About the Student Visa
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to study full-time at a registered Australian educational institution. It is the most common visa for international students and covers all levels of study — from primary school to PhD.
With this visa, you can study, work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and bring eligible family members to Australia. The visa is granted for the duration of your course plus additional time (usually 1–3 months).
Eligibility Requirements
Offer of enrollment (CoE) from a registered Australian institution
Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity (AUD 24,505/year living + tuition + travel)
Meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.5–6.5 depending on course)
Have adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Meet health and character requirements
Be at least 6 years old
Required Documents
Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution
Genuine Student (GS) statement — explaining why you chose Australia, your course, and your plans
Academic transcripts and certificates
Financial documents — bank statements, loan sanction letters, or scholarship letters
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) certificate
Passport-sized photographs (as per specifications)
Birth certificate and any name change documents
If applicable: marriage certificate, dependent children’s documents
Visa Processing Steps
Step 1: Receive your CoE and prepare all documents
Step 2: Complete the online visa application (Form 157A) via ImmiAccount
Step 3: Pay the visa application fee (AUD 710 as of 2025)
Step 4: Complete health examination at a panel physician
Step 5: Provide biometrics if required (depending on your country of origin)
Step 6: Wait for processing (50% within 16 days, 90% within 4 months)
Step 7: Receive your visa grant notification and start planning your move!
Common Refusal Reasons
Weak Genuine Student statement — not convincing enough about study intentions
Insufficient financial evidence — not meeting the minimum funds requirement
Incomplete or fraudulent documentation — always be honest and thorough
Poor academic history — unexplained gaps or poor previous results
Health or character issues — not meeting Australia’s health or character standards
Applying too close to course start — leave enough time for processing
RETNA ensures your application is strong, complete, and compelling to minimize refusal risk
Quick Facts
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