Frequently asked questions
Studying in Australia — answered. Visa rules, work rights, costs, applications, healthcare, and post-study options. Updated as regulations change.
Can I work while studying in Australia on a student visa?
Yes. Subclass 500 student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. During scheduled course breaks there's no limit. The 48-hour fortnight rule replaced the previous 40-hour limit and the temporary uncapped pandemic arrangement.
How much money do I need to study in Australia?
As of recent Home Affairs guidance, applicants must demonstrate roughly AUD $29,710 per year in available living costs, in addition to tuition fees and travel costs. Real-world weekly spend depends heavily on city — Sydney sits at the top end, while Adelaide and Hobart are notably cheaper.
What's the difference between the Subclass 500, 485, and 482 visas?
The 500 is the student visa — it covers you while you study. The 485 is the post-study work visa — it gives 2–4 years of full work rights after graduating from a qualifying course. The 482 is employer-sponsored — once an Australian employer sponsors you for a skilled occupation, the 482 lets you work for up to four years and is often a pathway to permanent residence via the 186 visa.
What is OSHC and do I really need it?
Yes — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory condition of the Subclass 500 visa. It covers GP visits, hospital care, ambulance, some prescriptions, and limited specialist services. Students from a small group of countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, and a few others) may be exempt.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Genuine Student (GS) test replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement. Applicants now answer targeted questions about why they chose their course, their provider, and how the study connects to their post-graduation plans. Generic, templated answers raise flags — write your own.
Can I bring my partner or family with me?
Yes. Spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children can apply as members of the family unit on a Subclass 500. Partners studying alongside the primary applicant or working under restricted hours have their own visa conditions — and English-language evidence may be required for the partner.
Do I need IELTS to apply for a student visa?
Not always. English-language evidence is required, but acceptable proof includes IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, and OET. Some students are exempt — for example, if you completed at least five years of study in English in a recognised country, or your provider is satisfied via direct assessment.
What's a CRICOS course?
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. To enrol on a Subclass 500 student visa, your course must be CRICOS-registered. This applies to vocational courses, English courses, bachelor degrees, and postgraduate programs.
Can I switch courses or providers once I'm in Australia?
Yes, but with conditions. You generally need to complete the first six months of your principal course before transferring to a new provider, unless you have a release letter. Switching to a course at a lower AQF level (e.g. from a bachelor to a diploma) typically requires a new student visa application.
What is the 48-hour fortnight rule and how is it enforced?
Subclass 500 holders can work a maximum of 48 hours in any rolling fortnight while their course is in session. The fortnight runs Monday-to-Sunday over two weeks. Employers report payroll data and Home Affairs cross-references it with visa records. Breaches can lead to visa cancellation.
How long does a student visa application take to process?
Processing times depend on the provider's risk rating, the source country, and the completeness of the application. Low-risk applicants from low-risk providers often see decisions within weeks. Higher-risk applications can take 2–4 months. Apply at least three months before your course start date.
What's a designated regional area, and why does it matter?
Designated regional areas cover almost all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Studying in a designated regional city — Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Newcastle — can mean additional points in skilled migration applications and access to the Subclass 491 visa pathway.
Are international students eligible for HELP loans?
No. Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans are only available to Australian citizens and certain permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders. International students pay full upfront fees, though many institutes offer payment plans by trimester or semester.
Can I apply for permanent residence from a student visa?
Not directly. The standard pathway is: complete an Australian qualification → apply for Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa → gain work experience or secure employer sponsorship → apply for a points-tested or employer-sponsored PR visa (189, 190, 491, 186, or 482→186). Each step has its own requirements.
Do I need to attend classes in person, or can I study online?
Subclass 500 conditions require you to maintain enrolment in a registered course and meet attendance requirements set by your provider. While some online study may be permitted as part of a blended program, fully-online courses generally don't satisfy the student visa requirement.