Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Guide 2023: Study Visa Requirements, Fees, Process for International Students

India-based students who wish to study in Australia are required to obtain a student visa beforehand. The specific visa necessary for their course of study, level, and duration of the program will depend on the type of study they are undertaking. Regardless of the program, field, university, and tuition fees applicable, international students pursuing their studies in Australia will need to apply for a student (Subclass 500) Visa.

Why study in Australia?

One of the most desirable destinations for Indian students to study abroad in Australia due to its high-quality education, extensive range of programs to choose from, and access to post-study work opportunities. Universities in Australia are known for their research excellence, particularly in the areas of arts and humanities, education, and sciences. 

The country has become a popular choice for students from India due to its globally credited qualifications, the right of overseas students, cultural diversity, and government financial aid. Additionally, its thriving economy and job prospects make it an attractive option, and a degree from an Australian university is respected around the world. Plus, the country's climate and outdoor lifestyle are additional benefits. Australian universities provide a broad selection of courses at more affordable tuition fees than the UK and the US, and students who graduate can take advantage of a post-study work permit for up to four years.

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Highlights:

What is Student Visa Subclass 500?

The student visa (subclass 500) permits you to stay in Australia for up to five years in order to attend a full-time course of study at an educational institution that is in accordance with your enrollment.

• This visa allows you to:
• Participate in an authorized academic program
• Have your family members (your spouse and any dependent children of you and your partner) included in the application
• Apply for the visa online, regardless of your location
• Work up to 40 hours every two-week period once your course has started. * Additionally, the work hour cap for students with this visa will be raised to 48 hours per fortnight beginning on July 1, 2023.

Applying for this particular visa can be quite perplexing, so if you wish to increase your probability of obtaining a successful application, click on the link below to organize a free discussion with one of our multilingual representatives.

Subclass 500 Visa Eligibility 

Check out the eligibility criteria for the student Visa 500 below:

• Must be 6 years or older
• Submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS
• Proof of English language skills
• Must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider for the length of your stay.
• While you're in Australia, you must have adequate welfare arrangements in place if you're under 18 years old.

Steps for Subclass 500 Visa

In order to apply for the Subclass 500 Visa, the following steps must be taken: 

Step 1: Apply to your desired study program in Australia  

If you wish to study in Australia, you must enrol in a school. Having a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a must-have in order to begin the visa application procedure. Without it, your visa application will not be approved.         
 

Step 2: Create an account  

Afterward, you must set up a profile with the Australian Immigration Department. To do this, you should fill out the form at https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register and accept their terms and conditions.

Step 3: Ensure you have all of the necessary documents  

In order to submit an application for an Australian Student Visa, you will need a selection of documents. The following are the most typical documents required: 

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution you are studying 
2. Details of your health insurance
3. Valid passport; your birth certificate
4. A document that demonstrates your financial stability (e.g., a bank statement)
5. English language proficiency test results
6. Character reference to prove you have a clean criminal record
7. Any documents that display your prior work experience (if applicable). 

Ensure that all of these documents are provided in digital format. Please note that you may be asked to submit additional documents as part of the Australian Student Visa application process.

Step 4: Apply online for Visa  

Now it’s time to raise your visa application. The visa should be applied for at least 124 days before the course starts.  Fill out the application form with the required details and submit it. You can also save the application and submit it later if you want.

Step 5: Obtain a TRN number after payment  

Upon finishing the application, you have to make the payment with your credit card. Upon successful payment, you will acquire a Transaction Reference Number, which can be used to verify the payment and monitor the progress of your application.

Step 6:  Undergo the necessary health checkup and interview  

As part of the visa procedure, it may be necessary for you to go through a medical exam or a visa interview. Act in accordance with this requirement in order to progress.

Step 7: Get ready to travel         

After your request to go to Australia is granted, you can visit the country. Be sure to adhere to all of the regulations specified in your visa to guarantee that it is still valid.

Subclass 500 Visa Processing Time 

Generally, it will take somewhere between 6 and 11 weeks for the 500-visa application to be processed. It's important that you begin your visa application as soon as possible because it may take several weeks to receive a decision.

To improve your chances of having your visa approved in time, you should apply at least three months before your departure date.

Extension of subclass 500 visa

1. University enrolment is open for your chosen study program.
2. Your family members are allowed to join you on your trip to Australia.
3. Individuals who are relying on the main applicant can request a dependent visa to gain approval to accompany them while traveling.
4. Requiring visas that are uncomplicated and organized for all learners
5. You can submit your application either domestically or abroad through a website.

Things to consider before submitting an application

• In order to pursue a course of study in Australia, enrollment is necessary. 
• An Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be maintained throughout the program. 
• The minimum age required is 6 years old or above.
• A welfare program put in place by Australia that applies to people under the age of 18.

