In addition to choosing the school and course you want to pursue, your study abroad journey also depends on several important factors such as academic scores, application procedures, and the process of applying for an Australian student visa, particularly the Subclass 500 Visa.

So what do you know about the 500 visa when studying in Australia? What are the conditions and application procedures? How to apply for an Australia student visa (subclass 500 visa) – latest 2024 by Work Australia will provide you with the necessary information and documents required for your student visa application!

1. What Is The Australian Subclass 500 Visa?

The Australian 500 Visa (Student Visa – Subclass 500) is a student visa that allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your full-time course (up to 5 years) at an educational institution recognized by the Australian Government.

2. Benefits Of Holding A Subclass 500 Visa

When holding an Australian Student Visa – Subclass 500, international students will enjoy attractive benefits such as:

• Studying full-time at an educational institution in Australia and living there for the duration of the visa.
• As of July 1, 2023, students can work up to 48 hours/fortnight, an increase from the previous limit, to help address the labor shortage in Australia following the pandemic.
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity period.

3. Conditions For Applying For A Subclass 500 Visa

For those applying for a student visa (Subclass 500), ensure that you meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 6 years old
• Possess a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) for a full-time course at an Australian school and meet the course entry requirements.
• Maintain OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover approved for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• Meet accommodation and welfare arrangements for students under 18.
• Meet health requirements.
• Have sufficient financial capacity to cover your study costs in Australia (including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs).

4. Documents Required For Student Visa Application

• Provide qualifications verifying your study and work process in Vietnam, including high school transcripts, graduation certificates, university transcripts, and work certificates (all need to be translated into English).
• Confirmation of Enrollment (COE): a certificate confirming your enrollment in a specific course, COE will be sent to you once you have accepted the offer and paid the deposit.
• Financial proof to cover the entire study period in Australia, including a minimum annual parental income of $62,222 AUD or dependent’s income if applicable, living costs around $21,041 AUD/year, estimated tuition fees between $15,000 – $50,000 AUD/year, round-trip airfare around $2,000 AUD/year.
• English proficiency certificate (if any).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Health and police check requirements: provide a medical certificate confirming that you meet health requirements and have a clear criminal record.
• Provide legal guardian proof for students under 18.

>>Read more: Increase to the Financial Capacity Requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas

5. Visa Application Procedures

Visa processing times for each study application may vary. To apply for a 500 Visa to study in Australia, you need to complete the following basic steps:

Step 1: Determine where to apply for a visa, and the intended time to apply for a Visa 500:

• Ensure you meet health requirements and have a valid passport to apply for a student visa with a student visa.
• Students in Australia: Apply before the visa expires.
• Students in other countries: Apply for a Visa 500 at least 8 weeks before your course starts.

Step 2: Prepare documents as required

• Complete all documents, including personal transcripts, language certificates, extracurricular activity certificates, and documents listed by the Australian Government above.

Step 3: Submit your Subclass 500 visa application

• Students must apply for a visa through the online registration portal (applicable to students in Australia and international students in other countries). Complete the online 500 visa application form from your ImmiAccount. Upload scanned copies of the required documents and paperwork as instructed.

Step 4: Track the application processing progress through ImmiAccount.

• You should log in regularly to monitor and respond promptly if there are any requests from the Australian Department of Immigration.

Step 5: Receive the visa result from the Australian Department of Immigration

6. Processing Time for Australian Student Visa

Processing times can vary depending on the field you are applying for. Refer to the visa processing time check tool of the Department of Immigration here.

7. Subclass 500 Visa Application Fees

Additionally, you will need to pay for medical and biometric examinations, costing around 200 AUD.

8. English Proficiency Requirements

9. Notes And Frequently Asked Questions When Applying For 500 Visa

9.1. Notes

1. Carefully Prepare the Study Plan Letter

A detailed and complete Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement is crucial for explaining and convincing the Department of Immigration to grant you a student visa. A flawed GTE can lead to visa rejection.

1. Recognized English Certificates for Student Visas

To apply for a student visa, you need to meet the English requirements of the course. Recognized English certificates include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, and CAE (C1 Advanced).

1. Common Reasons for Student Visa Rejection

• Insufficient finances
• Poor academic performance
• Failing to meet English requirements
• Unsuccessful interview
• Poor visa history
• Incomplete or dishonest documents
• Unclear study purpose

9.2. Frequently asked questions 

What should I do if my study plan changes?

If your study plan changes, such as:

• You want to change your field of study or course
• You want to complete your program earlier
• You want to postpone your study

Your visa must meet the requirements of the Australian Department of Immigration for any changes.

Can I travel once I have a Subclass 500 Visa?

Yes. You can travel outside Australia without any restrictions on the number of trips once you have a valid visa from the Australian Government.

Can I work with an Australian Student Visa?

With the new updates from the Australian Government, from July 1, 2023, students can work up to 48 hours/fortnight, an increase from the previous limit of 40 hours/fortnight.

Can I bring my family with Subclass 500 Visa?

Students granted Visa 500 are allowed to bring family members to study with them in Australia for long-term courses. However, your family members must meet the accompanying person’s conditions under Visa 500.

Tips to Stay in Australia After Your Student Visa Expires

To stay in Australia longer, you cannot extend this visa. To continue studying in Australia, you need to apply for a new student visa. If you wish to stay in Australia longer without studying, you will need to apply for a different visa.

Can I reapply if my visa is rejected?

Yes, you can reapply depending on each case, but you need to prepare thoroughly and address the reasons for the previous rejection.

If I am studying an international program, do I need to take an English proficiency test?

It may be exempt depending on the school and course.

Can I study abroad if I have a gap year?

It depends on the length of the gap year and what you did during the gap year.

Conclusion

We hope that the article How to apply for an Australia student visa (subclass 500 visa) – latest 2024 by Work Australia will be useful for those planning to study in Australia soon.

Applying for a 500 visa to study in Australia can be complex, but with the right information and thorough preparation, you can succeed. Work Australia will support you throughout the process, ensuring your application is approved promptly so you can begin your study journey in Australia smoothly and confidently.

>>Read more: Study Abroad In Australia 2024: Conditions, Programs And Costs

>>Read more: 10+ Common Types Of Australian Visas For Vietnamese People