Australia Student Visa: Subclass 500 Visa

Apart from choosing a university and course, your study abroad journey relies on various important steps like timely completion of the application process, good scores in competitive exams, acceptance letters from the university, etc. Obtaining a study Visa is one such step. When it comes to studying in Australia, you need to apply for a SUBCLASS 500 visa or what is also referred to as the Australia Student Visa. To give you a comprehensive overview, here is a blog that will shed light on the eligibility, application process, important documents, etc. for obtaining an Australian student visa!

Learn All About the Upcoming November Intake in Australia!

Australia Student Visa Updates 2023

The Australian government has announced restrictions on the number of working hours for Subclass 500 visa holders. Starting 01 July 2023, no Australian student visa holders will be allowed to work more than 48 hours a fortnight while studying in an Australian university. However, there will be no work restrictions when the course of study or training of the student visa holders is not in session. This decision has been taken to ensure that Australian student visa holders get a quality education along with valuable work experience.

On 09 May 2023, the Australian Government also announced that Subclass 500 visa holders working in the aged care sector can continue to work unrestricted hours until 31 December 2023.

Australia Relaxes Visa Norms for International Students

What is the Australia Student Visa?

Whether you want to enrol in a long-term degree course or a short-term diploma, it is essential for international students to have an Australian student visa. Out of all the types of visas in Australia, candidates have to apply for a Subclass 500 visa in order to pursue higher education in Australia. The Australia student visa allows you to study in an eligible course in an Australian university, travel in and out of Australia and work for up to 48 hours per fortnight. This visa allows you to stay for up to 5 years in Australia, in line with your enrolment. Listed below are the types of study that are included in the visa:

• Vocational Education and Training 
• Higher Education 
• Primary and Secondary Schools 
• Postgraduate Research 
• Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students 
• Non-awards Courses 

Australia Student Visa Requirements

If you are looking forward to applying for an Australian student visa, there are certain general requisites that you need to fulfil. Failing these, you may lose your chance of pursuing higher education in the country. Let us have a look at the Australia Student Visa requirements:

• The candidates must be 6 years of age or above.  
• You must be enrolled in a course of study in a recognized institution. You will be required to state evidence for the same.  
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
• You must qualify for English Proficiency tests like IELTS etc.
• Must be able to fund your education (Financial requirements).
• Health and character requirements
• Have adequate health insurance.   
• The minimum Student Visa Australia age limit is 18 years. Candidates must state the adequacy of welfare if they are under 18 years of age (not required for applicants above 18 years of age).
• Must not hold any other type of visa.
• You must be a temporary entrant and intend to return back after completing the program. 
• Must meet the health requirements. 
• Criminal record check results

How to Apply for a Visa for Different Countries?

Australia Student Visa Application Process 

The application process for the Student Visa for Australia from India must be started at least 6 weeks before the commencement of the course. Make sure you timely apply for it as the process may take time to be completed. You may note that during the application process, you will be required to pay the Australia student visa fee which starts from AUD 710.00, unless exempt. Refer to the below-mentioned steps which will guide you through the Australia Study Visa process-

STEP 1: Visit the official website and create your account.

STEP 2: Fill up the application form corresponding to the Subclass 500.

STEP 3: Once you have filled in the details, you will be required to upload necessary documents like a copy of the passport, etc. 

STEP 4: You will receive a unique transaction number for your application through which you can check the status of your application.

Documents Required for Australia Student Visa

Enlisted are some of the important documents which have to be submitted by those who wish to secure an Australia Student Visa:

• A valid passport
• Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
• Proof of enrolment into a university or college 
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement 
• Academic and professional transcripts 
• Scorecard of your English language test
• Details of health insurance policy 
• Passport size pictures 
• Evidence stating the availability of funds for paying the tuition fee, living expenses, etc. 

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) condition, introduced in November 2011, stipulates that a visa application should be in a position to establish a real intention of residing temporarily for study or to attend a dependent student (i.e. a spouse or kid) or a guardian in Australia. The following elements will be considered by decision-makers in the Department of Home Affairs:

• Circumstances in your nation of origin.
• For you in Australia, potential scenarios.
• Value for the future of your selected course.
• Your history of immigration.

You may be requested to attend an interview at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to establish if you fit the GTE criteria. Some candidates will just be required to complete a visa application form.

Sample SOP for Australian Student Visa

Australia Student Visa Fees

The cost of the Student visa 500 for the primary applicant is around AUD$620. Each family member who applies for a visa will be charged. As an international student, you must pay the Student Visa Australia cost according to the categories listed below:

Visa Subclass	Base Application Charge	Additional Applicant Charges if 18 Years or Above	Additional Applicant Charges if Less than 18 Years	The Subsequent Temporary Application Charge
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	AUD $630 (INR 34,311)	AUD $460 (INR 25,052)	AUD $150 (INR 8,169)	AUD $700 (INR 38,123)
Student Visa (Subclass 500) (Subsequent Entrant)	AUD $620 (INR 33,766)	AUD $460 (INR 25,052)	AUD $150 (INR 8,169)	AUD $700 (INR 38,123)
Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Postgraduate Research Sector	AUD $620 (INR 33,766)	nil	nil	nil

Australia Student Processing Time 

Processing timeframes can vary depending on the industry you’re applying for, and they can range from:

• 75% of applications in 29 days; 90% of applications in 42 days for the Higher Education Sector.
• 75% of applications in 43 days; 90% of applications in 77 days for the Vocational Education and Training Sector.