Documentation Required to Apply for an Australian Student Visa

When getting ready to go to Australia to study, the standard requirements for a student visa involve the following:

1. eCOE that confirms your enrolment
2. A passport that is valid
3. Payment for the visa application
4. GTE statement that is genuine
5. Academic and work-related documents
6. Results from IELTS , or other English proficiency tests, as evidence of your language ability
7. Financial proof (tuition fees, living expenses, and the cost of dependents, as well as return airfare)
8. Passport-sized photos

If you are a minor, you will need to furnish extra paperwork, Sector including parental approval.

Submitting a request for a visa electronically

In order to finalize and submit your student visa application, you must create an account with the Department of Home Affairs' online program, ImmiAccount. Through this account, you can also monitor the status of your visa once you have submitted it. It is suggested to submit your application within a 6-week window before your course starts but no earlier than 12 weeks.

Australia Student Visa Cost

International students need to pay the required visa fees depending on which category they fall into.

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Requirements

The importance of possessing an adequate level of English language proficiency is paramount. This requirement is necessary for students to be able to fully understand and participate in courses taught in English.

To get your Australian student visa, you'll need to provide evidence of your command of the English language. This is typically accomplished by successfully taking a recognized English language test to demonstrate your ability to communicate and write.

The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a hugely popular English language proficiency test utilized for study, work, and migration purposes. In the last year alone, over three million tests have taken place. The results of the IELTS are accepted by a wide range of entities, such as educational institutions, employers, professional associations, and governments, in 140 countries globally.

In order to gain entry to the more prestigious universities, a higher IELTS score than the required minimum of 5.5 is often necessary. Depending on the course of study, the IELTS requirement can even vary: Business, IT, and Engineering usually require 6.5, while the likes of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Teaching may need 7.0 or more. 

Ensuring Your Visa is Still Legitimate

Ensuring the ongoing efficacy of your visa

After you are granted a visa, it is important to take steps to ensure it will continue to be valid. This includes:

1. Keep up with satisfactory course progress and regular attendance at your university or college
2. Make sure to inform your institution of your Australian mailing address and any changes to it
3. Make sure you have enough money to pay for your stay in Australia
4. Abide by the working conditions that are related to your visa

After Graduation Work Visa for Students in Australia    

Students who have successfully accomplished a baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree may be qualified for the Post-Study Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa on the conclusion of their course of study in Australia. 

This Graduate Work Stream is open to foreign students who have earned an appropriate qualification and possess abilities and qualifications that relate to an occupation included in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This particular visa is valid for a period of 18 months starting from the date of issuance.

Work Visa for Students in Australia 

International students who have completed their studies in Australia can take advantage of the post-study work visa. This visa allows them to stay and work in the country or search for employment opportunities. The length of the stay depends on their qualifications and region of study and can range from 18 months to 6 years. Additionally, there are three types of post-study work visa options available.

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The Post-Study Work Stream is a widely used visa for international students who have attained an eligible qualification from an Australian educational institution. It doesn't matter what field of study they pursued. The visa has to be applied within six months of completing the course. Based on the qualification, the duration of stay can range between two to four years.

To be eligible for this program, you must have a bachelor's degree or higher and be enrolled in a registered course for at least two academic years, which should not be less than 16 calendar months. Your stay should be between 2 to 4 years, and you must be under 50 years of age to qualify.

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) 

The Graduate Work Stream is a visa option available for international students who have completed a course that equips them with the necessary skills and qualifications for an occupation listed in the skilled occupation list. Typically, these skills and qualifications are closely related to occupations in high demand in the Australian labor market for the medium to long term. The visa allows students to stay in the country for up to 18 months and must be applied for within six months of completing the course.

To work in occupations listed in the skilled occupation list, one must possess the necessary skills and qualifications. The stay duration is limited to a maximum of 18 months, and individuals must be under the age of 50 to qualify.

Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) 

The Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) is intended for international students who have completed their engineering studies at a designated educational institution within the past two years. The visa allows a stay of up to 18 months.

Individuals who possess engineering qualifications from a particular educational institution within the past two years are eligible to stay for up to 18 months, provided they are under 31 years of age.

Cost to Study in Australia

In Australian universities, Arts, Education, and Humanities courses are cheaper, while subjects like Engineering and Medicine are expensive. Studies at the Post Graduate level have higher tuition fees.

Australian Student Visa New Rules 

Australia has recently revised its regulations for students holding visas, which includes limiting the working hours for foreign students from 40 to 48 hours. These new guidelines are set to take effect from July 1. Additionally, the ministry has declared that they will be extending the post-study stay for visa holders. Until June 30, the current arrangement will remain in place, enabling students to support themselves financially while still devoting adequate time to their studies.

The Australian government has declared that international students will now have an additional two years of post-study work rights. However, this extension will only be granted to students who are pursuing select degrees or courses that are experiencing a shortage of skills.

Conclusion

Australia is an excellent place to receive any kind of education and then stay to work in the country. It is renowned for its welcoming attitude towards international scholars, and the student visa application process is said to be much simpler than that of other countries. 

The Edmissions team is here to provide you with help throughout the college application process. Before you submit your application to your desired college or university, it is recommended that you get in touch with an overseas education consultant by registering on the website edmissions.com .

 To learn more about application processing, contact our Edmissions specialists at [email protected]               

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