Student Immigration — Australia
Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Australia is one of the top destinations for international students, with a structured visa pathway that can lead to post-graduation work rights and permanent residency.
Student Visa (Subclass 500):
- Application fee: Approximately $710 for the primary applicant.
- Requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at a CRICOS-registered institution, evidence of sufficient funds (at least $24,505 per year for living costs, plus tuition), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and passing the Genuine Student test.
- Work rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, unlimited during scheduled course breaks. No work limit for masters by research and doctoral students.
- Processing time: Typically 1 to 4 weeks for straightforward applications from low-risk countries.
Post-Study Work — Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
- Graduate Work stream: For graduates with a qualification linked to an occupation on the MLTSSL. Validity: 18 months.
- Post-Study Work stream: For graduates of a bachelor's degree (2 years), master's degree (3 years), or doctoral degree (4 years) from an Australian institution. Application fee is approximately $1,895.
- Regional bonus: Graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia may receive an extra 1 to 2 years on their 485 visa.
The subclass 485 visa provides a bridge to permanent residency by allowing you to gain Australian work experience, which earns additional points on SkillSelect.
When does it apply?
- You have been accepted into a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered institution and have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment.
- You can demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
- You meet the English language requirements for your course level.
- You pass the Genuine Student test — demonstrating that your primary purpose is to study.
- For the subclass 485, you have completed an eligible qualification at an Australian institution within the last 6 months.
What to Do If You Want to Study in Australia and Stay After Graduation
- Apply online through ImmiAccount and ensure you have your CoE, OSHC policy, financial evidence, and English test results ready before starting.
- Purchase OSHC before applying — your health cover must span the entire duration of your visa. Major providers include Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, and nib.
- Track your work hours carefully during term time — exceeding 48 hours per fortnight is a visa breach that can lead to cancellation.
- Maintain satisfactory course progress — your institution must report you to the Department if you fail to meet attendance or academic requirements under the ESOS Act.
- Apply for the subclass 485 before your student visa expires — you will receive a Bridging Visa A that lets you stay and work while the application is processed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't let your OSHC lapse — gaps in health cover can result in visa cancellation.
- Don't drop below a full-time study load without written approval from your institution.
- Don't change education providers in the first 6 months without a release letter from your current institution — this is a visa condition.
- Don't rely on the subclass 485 without planning ahead — check that your qualification and occupation meet the eligibility requirements before enrolling.
- Don't overstay your student visa — apply for the 485 or another visa before your current visa expires.
About Immigration Pathways in Australia
If you want to move to Australia, the Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994 set the rules, with over 100 visa subclasses run by the Department of Home Affairs. Most skilled visas use SkillSelect, ranking you on points for age, English, work experience, and qualifications. Your occupation must appear on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL. After permanent residency, citizenship runs through the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, and Australia allows dual citizenship.
Common Questions
What is the student immigration right in Australia?
Australia is one of the top destinations for international students, with a structured visa pathway that can lead to post-graduation work rights and permanent residency.Student Visa (Subclass 500):Application fee: Approximately $710 for the primary applicant.Requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at a CRICOS-registered institution, evidence of sufficient funds (at least $24,505 per year for living costs, plus tuition), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and passing the Genuine Student test.Work rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, unlimited during scheduled course b...
When does student immigration apply?
You have been accepted into a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered institution and have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment.You can demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.You meet the English language requirements for your course level.You pass the Genuine Student test — demonstrating that your primary purpose is to study.For the subclass 485, you have completed an eligible qualification at an Australian institution within the last 6 months.
What should I do if I want to study in Australia and then work here after finishing my degree?
Apply online through ImmiAccount and ensure you have your CoE, OSHC policy, financial evidence, and English test results ready before starting.Purchase OSHC before applying — your health cover must span the entire duration of your visa. Major providers include Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, and nib.Track your work hours carefully during term time — exceeding 48 hours per fortnight is a visa breach that can lead to cancellation.Maintain satisfactory course progress — your institution must report you to the Department if you fail to meet attendance or academic requirements under the ESOS Act.Apply for...
What mistakes should I avoid with student immigration?
Don't let your OSHC lapse — gaps in health cover can result in visa cancellation.Don't drop below a full-time study load without written approval from your institution.Don't change education providers in the first 6 months without a release letter from your current institution — this is a visa condition.Don't rely on the subclass 485 without planning ahead — check that your qualification and occupation meet the eligibility requirements before enrolling.Don't overstay your student visa — apply for the 485 or another visa before your current visa expires.