Validity of Australia Student Visa

Once the applicants obtain the Australian Student Visa, they will be able to move in and out of the country. This is a temporary visa and the candidates will be allowed to stay in the country for around 5 years. Moreover, the actual duration will depend on the chosen program. Furthermore, the visa holders will be allowed to work for 40 hours every 2-week period once the course starts.

Scope of your Subclass 500 visa

• You can enrol in the university and study programme of your choice
• Family members may go with you to Australia.
• Dependents may apply for a dependent visa to join the primary applicant on a trip.
• The visa process is straightforward and uniform for all students.
• Through an online gateway, you can apply from within or outside of Australia.

Basic Checks Before You Apply For an Australia Student Visa

• In Australia, you should be registered in your selected academic programme.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for the duration of your programme.
• You must be at least 6 years old to participate.
• Evidence of a welfare agreement made in Australia (if you are under the age of 18)

Working Rights on Australia Student Visa

The student Visa 500 enables you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Once the training begins, you will be able to begin your part-time employment. International students enrolled in ACT public schools, on the other hand, are permitted to work a maximum of 10 hours per week throughout the academic school year.

Working After Graduation in Australia 

Australia continues to have a high need for international employees, and students who have completed a degree in Australia are eligible for a special work visa. There are numerous additional visa categories available to overseas students, and Australia offers a relatively simple points-based system for obtaining permanent residency. If you plan to stay and work in the United States after graduation, you must apply for and receive a work visa. Here are a handful of the visa types that are available in Australia.

Visa Type	Description
485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa	This visa is the most popular option for overseas students after they graduate. You can stay in Australia for 18 months to acquire work experience with a 485 visa if you have recently finished at least two years of education in Australia. The students can work in the country for two to four years to gain international work experience.
402 Training and Research Visa	Another alternative for overseas students is the 442 visa, which allows students to enhance their job skills while being sponsored by an employer for up to two years.
487 Regional Sponsored Visa	This allows the candidate to work for three years in a specialist regional area and provides a road to permanent immigration.
887 Skilled Regional Residence Visa	The 887 visa grants permanent residency, allowing the candidates to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Candidates must have resided in Australia for at least two years, had a year of work experience, and have a sufficient number of points.
885 Skilled Independent Residence Visa	The 885 visa enables you to live and work as a permanent resident without being sponsored.
886 Skilled Sponsor Resident Visa	The 886 visa permits an international student to seek permanent residency and work in Australia while being sponsored by an employer.

Note: Spouses are generally granted the same privileges as the spouse who is already in Australia. As a result, if the spouse in Australia has the right to work, so will the spouse who arrives to join him or her. It should be noted, however, that only work permit holders are eligible to apply for dependent visas.

Why Study in Australia?

Popular Intakes in Australia

Candidates who are interested in studying in Australia can choose between the two major intakes provided by Australian universities in February and July. The February intake is the key intake for Australian universities because most programs are offered in this intake and the majority of overseas students apply during this period. Other intakes, such as September and November, allow students to choose and opt for vocational courses.

Intake	Applications Begin
February intake	October-November
July intake	April-May
Other intakes for VET Courses	September & November

Cost of Studying and Living in Australia

Being regularly regarded as one of the safest study abroad destinations in the world, it becomes an ideal choice for any international student to choose Australia for their higher education.  Furthermore, the students must be well aware of the current cost of living and the cost of study in Australia before opting for an Australian student visa. Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying in Australia.

Categories	Average Tuition Fees in AUD$ (for 1st year)	Average Tuition Fees in INR (for 1st year)
Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree	$20,000 to $45,000	Rs 9,70,000 – Rs 21,89,000
Postgraduate Master’s Degree	$20,000 to $55,000	Rs 9,72,500 – Rs 26,70,000
Vocational Training	$4,000 to $22,000	Rs 2,00,000 – Rs 10,70,000
Hostels/Guest House	$90-$150	Rs 4,000 – Rs 7,000
Shared Apartments	$95-$220	Rs 4,600 – Rs 11,000
Other Living Expenses	$270-$540	Rs 13,000 – Rs 26,000

Top Universities in Australia (BONUS)

Universities	Global Ranking [QS 2023 Rankings]
Australian National University	30
The University of Melbourne	33
The University of Sydney	41
University of New South Wales	45
The University of Queensland	=50
Monash University	57
The University of Western Australia	90
The University of Adelaide	109
University of Technology Sydney	137
The University of Newcastle	192
University of Wollongong	=185
Queensland University of Technology	=222
Curtin University	193
Macquarie University	=195
RMIT University	=190
Deakin University	=266
University of South Australia	=363
University of Tasmania	=293
Griffith University	=290
James Cook University	=461

FAQs

Hopefully, this blog on Australia student visa has helped you gain an overview of the application process. A Visa application is a tedious task that also requires expert guidance. Get in touch with the Leverage Edu experts who will provide assistance in completing the visa process without any hassles!