Eligibility Criteria for Australia’s Subclass 500 Student Visa

Introduction

Studying in Australia adds global recognition and quality education to your academic credentials. Before you can embark on this journey, you must secure a Subclass 500 Student Visa. This visa allows you to enroll in a full-time CRICOS-registered course at an Australian institution. To ensure your application is approved smoothly, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements: from demonstrating genuine intent to providing proof of finances and health checks. In this blog post, we’ll walk through each criterion step by step, helping you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of success.

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

1.1 Enroll in a CRICOS-Registered Course

The very first requirement is to have an unconditional offer of enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course. CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) lists all Australian institutions and programs that are authorized to teach international students.

1. Accept your offer
   Once you receive the offer letter from your chosen school, college, or university, accept it and pay any required deposit or tuition fee.
2. Receive your CoE
   After you settle the deposit, the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This document proves you have secured a place in a qualifying full-time course.

Tip: If you plan to enroll in a packaged pathway (for example, English language course → foundation year → bachelor’s degree), you’ll receive a CoE at each stage once you meet progression requirements.

2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

2.1 Show You’re a Genuine Student

The GTE criterion is designed to ensure that you genuinely intend to study in Australia on a temporary basis and return home after graduating.

• Factors the Department Considers
  • Your circumstances in your home country: Do you have strong family, economic, or career incentives to return?
  • Potential circumstances in Australia: Do you have relatives or previous immigration history here?
  • Value of the chosen course: How will this specific course benefit your future career?
  • Immigration history: Have you ever applied for other Australian visas? Any refusals or cancellations?
• Evidence to Strengthen Your GTE Statement
  1. Personal Statement: Write a clear, concise letter explaining your study goals, why you chose Australia, and how you plan to use your qualification back home.
  2. Ties to Home Country: Submit documents showing strong family connections—marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents—or evidence of job offers or property ownership.
  3. Career Progression: Provide letters from employers or academic referees that highlight how this Australian qualification aligns with your long-term plans.

Tip: Be honest and thorough. A well-structured GTE statement can make all the difference.

3. Financial Capacity

3.1 Prove You Can Support Yourself

You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover:

1. Tuition Fees – At least for the first year of your course (or the full tuition if the course is shorter than 12 months).
2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – Insurance for medical and hospitalization costs for you (and any dependents) during your stay.
3. Living Costs – The Department of Home Affairs sets a minimum annual living cost for students and any accompanying family members.
4. Return Airfare – Proof that you can purchase a ticket home when your course ends

3.1.1 Minimum Living Cost Requirements (per year)

• Student: AUD 24,505
• Partner or Spouse: AUD 7,362
• Child: AUD 3,152
• School-aged Dependent: AUD 8,296

3.2 Acceptable Evidence

• Bank Statements or Term Deposits (maintained at a consistent balance over at least three months).
• Loan Documents – Proof of an education loan from a financial institution.
• Sponsor Letters – If your parents, spouse, or an organization sponsors you, include their bank statements, employment letters, and a signed sponsorship declaration.
• OSHC Receipt – Purchase OSHC through an approved provider (e.g., Bupa, Medibank, Allianz) and include the policy certificate or invoice.
• Scholarship Letters – If you hold an official scholarship, submit the award letter confirming your coverage.

Tip: Organize your financial documents clearly to avoid any requests for further evidence.

4. English Language Proficiency

4.1 Meet the Minimum English Score

Depending on your course level and country of origin, you must prove English proficiency. Common accepted tests include:

• IELTS Academic
  • Undergraduate courses: Overall band 5.5 (no band less than 5.0)
  • Postgraduate courses: Overall band 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT
  • Scores vary by course, but typically a total of 46–59
• PTE Academic
  • Scores generally in the range of 42–50
• Cambridge C1 Advanced
  • Minimum overall score of 154

4.2 Exemptions

• Prior Education in English
  If you’ve completed at least five years of full-time study in an English-speaking country (Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa), you may be exempt from testing.
• Citizens of Exempt Countries
  Check the Home Affairs list. Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, USA) may not need to provide a test score.
• Professional Qualifications
  In some cases, recognized professional registrations or qualifications waive the requirement.

Tip: Double-check your institution’s specific English requirement, as some courses set higher minimum scores.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

5.1 Purchase and Maintain OSHC

Before your visa is granted, you must buy OSHC for the entire duration of your stay (plus an extra 31 days). OSHC covers:

• Hospital Services
• Medical Treatment
• Pharmaceuticals (Prescription Medicines)

5.1.1 Approved Providers

Choose from government-approved insurers such as:

• Bupa Australia
• Medibank Private
• Allianz Global Assistance
• AHM Insurance

5.2 Provide Proof with Your Application

Include the policy certificate or invoice—showing your name, visa start and end dates, and coverage details.

