Full-Time Study Rights
Live and study full-time at a CRICOS registered Australian institution for the duration of your course, with extension options where eligible.
Education Pathways
Student Visas.
Secure your Subclass 500 Student Visa with expert guidance on the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Our MARA-registered agents specialise in English proficiency standards, financial capacity audits and strategic post-study pathways for international students and their families.
500 / 590 student pathways
48hrs work rights per fortnight
MARA Agent #1688088
Why apply for a student visa
The official route into Australian education.
The Subclass 500 is the primary pathway for international students to study full-time at a registered Australian institution, with genuine work rights and a credible bridge to post-study and skilled pathways.
48 Hours Work Per Fortnight
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, with unrestricted full-time work rights during scheduled course breaks.
Guardian Inclusion (590)
Students under 18 can be accompanied by an eligible guardian on a Subclass 590 visa, aligned to the student's visa duration.
Multiple Entry Travel
Student visa holders generally hold multiple entry permission, allowing travel in and out of Australia for the duration of the visa.
Pathway To Post-Study Work
Completing an eligible Australian qualification opens the door to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa and onward skilled pathways.
Strategic GS Preparation
A well-prepared Genuine Student statement strengthens your case under the criteria that replaced the former GTE requirement in 2024.
2026 intake season
Start your Australian study journey with a GS-ready application.
Success on a Subclass 500 visa now hinges on a robust Genuine Student statement. We help you build a technical, evidence-backed case that proves your academic intent and your ties to home before you lodge.
Eligibility essentials
Six benchmarks every student applicant must clear.
A successful student visa application requires strict adherence to legislative benchmarks. We check each of these pillars against your enrolment, finances and documentation before lodgement.
CRICOS Enrolment
Evidence of a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered provider, matching your intended study duration and AQF level.
English Proficiency
Meeting minimum score benchmarks for IELTS, PTE or an equivalent recognised test - generally IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent for most degrees.
Genuine Student Statement
A comprehensive statement outlining your academic intent and career relevancy, which replaced the GTE test in 2024.
Financial Capacity
Proof of sufficient funds for course fees, travel and living expenses, verified through savings, income or sponsor support.
Health Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover, or equivalent, must be active through an approved Australian insurer for the entire visa duration.
Character & Health
Police clearances and medical examinations where required, mandatory to ensure public safety and visa integrity.
Strategic roadmap
The student visa journey, step by step.
A technically rigorous approach designed to ensure every student visa application is decision-ready from the moment of lodgement.
Course & Institution Selection
Strategic identification of your course and institution, resulting in a valid Confirmation of Enrolment.
Genuine Student Statement
Drafting a technically sound GS statement that connects your academic record, course choice and career intent.
Financial Evidence
Compiling savings, income or sponsor documentation that meets the Department's current financial capacity thresholds.
Health Insurance Arranged
Confirming OSHC or equivalent cover is in place for the period covered by your application and intended stay.
English Language Evidence
Booking and sitting an accepted English test if your results are not already valid and current.
Application Submission
Lodgement of your formal visa application with the Department through the professional ImmiAccount portal.
Health & Character Checks
Completing medical examinations and police clearances as required by legislative standards.
Visa Decision & Arrival
Receipt of your visa grant notice and final briefing ahead of your arrival in Australia.
Each case is technically unique
Legislative updates may impose additional evidentiary requirements based on your country of origin and nominated course of study. We confirm the current settings that apply to your circumstances before you lodge.
Choosing your pathway
Subclass 500 & Subclass 590 at a glance.
Most applicants apply as the primary student under the Subclass 500. The Subclass 590 only applies to an eligible relative accompanying a student who is under 18 years of age.
| Feature | Subclass 500 Student | Subclass 590 Student Guardian |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | The primary international student undertaking study | An eligible relative caring for a student under 18 years of age |
| Study requirement | A valid CoE at a CRICOS registered institution | No personal study requirement - tied to the student's enrolment |
| Work rights | Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term | Generally no work rights |
| Visa duration | Aligned to course length, with extension options | Aligned to the student's visa for as long as guardianship is required |
| Typical use case | Most international students at any education level | Younger students who need a parent or relative present in Australia |
Official resources
Useful links before you start.
These official Home Affairs pages are a useful starting point for understanding the student visa framework. We help interpret the rules against your actual course, institution and visa history.
Common student visa risks
- Submitting a generic GS statement that does not connect course choice to career intent.
- Financial evidence that does not clearly meet current thresholds or sourcing requirements.
- Letting OSHC lapse between visas or course providers, breaching visa conditions.
- Underestimating English test booking timeframes ahead of an application deadline.
- Working beyond the permitted hours during study terms.
- Leaving post-study planning - including the 485 pathway - until after graduation.
FAQ
Before you lodge a student visa.
Practical answers for international students and families nearing application or course completion.
01How long does a student visa application typically take?
Processing times are subject to Departmental priorities but generally range from 4 to 12 weeks. Lodging a decision-ready application with all required documentation is the most effective way to ensure a timely grant notice.
02What are the current work rights for Subclass 500 holders?
International students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. During scheduled course breaks, students maintain unrestricted full-time work rights.
03Can I include my partner or children in my application?
Yes, immediate family members can be included as secondary applicants. They will be granted a visa for the same duration as the primary student and are usually permitted dependent work rights.
04What does the Genuine Student requirement involve?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the GTE test in 2024. It focuses on your academic record, the value of the course to your career, and your ties to your home country.
05Can a guardian come with a student under 18?
Yes. The Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa allows an eligible relative to accompany and care for a student under 18. The guardian's visa is aligned to the student's visa but generally carries no work rights.
06What financial evidence do I need for a student visa?
You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover course fees, travel and living expenses for the relevant period, supported by savings, income or sponsor documentation that meets the Department's current thresholds.
Expert student visa guidance
Start your Australian study journey today.
Our MARA-registered agents will prepare a GS-ready application and guide you from enrolment through to your visa grant notice - and your next step after graduation.
Book your Consultation
MARA Registered Agent #1688088
Intel Migration Pty Ltd
West End, Brisbane QLD
