Subclass 500 · 485 Graduate · Genuine Student
Study at a world-class Australian institution and build a pathway to permanent residency. CMG helps international students navigate enrolment, visa applications and post-study work rights.
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Overview
Understanding Your Options
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in a Temporary Entrant Education (TES) or registered course in Australia. The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement in November 2023 — students must demonstrate genuine intent to study and comply with visa conditions. Upon graduation, eligible students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to work in Australia for 2–4 years, building valuable Australian work experience that may count toward a skilled visa.
Key Facts
Eligibility
Key Requirements
Enrolment in CRICOS Course
RequiredYou must be enrolled in (or accepted for) a full-time course at a registered CRICOS provider. Vocational (TAFE), undergraduate, postgraduate, and English language programs are all eligible.
Genuine Student Requirement
RequiredYou must demonstrate genuine intent to study, comply with visa conditions, and maintain ties to your home country. A personal statement addressing your study choices and future plans is required.
English Proficiency
RequiredMinimum IELTS Academic 5.5 (overall) with no band below 5.0, or equivalent. Higher English scores may be required for specific institutions or courses.
Financial Capacity
RequiredYou must demonstrate sufficient funds: AUD $29,710+ for the first year (tuition + living expenses + return airfare). Evidence through bank statements or scholarship letters.
485 — Australian Study Requirement
For the 485 Graduate Work stream, you must have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia in a packaged program in an eligible occupation. Post-Graduate Work stream requires a bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
RequiredYou must purchase OSHC for the duration of your student visa before lodging your application. OSHC is mandatory and covers hospital and medical expenses during your stay.
Visa Subclasses
Choose Your Pathway
Student Visa
Study full-time at any CRICOS-registered institution in Australia. Includes work rights during semester and unlimited hours during official breaks.
- Full-time study at CRICOS provider
- 48 hrs/fortnight during semester
- Unlimited work during course breaks
- Family members can accompany
Temporary Graduate Visa
Post-study work visa for graduates of Australian institutions. Two streams: Graduate Work (2 years) and Post-Study Work (2–4 years depending on qualification level).
- Graduate Work: 2 years, eligible occupations only
- Post-Study Work: 2–4 years (degree level)
- Masters/PhD: 4 years work rights
- Strong pathway to skilled migration
Student Guardian Visa
For parents or relatives who need to accompany a student aged under 18 who is studying in Australia on a subclass 500 visa.
- For carers of under-18 students
- Must demonstrate relationship to student
- No work rights
- Valid while student visa is valid
Process
Step-by-Step Process
Choose Your Course and Institution
Research CRICOS-registered courses aligned with your career goals and, ideally, your intended skilled migration occupation. CMG can advise on course choices that maximise your PR pathway options.
Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Once you accept an offer from your institution and pay the required deposit, the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — the key document for your student visa application.
Purchase OSHC
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of your course. OSHC is mandatory and must be purchased before lodging your visa application.
Prepare Genuine Student Statement
Write a personal statement demonstrating your genuine intent to study in Australia: why this course, why this institution, how it fits your career goals, and your ties to your home country.
Lodge Student Visa Application
Submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount with CoE, financial evidence, English test results, OSHC policy, health and character documents.
Complete Health Examination (if required)
Depending on your country of origin and length of stay, you may be required to complete a health examination at an approved panel physician.
Apply for Graduate Visa (485) Before 500 Expires
After graduating, apply for the 485 visa within 6 months of your course end date. Ensure your 500 visa is still valid or you hold a bridging visa when you apply.
Fees
Government Fees & Costs
| Government Fees 2025–26 | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Student visa (500) — primary applicant | AUD $1,680 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | AUD $840 |
| Temporary Graduate visa (485) | AUD $1,895 |
| OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) | AUD $600–$1,000/year |
| English test (IELTS Academic) | AUD $385 |
| Health examination | AUD $300–$450 |
| CMG professional service fee | POA |
| Estimated Total | AUD $3,000–$5,000 (student + 485) |
Tuition fees vary widely by institution and course (AUD $20,000–$45,000/year). The figures above cover immigration costs only.
Documents
Required Documents
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
From course selection to student visa, graduate visa and beyond — CMG guides international students at every step of the Australian study pathway.