Study Spectra

Study in Australia: subclass 500, CoE and genuine student

How the Australian student visa works: registered providers, CoE, OSHC, the genuine student requirement, funds and the Temporary Graduate visa. The page explains the student visa steps, requirements, intakes and post-study options, and links to the official sources.

The subclass 500 visa requires an enrolment at a registered provider, health cover for the stay and evidence that you are a genuine student with enough money. Policy settings for international students have changed often, so use the Home Affairs pages as the source of truth.

Student visa: Student visa (subclass 500). Who decides: Department of Home Affairs.

Often a good fit for: Students who want a practical course path, including vocational and degree options, and who can clearly explain why they chose the course and provider.

Why students consider Australia

Courses across universities and vocational providers, with strong options in nursing, engineering, IT and hospitality.
Student visa holders may work during study within limits set by the government.
A published graduate visa, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), for eligible graduates.

Student visa steps

Choose a course at a provider registered for international students and apply for admission.
Accept the offer, pay the required deposit and receive the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the stay.
Prepare the genuine student statement, financial evidence, English evidence and identity documents, then apply online.
Complete health checks and biometrics if requested, wait for the decision and travel only once the visa is granted.

What you will usually need

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered provider.
Overseas Student Health Cover for the visa period.
Evidence that you are a genuine student, covering your study plan and circumstances.
Evidence of funds as set out by Home Affairs for tuition, living costs and travel.
English language evidence where required.
Character and health requirements.

Funds and costs

The visa application charge and the living-cost figure are set by the government and have changed in recent years. Tuition varies widely by provider and course. Use the Home Affairs pages for the current visa charge and funds requirement.

Language and tests

Providers and the visa accept a range of tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic, with minimums that depend on the course and provider.

Intakes and timing

The main intakes are February or March and July, with some providers adding more. Plan your application several months ahead.

After your studies

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Eligibility depends on the qualification, the visa stream and age limits, and settings have changed, so read the current requirements.

Common things that go wrong

The genuine student statement should be specific and in your own words.
Check that the provider and the course are registered for international students.
Work rights and post-study options depend on current rules, not on older websites.

Official sources

Information only. It is not legal or immigration advice and it does not guarantee admission or a visa. Confirm every requirement on the official source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the genuine student requirement?

It is the test Home Affairs uses to decide whether you intend to study and follow your visa conditions. You answer questions about your circumstances, your course choice and your plans.

Do I need health cover?

Yes. Students are generally required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the student visa.

Can I switch provider after arriving?

There are rules about changing provider and course, especially in the first period of study. Read the current conditions on the Home Affairs website before you decide.