Studying in Australia can be the most rewarding experience of one’s life. The country is not only famous for its unrivalled natural beauty, is also known for the world-class education it offers. International students who desire to study in Australia for a duration of more than 12 weeks must go through the Student Visa process. One must apply for a specific subclass of visa based on one’s age, kind of programme, and length of stay. Most international students, regardless of their choice of subject, apply for the Australian Student Visa Subclass 500.

Student Visa Subclass 500 is valid for the duration of the course of study, and permits the student to stay in Australia for up to five years from the date of registration. The typical visa application fee in Australia is 650 AUD. This visa permits one to: 

• Undertake an appropriate course of study in Australia 
• Stay in Australia during the period of study
• Work specific hours, based on the University’s discretion

Visa requirements

For a subclass 500 student visa, international students need to fulfil the following conditions: 

• They must be enrolled in a full-time on-campus programme in Australia. 
• They must have OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) or be a member of one of the excluded categories. 
• Those under the age of 18 must produce proof of welfare arrangement.

Step-by-step guide to applying

Step 1: To start with

One must ensure adequate timing to allow for the visa process. Some things you will need to plan is:

• Health examinations
• Get assistance with your application from 
• Ensure that you and your family have a valid passport

Step 2: Organize your paperwork

While applying for an Australian student visa, you will need: 

• Enrolment documentation (your electronic confirmation of enrolment) 
• A valid passport
• Statement of purpose
• The cost of your visa application 
• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) declaration 
• Documents pertaining to academics and job experience 
• Evidence of your command of the English language (such as IELTS test scores) 
• Financial capability evidence (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare) 
• Specifics about your health insurance coverage (Overseas Student Health Cover) 
• Photographs (passport size)
• Extra documentation, such as parental approval, in case you are under the age of 18

Step 3: Visa Application

You can apply for this visa from anywhere. Ensure that you are sharing a complete application that is ready for a decision. Applications that are submitted without the necessary supporting documents may be rejected or delayed. 

• Create or log in to ImmiAccount.
• Use your account to submit documents, alter your passport information, edit your address, and check the status of your application.
• Pay the application fee for a visa.

Step 4: Post-application 

View the actions you may and must take after applying. Any demands for information should be met right away. Following the completion of your applications, you must complete 

the following using ImmiAccount: 

• Offer biometrics 
• Obtain medical evaluations and referral letters 
• Provide any extra information that is requested. 
• Obey the law

Step 4: Visa decision

The length of time it takes to receive a visa determination depends on where you apply and how busy the Australian immigration offices are. Once the visa decision is available, you will receive an email from the Australian government. If your visa is accepted, the letter will contain: 

• Your visa grant number
• The visa expiry date
• Your visa conditions

To ensure that your visa remains valid, you must:

• Maintain a good academic record and attendance.
• Update the authorities about changes to your phone number, email, address, passport, and study situation.
• Continue to be financially self-sufficient while in Australia. 
• Not violate the employment requirements of your visa.

If the authorities deny your visa, they will notify you in writing, explaining the reasons for rejection and whether you have the right to have the decision reviewed. The application fee will not be refunded if the visa application is rejected.

Applying for a visa for the first time may seem like an uphill climb. Those feeling overwhelmed by the visa application process in Australia can always seek visa application assistance from various trusted educational consultants. 

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