Student visa guide
A comprehensive guide to student visas, including the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement and post-study options.
Overview
What this guide covers
The Student visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time with a registered provider in Australia.
Applicants must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, and demonstrate financial capacity and English ability.
After study, eligible graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) as a post-study pathway.
Audience
Who this guide is for
Prospective international students
Students changing course or provider
Graduates planning Subclass 485 applications
Key information
At a glance
Enrol in a CRICOS-registered course before applying
GTE requires a credible explanation of study plans and intent to comply with visa conditions
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the visa period
Student visa conditions limit work hours during study periods
Course progress and attendance are monitored — breaches can affect visa status
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
The GTE requirement applies to most student visa applicants. It assesses whether you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study.
Case officers consider your circumstances in your home country, immigration history, course value to your future, and other relevant factors.
Your GTE statement should be truthful, specific, and supported by your documents — explain why you chose the course, provider, and Australia rather than studying at home.
Prior visa refusals, gaps in study history, or course changes unrelated to career goals require careful explanation.
Enrolment and finances
Obtain a COE from your provider after accepting an offer and meeting any conditions.
Demonstrate funds for tuition, living costs, and travel for yourself and accompanying family members per current financial requirements.
If sponsored, provide evidence of the sponsor's relationship and capacity to support you.
After your studies
Subclass 485 allows eligible graduates to remain temporarily. Streams depend on qualification level, skills assessment for some occupations, and timing relative to student visa expiry.
Plan 485 applications before your student visa expires — bridging options depend on individual circumstances.
Avoid delays
Common mistakes
Issues we see often — and how structured preparation helps avoid them.
Generic GTE statements copied from templates
Officers assess individual circumstances — templated statements without personal detail weaken applications.
Underestimating financial evidence
Funds must meet current thresholds and be genuinely available.
Missing 485 lodgement timing
Apply before student visa expiry where possible and confirm stream eligibility early.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Services
Related visa services
Continue reading
Related resources
Planning to study in Australia?
Book a student visa consultation for course, GTE, and document guidance.