With world-renowned universities, a multicultural environment, and vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Australia continues to be a top destination for international students. As of 2024, over 720,000 international students are enrolled in Australian institutions, a number expected to grow in 2025.
Before embarking on your educational journey in Australia, understanding the visa options, eligibility criteria, and post-study work opportunities is essential. This blog provides an in-depth guide to help you make informed decisions.
Main Student Visa Options for Australia
Australia primarily offers the Subclass 500 Student Visa for most full-time international students. However, depending on your study goals, exchange plans, or family circumstances, you may consider other subclasses as well.
The Main Visa Categories:
- Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
- Training Visa (Subclass 407)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-study work
Let’s dive into each of these options in detail.
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Who It’s For:
International students enrolling in full-time study at a recognized Australian educational institution.
Eligible Study Types:
- Higher education (bachelor’s, master’s, PhDs)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Primary and secondary schooling
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Key Features:
- Work Limitations: From July 1, 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during vacations.
- Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse and children in your visa application.
- Multiple Entries: You can leave and re-enter Australia as long as the visa is valid.
Requirements:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian CRICOS-registered institution
- Proof of sufficient funds (approx. AUD 24,505 annually for living expenses)
- Health insurance (OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover)
- English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Cost:
- AUD 710 (as of 2025)
🔗 Visit the official Subclass 500 Visa page
2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Who It’s For:
Parents, legal guardians, or relatives of international students under 18 (or over 18 with special needs) studying in Australia.
Key Features:
- Must provide accommodation, general welfare, and support to the student.
- Cannot work while in Australia.
- Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and the student.
3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Who It’s For:
People who want to undertake workplace-based training to improve their skills in their current occupation or area of tertiary study.
Key Features:
- Allows training in professional development or structured training programs.
- Often used by medical interns, engineers, and hospitality students.
🔗 More on Subclass 407 Training Visa
4. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Who It’s For:
International students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution and wish to live, study, or work temporarily in Australia.
This visa is a popular post-study pathway to work and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Two Streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: For graduates with qualifications closely related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
- Valid for up to 18 months
- Post-Study Work Stream: For higher education graduates (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
- Duration:
- Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
- Master’s degree: 3 years
- PhD: 4 years
- Regional study: Up to 5 years
- Duration:
Cost:
- From AUD 1,895
🔗 Official Subclass 485 Visa Guide
Financial Requirements for Student Visa
Cost of Living:
- The Department of Home Affairs estimates AUD 24,505/year for living expenses (2024-25)
- Add AUD 8,574/year for a partner and AUD 3,670/year per child
Tuition Fees:
- Undergraduate degrees: AUD 20,000–45,000/year
- Postgraduate degrees: AUD 22,000–50,000/year
- Vocational education: AUD 4,000–22,000/year
Scholarships:
Top funding options include:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Destination Australia Program
- University-specific grants (e.g., from Monash, ANU, Melbourne) 🔗 List of Scholarships on Study Australia
Health Insurance (OSHC)
All student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa duration. Approved providers include:
- Bupa Australia
- Medibank Private
- Allianz Care Australia
Average cost: AUD 450–600/year
Post-Study Work and PR Pathways
Australia’s migration policies are student-friendly, with many post-study work and PR (Permanent Residency) options.
Temporary Graduate Visa → Skilled Migration
Graduates can accumulate work experience, improve English, and apply for:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Fields in demand: Healthcare, Engineering, IT, Teaching, Trades.
Top Tip:
Studying in a regional area (e.g., Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin) adds points for PR eligibility and allows longer work rights under Subclass 485.
🔗 Explore the Skilled Occupation List
Common Visa Rejection Reasons
- Weak Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Lack of funds or financial documentation
- Inconsistent academic history
- Low English proficiency scores
- Health or character issues
- Incorrect or incomplete application
💡Pro Tip: Strong GTE writing and proper documentation significantly boost visa success.
Conclusion
Australia offers one of the most structured and student-friendly visa systems in the world. Whether you’re planning to pursue a Master’s degree, take up a vocational trade, or explore post-study migration opportunities, understanding the different visa subclasses and preparing accordingly is vital for success.
In 2025, Australia remains a powerhouse for international education with continued government support, increased scholarship opportunities, and regional migration incentives. Do your research, meet the eligibility, and begin your journey with the right visa.
📌 Useful Links for Further Reading:
- Department of Home Affairs – Student Visa
- Study Australia (Official Govt Site)
- Skilled Migration Pathways
