Introduction
Australia is one of the world’s leading study destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of international students each year. Its world-class universities, diverse programs, and vibrant multicultural environment make it a top choice for academic and career development.
However, before you can start your study journey in Australia, you’ll need the right student visa. Understanding which visa suits your study goals is crucial for a smooth application process.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of Australian student visas, who they’re for, what they allow, and how to choose the right one for your situation.
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500) — The Primary Student Visa
The Subclass 500 visa is the main visa for international students wishing to study in Australia.
Who can apply?
- International students enrolled in a full-time course at an Australian educational institution.
- Applicable to all levels: schools, English language programs, vocational training, higher education, and research degrees.
Key features:
- Valid for the duration of your course (plus some additional months).
- Allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods (as of 2025 regulations).
- Full-time work rights during official semester breaks.
- Family members (spouse/partner, children) can be included as dependents.
- Access to Australia’s healthcare system through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Common programs covered:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Primary and secondary school programs
Why it matters:
This is the most common visa for anyone planning to study full-time in Australia for more than three months.
2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
The Subclass 590 visa allows a parent, legal guardian, or relative to accompany an international student who is under 18 years of age.
Who can apply?
- Guardians of minor students enrolled in courses in Australia.
- In certain cases, guardians may accompany students over 18 with special needs.
Key features:
- Stay for the same duration as the student visa.
- Limited work rights (generally not allowed to work).
- Must demonstrate sufficient funds and health insurance.
- Must care for the student full-time.
Why it matters:
Provides peace of mind for parents by allowing a trusted adult to live in Australia and care for younger students
3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)
While not a traditional student visa, the Subclass 407 Training Visa allows individuals to undertake occupational training or professional development in Australia.
Who can apply?
- Applicants undertaking structured training to enhance skills for their current job or area of study.
- Individuals completing workplace-based training required for licensing or registration.
Key features:
- Valid for up to 2 years.
- Requires sponsorship by an approved Australian organisation.
- Cannot be used for academic degrees.
Why it matters:
Ideal for professionals, interns, or students needing practical on-the-job experience as part of their career development.
4. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
While technically not a student visa, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows international graduates of Australian institutions to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies.
Who can apply?
- Recent graduates with eligible qualifications from Australian institutions.
Streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: For occupations on the skills shortage list (valid for up to 18 months).
- Post-Study Work Stream: For higher education degree holders (valid for 2 to 4 years depending on qualification level and location).
Key features:
- Full work rights.
- Pathway to permanent residency for some applicants.
- Allows graduates to gain Australian work experience.
Why it matters:
Provides international graduates with valuable time to gain professional experience and explore post-study pathways.
5. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) — For Special Programs
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa may cover certain short-term educational exchanges, research, or invited participant programs.
Who can apply?
- Individuals participating in government-sponsored events, cultural exchanges, or academic research.
Key features:
- Valid for up to 2 years depending on the activity.
- Requires sponsorship or invitation.
- May cover short-term study-related projects.
Why it matters:
Useful for visiting academics, researchers, or short-term educational collaborations.
Other Considerations
Short Courses Under 3 Months
- Some short-term courses can be undertaken on a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
- You may not need a student visa for non-award or recreational courses under 3 months.
English Language Requirement
- Most student visa applications require proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.).
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
- Applicants must demonstrate they genuinely intend to study in Australia and return home after completing studies.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Mandatory for all Subclass 500 visa holders (and their dependents).
Summary Table: Australian Student Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Work Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 500 | Full-time study | Course length + buffer | 48 hrs per fortnight |
| Subclass 590 | Guardian support | Same as student | No work rights |
| Subclass 407 | Occupational training | Up to 2 years | Limited |
| Subclass 485 | Post-study work | 18 months to 4 years | Full work rights |
| Subclass 408 | Short-term activities | Up to 2 years | Limited (depends on stream) |
Conclusion
Australia offers multiple student visa pathways depending on your education level, course type, and post-study goals. The Subclass 500 Student Visa remains the primary option for most international students, but understanding the full range of visas can help you choose the best option for your study plans.
Start by identifying your course type, then explore the visa that best matches your goals.
Always consult with a registered migration agent or educational institution to ensure you meet all current requirements before applying.