof: If the funds are provided by a business, proof of the business's operational status is needed.
The Department of Home Affairs may request additional information to verify the authenticity of the funds, such as details about the source of the funds, the relationship between the applicant and the person providing the funds, and any other relevant financial documents.
Genuine Student Requirement (GS)
The GS requirement ensures that the applicant's primary intention is to study in Australia.
Factors considered include:
• Circumstances in Their Home Country: This includes factors such as personal ties, economic circumstances, and reasons for not pursuing similar courses in their home country.• Potential Circumstances in Australia: Applicants must articulate their reasons for choosing Australia as their study destination, including insights into their chosen course and education provider.• Value of the Course: This involves demonstrating how the chosen course aligns with the applicant's career aspirations and potential employment opportunities post-graduation.• Immigration History: Applicants need to provide details of their visa and travel history, including any previous applications or refusals.• Other Relevant Matters: Any additional information deemed pertinent to the applicant's study plans and circumstances should be disclosed.
Application Process
1. Letter of Offer: Receive a Letter of Offer from an Australian educational institution.2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Obtain a CoE after accepting the Letter of Offer.3. Gather Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents, including academics, financial evidence, Genuine Student (GS) Statement and health insurance.4. Visa Application: Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs website, attaching all required documents and Paying the required Visa application fee.5. Biometrics and/or Health Checks: Complete any required biometrics and health examinations.6. Visa Outcome: Await the visa decision. If approved, prepare for travel to Australia.
Restrictions on Student Visa Applications
Generally, there are no restrictions on student visa applications from offshore, but holders of the following visas are excluded from applying for a student visa within Australia (effective from 1st July 2024):• Visitor visas (Subclass 600)• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)• Domestic worker (Diplomatic or Consular) in the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403)• Diplomatic visas as a primary applicant (Subclass 995)• Transit visas (Subclass 771)
Changing Courses or Education Providers
Students can change their course or provider under certain conditions:• After completing six months of the principal course• Switching to the same or a higher AQF level• Providing evidence of compelling or compassionate circumstances for the change
Work Rights
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the study term and unlimited hours during course breaks. This allows students to gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially.
Health and Safety
Australia provides a safe and supportive environment for international students. Student support services include orientation programs, academic assistance, and health and well-being services.
Additional Support
Aussie Academics and Migration Services (A2MS) offers comprehensive assistance with the university admissions, application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and that students have a smooth transition to studying in Australia.
Contact A2MS for Assistance with your STudent Visa
• Email: info@a2ms.com• Phone: +61 8 7094 8094
• Mobile: +61 410 367 700