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Are you thinking, ‘How to get  an Australian student visa? What is required?’ At Zodiac Group, we hear such inquiries daily from students who plan to fulfill their dream education in Australia. This ebook will describe the whole process of subclass 500 student visa in a simple and straightforward way — step by step from eligibility to arriving there.Here you will discover:

• Which student visa can you apply for?
• What documents are required for the application?
• How and where to apply?
• What is the application fee and how long does it take? 
• What are the medical or English language test requirements (IELTS, PTE)?
• What to do after receiving the visa — travel, accommodation, and study preparation.

What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?

The Subclass 500 allows you to:

• Study full-time at an Australian institution that is registered with CRICOS(Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
• Remain for as long as your course lasts (up to 5 years). 
• Up to 48 hours of work per fortnight, and full-time during vacation periods (or unlimited for research students)
• Bring family members who qualify, and come and go as required.
• Once your degree is over, apply for a post-study work visa.

Eligibility – Are You Qualified?

You need to satisfy the following:

1. Enroll in a CRICOS-registered course:

Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) —be aware that from January 2025, offer letters are no longer accepted for visa applications

2. Genuine Student Requirement (GS):

You need to show that your intention is to study (not migrate), why you have chosen Australia and the course, and your academic and career plans

3. English Proficiency:

You must provide test results such as IELTS (min 6.0, although some programs may require higher) or comparable TOEFL/PTE scores .

4. Financial Adequacy:

Demonstrate that you can fund:

AU$29,710/year for living costs

Tuition fees

Return airfare and health insurance

5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):

You have to maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your stay.

6. Health & Character Requirements:

complete a medical test and provide police clearance if required

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Course & Institution

Select Your Institution and Course

After accepting the offer and making any necessary deposits, select a course that is registered with CRICOS and obtain a CoE. 

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Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

Create an account on the Department of Home Affairs website, where you will pay fees and submit all of your information.

Step 3: Collect All Documents

• Valid passport for stay
• CoE
• Results of the English test
• Statement of a Genuine Student (GS)
• monetary proof
• OSHC certification
• Police and medical certifications, if necessary

Step 4: Submit the Application

Finish and submit your online Subclass 500 application with supporting documents and pay the charge. As of mid-2025, it’s AUD 1,600—and may jump to more than AUD 2,000 based on processing levels.

Step 5: Health Checkups & Biometrics (if required)

Attend the scheduled biometric appointments and medical examinations after submission.

Step 6: Await the Decision

Average processing time is:

• 75% done around 4 weeks
• 90% about 6 weeks
• Some applicants have reported waiting approximately 76 days from India, and so applying early is advisable.

Step 7: Receive Grant & Prepare to Travel

You will receive a Visa Grant Letter with your visa number, validity dates, and conditions (for example, work limit). Check it carefully, print it out, and begin making travel, accommodation, and orientation arrangements.

Fees & Processing Time

• Application Fee: normally AUD 1600, more than AUD 2000+ in some cases
• Processing:
  • 75% complete within 4 weeks, 90% within 6 weeks.
  • Some extend to 76 days.
• Other Costs:
  OSHC(Overseas Student Health Cover): AUD 500–700/year Medical exams & biometrics: AUD 200–300.

Pre-Departure & After Arrival Checklist

Before Departure:

• Confirm flight and accommodation
  
• Open a local bank account
  
• Sort OSHC, luggage, packing list
  

After Arrival:

• Submit your residential address to your provider within 7 days.
  
• Apply for Tax File Number (TFN) if working
  
• Attend university/orientation
  
• Know your visa work rules and attendance requirements
  

Tips for a Strong Visa Application

• Apply early (3–4 months ahead) to buffer delays.
  
• Craft a powerful Genuine Student statement—be clear, personal, and goal-oriented.
  
• Boost your English score—ideally aim for band 6.5+ in IELTS.
  
• Show steady finances—avoid sudden large deposits.
  
• Complete health and OSHC early to avoid processing delays.
  

Final Words

Obtaining an Australian student visa is a hassle-free process when you follow each step carefully: enroll in a CRICOS course, gather solid documentation, apply early, and stay  vigilant with requirements. Zodiac Group is here at every step—providing expert guidance, application support, and pre-departure support through our website. Let’s fulfill your Australian study dream into reality!