Australia is the third most popular destination for Indian students globally, with 130,000+ enrolled in Australian institutions. The Student Visa Subclass 500 lets you study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. With the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) available afterwards, Australia offers a clear pathway from study to work to PR.
Key Features of Australia Subclass 500 Visa
- Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during semester (unlimited during semester breaks)
- Dependants can accompany you (spouse may get full work rights)
- Multi-entry visa — can travel in and out of Australia freely
- Valid for entire duration of your enrolled course
- Pathway to Temporary Graduate Visa (485) after graduation
Step 1: Enrolment Confirmation (CoE)
Before applying, your Australian university will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — similar to Canada's LOA or UK's CAS. You need the CoE reference number to apply. If enrolling in multiple courses (e.g., English + degree), each course will have its own CoE.
Step 2: GTE — Genuine Temporary Entrant Statement
The GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) assessment is unique to Australia and is the most important part of your application. Immigration officers use it to judge whether you genuinely intend to study and return home, rather than use the student visa as a migration pathway.
- Why Australia and this specific institution for this program?
- How does this study relate to your future career or study plans in India?
- What are your ties to India (family, property, employment, prior study)?
- Have you studied/worked in Australia before? (Prior visa history matters)
- What are your plans after your Australian study finishes?
🎯 GTE Tip: Be specific and honest. Generic answers like "Australia has good universities" are a red flag. Explain the specific course feature, professor, or industry connection that makes this Australian program uniquely suited to your career goals.
Step 3: Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount Required |
|---|---|
| 12-month living costs | AUD 29,710 (~₹16.5L) |
| Accompanying spouse (per year) | AUD 10,394 (~₹5.8L) |
| Per dependent child | AUD 4,449 (~₹2.5L) |
| School fees (if applicable) | As per CoE |
| Evidence type | Bank statements, term deposits, or education loan sanction letter |
Step 4: OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your Student 500 visa. You must purchase it before applying. Most Australian universities offer OSHC through one of the approved providers: Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, HCF, or nib. Cost for a single student: approx AUD 600–700/year (~₹33,000–38,000). Your university can often arrange it on your behalf.
Step 5: Apply Online via ImmiAccount
- 1Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- 2Select: Student (Temporary) visa — Subclass 500
- 3Complete Form 157A online
- 4Upload documents: passport, CoE, financial evidence, GTE statement, OSHC
- 5Pay visa application fee: AUD 710 (~₹39,000)
- 6Health examination (if requested — usually required for Indian applicants)
- 7Police clearance (may be requested for stays over 12 months)
- 8Biometrics (collected at Australian Visa Application Centre in India)
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport + all previous passports
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Proof of English: IELTS 6.0–6.5 for most universities
- Financial evidence (bank statements, education loan letter)
- OSHC policy confirmation
- GTE statement (written, 1–2 pages)
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets
- Birth certificate, passport-size photos
Processing Times (2026)
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online application (most cases) | 4–6 weeks |
| Complex cases (prior refusals, health checks) | 2–4 months |
| Peak period (June–August) | May take up to 8 weeks |
Post-Study Work: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
After completing your degree in Australia, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) which allows you to work in Australia for 2–6 years depending on your qualification level and the region where you studied.
| Qualification | Graduate Work Stream Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor/Master's (major cities) | 2 years |
| Bachelor/Master's (regional Australia) | 3–5 years |
| PhD (any location) | 4 years |
| STEM degrees in regional areas | Up to 6 years |
💡 Regional Study Bonus: Studying at a regional Australian university (e.g., University of Wollongong, Deakin, Charles Darwin) gives you an extra 1–3 years on your Subclass 485 and extra points in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) PR pathway.