🇦🇺 Australia · Study
Subclass 500 — Student Visa
The standard Australian student visa for international students undertaking a full-time course at an Australian education provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Allows limited work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study).
- Scoring
- Criteria-based
- Timeline
- 14d–2mo
- Est. cost
- $2K
- Category
- Study
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Show me my matches, free→Key requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider
- English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5–7.0 depending on course and institution)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion — demonstrate intent to stay temporarily and return home
- Evidence of financial capacity (tuition fees + living expenses + return airfare)
Who this visa fits
Subclass 500 is the gateway to Australian education and the 485 post-study work pathway. Frame it in the context of the end-to-end immigration journey: study in Australia → 485 Temporary Graduate Visa → employer sponsorship or points-based skilled migration. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means the applicant must demonstrate genuine study intent — prior visa history, family ties at home, and career rationale all feed into this assessment. For candidates in their mid-30s or older, the GTE argument needs to be especially compelling. English proficiency is the most common bottleneck — direct the user to the specific IELTS scores required by their target institution and course.
Other Australia visas
Permanent Residency
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
Points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers. No employer sponsor or state nomination required — candidates lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an Invitation to Apply based on their points score. Nomination-free, globally competitive.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
Points-tested permanent residence visa requiring a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. State nomination adds 5 points to your score; each state publishes its own occupation lists and requirements for nomination.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory to live and work in a regional area of Australia. Regional nomination adds 15 points — significantly boosting scores. After 3 years of regional residence and work, eligible to apply for permanent residence via Subclass 191.
Work Visa
Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa allowing Australian businesses to fill skills gaps with overseas workers. Streams: Short-term (2 years, limited renewal), Medium-term (4 years, pathway to PR), and Labour Agreement (negotiated with Home Affairs). Most professional roles fall under the Medium-term stream.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Three streams: Direct Entry (skills assessment + experience), Temporary Residence Transition (3 years on 482 with same employer), and Agreement stream (Labour Agreement). Leads directly to permanent residence.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 124 — Distinguished Talent
Permanent residence visa for individuals with an internationally recognised and distinguished record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field. No employer sponsor or state nomination required. Covers arts, sport, academia, and the professions. A recommending organisation provides the mandatory recommendation.
Ready when you are
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Show me my matches, free→