Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Types, Method and Processing Time

Are you planning to study in Australia?

You must require an Australia student visa as a prerequisite to go ahead.

Although a huge range of visa subclasses are available based on your age group, the stay duration, and the purpose of going, the most common type of visa applied by the youths wishing to undergo higher Study in Australia is Australia Student Visa subclass 500.

The visa allows you to reside in Australia for a time duration equivalent to the duration of the course you want to pursue (which is generally five years).

The visa can be easily applied online using an application called ImmiAccount and the general fees associated with the application is 620 AUD (33,272 INR).

However, there are a few preconditions you are required to satisfy to finish your Australia Student Visa Process Successfully. Let’s have a look at the list

• You should be enrolled in your desired study program in Australia.
• You should be minimum 6 years of age.
• You should carry a welfare arrangement proof in case your age is below 18 years.

Below is given a list of alternate visa types you can opt to fly to Australia.

What is the Student Visa 500? 

The Student Visa Subclass 500 is a visa that allows international students to pursue full-time studies in Australia for a duration of up to 5 years. This visa is specifically designed for overseas students who wish to enroll in a registered course of study at an educational institution recognized by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

With this student visa subclass 500, you can:

• Eligible Course of Study: Participate in a full-time course at an endorsed Australian institution.
• Family Inclusion: Include family members in your application, such as your parent, partner, and, if you have children below 18 years old, your partner’s dependent child.
• Flexible Application: Apply online from within or outside Australia.
• Work Opportunities: Work up to 40 hours every two weeks once your course commences. 

(*Note: The work hour limit increased to 48 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2023.)

Benefits of Student Visa Subclass 500

The Student Visa Subclass 500 has multiple benefits.

• It allows international students to study full-time at qualified universities in Australia.
• Holders can work part-time throughout the school year and full-time during the summer to get practical experience.
• Access to Australia’s outstanding education system, diverse culture, and way of life enriches the educational experience.
• Visa holders are permitted to bring qualified family members. Furthermore, the visa permits for numerous entries, making it easier to travel in and out of Australia.
• It provides a post-educational pathway for skilled migration.

Overall, the Subclass 500 student visa provides an extensive chance for academic advancement, cultural immersion, and potential job opportunities in Australia.

Different Visa Types to Study in Australia

• Student Visa (subclass 500) – This allows you to undergo any study program in Australia. The general validity of the visa is up to 5 years.
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600, 601, 651) – Allows you to pursue a short-term course in Australia. The validity of the visa is a maximum of 3 months.
• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) – This allows you to pursue a short-term course in Australia. The validity is up to 4 months.
• Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) – This visa is of a temporary nature, and its duration is contingent upon the student visa holder’s period of stay and age.
• Training Visa (subclass 407) – Allows you to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia on a temporary basis for up to 2 years.

Know More: Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

English Requirement for Australia Visa Subclass 500

To qualify for the subclass 500 student visa in Australia, applicants must meet the specified English language proficiency standards. The following table outlines the minimum scores required for various English language tests, taking into account the duration of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS):

Student Visa 500 Eligibility Criteria 

International students must adhere to specific rules and regulations to be eligible for the Australian subclass 500 visa and enroll in any CRICOS-registered course while staying in Australia. 

Failure to meet the stipulated student visa subclass 500 conditions may result in foreign candidates being ineligible to enroll in a curriculum. The eligibility criteria for the Student Visa 500 include:

• The candidates must be six years of age or older.
• Be enrolled in a full-time course of study registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) that is at least six months long.
• You and your family must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider throughout your stay in Australia.
• Provide evidence of your English language proficiency.
• Pass a health and character assessment.
• Have adequate welfare arrangements in place if you are under 18 years of age.
• Have sufficient funds for support during your stay in Australia.
• Must meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.
• Have a valid passport and be outside Australia when you apply.

