Prior to 1 July 2016, there were many types of Student visas. However, on 1 July 2016, student visas were consolidated and now there are only two students related visas.

Australia Student Visa Basic Requirements:
– Enroll with an Australian education provider as a full-time student, and obtain written confirmation of this enrolment (predominantly on-line courses are not eligible)
– genuinely intend to complete the relevant period of study in Australia
– have the required level of English language proficiency unless exempt
– have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia
– have access to sufficient funds to cover your return airfares, tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia, as well as costs required for any dependents included in your application. The exact amount of funds a student requires is set by Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), and is determined by your chosen education provider, your course of study and other personal circumstances.

There are 2 categories of Australian student visas:
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
In order to be granted a student visa, an applicant must satisfy all legislative criteria. This includes the requirement that the applicant is both a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) and a Genuine Student. The applicants my Include member of their immediate family in their Student visa to Australia for the duration of their courses.

2. Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590)
This is a visa for parents or adult relatives of students, studying in Australia, and seeking to stay in Australia as the student´s guardian. Generally, the student must be younger than 18 years; exemptions apply.

Student Visa Subclass: 500
Student visa (subclass 500) is intended for the international students from across the globe who want to pursue their education in Australia. This visa lets you enrol in an accredited Australian institution for a full-time course. With this visa subclass 500 the students from overseas can stay in Australia up till their educational course completes or for up to five years (whichever is earlier). The Subclass 500 Visa also entitles the eligible guardians of the international students to join and live with them by lodging an application for Student Guardian Subclass 590 Visa.

What this subclass 500 visa lets you do in australia?
Student Visa Subclass 500 allows you to study for a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registered full-time course in Australia. Also, eligible family members are free to join you in Australia. Anyone with a valid student visa in Australia can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight while the course is underway and unlimited number of hours during designated course breaks. If you are pursuing a master’s degree in research or doctoral degree, you wouldn’t have any work restrictions.

To be eligible for student visa (subclass 500)
• You must have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from a CRICOS registered education provider in Australia.
• You have made suitable arrangements for stay in Australia if under 18 years of age.
• The applicant of this visa must me at least 6 years old.
• You must get the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is responsible to care for all your medical solutions while you stay in Australia.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) is another critical aspect you must scale through to secure a student visa in Australia.
• Depending on the country you originate from, you must prove a certain proficiency in the English language by securing a satisfactory test score in any approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
• You must satisfy a minimum financial requirement (not necessary for a few nationalities) that covers all the costs necessary for studying in Australia.
• You must meet certain health requirements by undergoing a health examination from a registered health practitioner (if applicable).