Tip: If your course extends or you change visa dates, update your OSHC policy immediately.

6. Health and Character Requirements

6.1 Health Checks

• Panel Physician Examination
  You might need a medical exam or chest X-ray from a Home Affairs-approved panel doctor. Requirements depend on:
  • Your home country’s health risk profile
  • Duration of intended stay
  • History of certain medical conditions
• Vaccination Proof
  You may be asked to show evidence of vaccinations—such as measles, mumps, rubella, or diphtheria—based on Australian health guidelines.

6.2 Character Checks

• Police Clearance Certificate(s)
  Provide clean police certificates from every country where you’ve lived 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
• Good Character Requirement
  You must declare any criminal convictions or charges. Even relatively minor offenses can require explanation and additional evidence.

Tip: If you have a complex history, address it upfront with honest documentation to avoid refusal.

7. Overseas Student Guardian (For Applicants Under 18)

7.1 Appoint a Suitable Guardian

If you’re under 18 at the time of application, you must nominate a guardian in Australia to look after your welfare.

• Parent or Relative
  Must be over 21 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Registered School Guardian
  A guardian arranged by your school (must be approved by Home Affairs).
• Homestay Provider
  If you’re staying in an approved homestay, the host family can act as your guardian.

7.2 Submit Supporting Documents

• Parental Consent
  Written consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
• Guardian Form (Form 1229)
  The guardian completes and signs this form, confirming eligibility and willingness to assume responsibility.

Tip: If your guardian’s circumstances change (move, lose status), notify both your school and the Department of Home Affairs immediately.

8. Genuine Student Obligations (GSO)

8.1 Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

• Study Load
  You must be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS course and maintain satisfactory attendance (usually at least 80% of classes) and academic progress.

8.2 Comply with Visa Conditions

• Work Limits
  You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
• Address Notification
  Inform both your institution and the Department of Home Affairs—within 7 days—of any change in your residential address.
• OSHC Maintenance
  Keep your health cover active at all times.
• Course Transfer Rules
  Do not transfer to another course or provider without a formal release from your current institution (unless the original provider refused to offer the course).

Tip: Familiarize yourself with all visa conditions. Breaching GSO terms can lead to cancellation.

9. Package Courses and Progression Requirements

9.1 Sequential Enrollments

If you’re taking a packaged pathway (for example, English language training → diploma → degree), you must meet progression criteria at each stage:

1. Satisfy English Proficiency or Academic Requirements
   As specified by the next institution.
2. Receive a New CoE
   Each time you progress from one level to the next, a fresh CoE must be issued.
3. Demonstrate Continued GTE and Academic Progress
   To maintain your visa, you must show satisfactory completion of the preceding course.

Tip: Plan your pathway carefully, as gaps or failures can affect your visa validity.

10. Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

1. Create an ImmiAccount and Start Your Application
   Complete Form 157A (Application for a Student Visa) online.
2. Upload Supporting Documents
   • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
   • GTE Statement (Personal Statement)
   • Financial Evidence (bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship details)
   • English Proficiency Test Results (if required)
   • OSHC Certificate
   • Health Examination and Vaccination Evidence (if requested)
   • Police Clearance Certificate(s)
   • Passport Biodata Page and Previous Australian Visas
   • Guardian Form (if under 18)
3. Pay the Visa Application Charge
   • Current fee: AUD 700 (plus additional charges for each dependent).
   • Payment is made electronically via your ImmiAccount.
4. Attend Medical and Biometrics Appointments
   • If requested, schedule a health examination with a panel physician and provide fingerprints/photo (biometrics).
5. Await Decision
   • Processing times typically range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your country of application.
   • The Department may request further information or an interview.
6. Receive Visa Grant Notification
   • You’ll get a visa grant letter detailing your visa conditions, validity period, and any specific obligations.
   • Check your grant number and ensure you arrive before your course commencement date.

Tip: Keep copies of all documents and correspondence in one folder; stay proactive if additional evidence is requested.

Conclusion

Securing a Subclass 500 Student Visa involves meeting a series of specific criteria: obtaining a Confirmation of Enrolment, demonstrating genuine temporary intent, proving financial capacity, satisfying English language requirements, and passing health and character checks. If you’re under 18, you’ll also need a suitable guardian arrangement. Once granted, you must comply with visa obligations—maintaining full-time enrollment, staying within work limits, and keeping your OSHC current. By thoroughly preparing each document and understanding the process, you can streamline your application and focus on the exciting opportunity of studying in Australia. Good luck with your application!