Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the primary visa for students who wish to study full-time in Australia at an accredited institution. With its flexibility and opportunities for work during your studies, this visa is a great starting point for anyone looking to experience Australian life.

However, for those planning a longer stay, the PR pathways provide a natural progression from student visa status to permanent residency. By understanding how to transition from a student visa to permanent residency, international students can plan their educational journey while considering the future opportunities available in Australia’s dynamic job market.

What is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study in Australia for the duration of their course. Whether you want to study at a university, vocational education and training (VET) provider, or a school, this visa offers the flexibility you need.

Key Features of the Student Visa (Subclass 500):

• Study in Australia: Attend a full-time course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
• Work Rights: Students on this visa can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
• Stay in Australia: The visa allows you to stay for the duration of your course, which typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the length of your study program.
• Dependents: If you are a student, you may bring your dependent family members with you.

Eligibility Criteria for the Student Visa (Subclass 500):

To apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), you must meet the following criteria:

• Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course: You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution before applying.
• Proof of sufficient funds: You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Australia.
• English language proficiency: Depending on your course, you may need to provide proof of your English language skills (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.).
• Health and character requirements: You must meet health and character assessments, including medical exams and police clearance.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: You must show that you intend to stay temporarily in Australia for study purposes and return to your home country afterward.

Benefits of the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student Visa offers a wide range of benefits to international students planning to study in Australia:

1. Access to Australia’s World-Class Education System: Australia is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and educational institutions. The Student Visa allows you to gain a high-quality education recognized globally.
2. Work While You Study: With the ability to work part-time (up to 40 hours per fortnight), international students can support themselves financially and gain valuable work experience in Australia.
3. Post-Study Work Rights: After completing your course, you may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to work full-time for a period of 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualification.
4. Bring Family Members: If eligible, you can bring your partner and dependent children with you to Australia while you study. This provides a supportive environment for students with families.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): One of the most compelling reasons to apply for the Student Visa is the opportunity to transition to permanent residency. The skills you gain during your studies can help you qualify for various PR pathways.

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) offers an excellent opportunity to study in Australia, with the added benefit of work rights, cultural experiences, and a pathway to permanent residency. As an international student, you can take advantage of the various visa options available post-graduation, including the Subclass 189, 190, 485, and 491 visas, to transition smoothly to permanent residency.

By understanding the visa requirements and strategically planning your study and work experiences, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining permanent residency in Australia.

The financial capacity requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas has increased for all applications lodged on or after 10 May 2024.

Students will now need to demonstrate they have access to $29,710 for living expenses.

The below table outlines the funds you need to show to meet the minimum financial capacity requirement.

Minimum required funds to meet financial capacity requirements