Subclass 500 Student Visa Fee 

The application process for the subclass 500 visa Australia involves a fee of AUD 650 per visa application*, unless exempt. It’s essential to note that the subclass 500 visa fee is set to change from July 2023, with a revised to AUD 710. Additionally, supplementary charges exist for each family member applying for this visa.

Timely submission of applications is advisable, as the process may take some time to complete. It’s essential for students to stay informed about the Australian subclass 500 visa fee updates and adhere to the latest guidelines during the application process.

Step by Step Process to Apply for Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 

Embarking on a journey to pursue higher education in Australia is an exciting endeavor, and obtaining the subclass 500 visa Australia is a crucial step toward realizing that dream. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Australia Student Visa Subclass 500.

Step 1. Choose Your Desired Study Program In Australia

Begin your journey by researching and selecting the study program that aligns with your educational and career goals. Once you’ve found the right program, submit your application and receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from the institution.

Step 2. Create your ImmiAccount

The next thing you need to do is create an account with the Australia Immigration authorities.

Register yourself on the link https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register by providing your details and agreeing to their conditions.

Step 3. Gather Required documents

The application process for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) requires a comprehensive set of documents to support your eligibility and intentions. The specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but the general categories include:

• A passport or valid travel document
• Evidence of enrollment in an eligible course of study in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or an exemption certificate
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• Visa application charge payment receipt
• Financial capacity evidence to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Australia
• Character and health assessment certificates

Make sure to prepare all the documents in the digital format.

Note: Above is a list of the most common documents you require. However, you can expect to present some more documents as a part of your Australia Student Visa Process.

 Step 4. Initiate Online Visa Application

Navigate to the ImmiAccount visa application portal and initiate the Student Visa Subclass 500 application. Carefully follow the instructions, providing accurate and complete information. Attach all required documents electronically, ensuring they are in the prescribed format and size limits.

Step 5. Process Payment And Obtain A TRN Number

Pay the subclass 500 visa fee as part of the application process. Once the payment is complete, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Keep this number safe, as it is essential for tracking your application status.

Step 6. Submit Health And Character Assessment Certificates

You must undergo a health examination to meet the Australian Student Visa Subclass 500 conditions. Upon completion, you’ll receive a health and character assessment certificate, which you’ll need to submit as part of your visa application.

Stay informed about the Australia student visa processing time for a smooth and timely application process.

Step 7. Finalize Preparations and Pack Your Bags

Once your Subclass 500 visa application has been approved, you can start preparing for your journey to Australia. Ensure you are fully aware of the student visa subclass 500 conditions and comply with them throughout your stay. 

Remember to pack all the necessary items for your studies and stay in Australia, including clothing, toiletries, and any study materials.

Note: To know more about the Australia student visa process, feel free to get in touch with our Australia Student Visa Experts.

Processing Time for the Student Visa Subclass 500?

The visa subclass 500 processing time for your visa may fluctuate depending on the sector you are applying in. However, the general processing time for the student visa subclass 500 can be seen as under

• For the higher education sector:
  75% of the applications get processed in 21 days and 90% of the applications get processed in 35 days.
• For vocational education and training sector:
  75% of applications get processed in 37 days and 90% of applications get processed in 63 days.

Our Promise

Getting your Australia Student Visa subclass 500 application approved is not an easy chore and needs an extra hand of caution. A single mistake committed in the visa application can lead to the rejection of your application. Hence, rather than going blindly, holding a reliable hand to reach your destination is always a wise decision.

Aspire Square is one of the leading names in the list of Australia Immigration Consultants located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. We have a huge team of Australia student visa experts capable of assisting you from the top to toe of your visa process and landing you to in your dreamland.

In addition to easing your Australia subclass 500 student visa process, we also provide coachings such as IELTS Coaching and PTE Coaching imperative to enhance your English proficiency skills and get a remarkable score on your scorecard.

Feel Free to Get in Touch With Our Australia Student Visa Experts for any kind of further assistance.

Thank You!