Studying in Australia is one of the best-known gateways for people thinking about building a future there. If you’re exploring that idea, this is a general explanation — in English — of what the student visa is, what it’s for, and how the process works in broad terms. It isn’t legal advice: it’s a map, so you can decide with good information and know where to verify each detail.
What is subclass 500?
In general terms, the subclass 500 is the visa that lets you study a registered course in person in Australia. It covers different levels — from English through to higher education — provided the course is listed on the official register of courses for international students (CRICOS). The reference source is always the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The key idea from this first point: the student visa exists to study. That’s its purpose, and it’s the basis of everything that follows.
What it’s for — and what it isn’t for
You may have seen someone on social media presenting the student visa as a shortcut: an “easy new life”, a fast way to move and sort out the rest as you go. It’s worth looking at that calmly.
The student visa is designed for people who genuinely want to study. The Australian system includes a genuine student requirement: in general terms, your real intention is expected to be to undertake the program you apply for. It isn’t designed as a “simple” migration route, and seeing it presented that way online isn’t a reason to rush — it’s a reason to inform yourself properly.
This isn’t a “no”. For a great many people, studying in Australia is a real and valuable step. It’s simply an invitation to start with honest expectations: to understand what the visa is for, and to recognise that whether or not it fits your particular situation is something a professional assesses, case by case. Every story is different, so when the time comes to assess your particular situation, the best thing is to contact us so we can connect you with an admitted lawyer who can look at it.
How the process works, in general
Without going into your specific case, the path usually takes this shape:
- Choose a registered course (CRICOS) at an Australian institution.
- Gather your documents in good time (more below).
- Lodge the application online through ImmiAccount, the Department’s official portal.
No two applications are alike and the rules change often, so the valid reference is always the current official information, not what worked for someone you know.
Documents usually requested
In general terms, the documents that tend to come into play include: identity and passport; proof of admission to the course; evidence of English; evidence of financial capacity; and student health cover (OSHC).
To gather these and other documents by your country of origin, you can use the Document checklist.
A very common question is the apostille. As a general rule, the Department doesn’t usually require an apostille for this visa: the usual approach is to provide a colour scan and, where needed, an English translation (for example, a NAATI translation). It’s always worth checking the specific requirement in the official source. The steps for police checks, apostille and translation by your country of origin are explained in more detail on the pages by country.
English and your studies
For most courses, evidence of English is part of the picture, and various recognised tests are accepted. Knowing what level you’re at helps you plan calmly. The detail of what’s accepted and in which cases is in the official information.
What if you come with your partner or family?
In some cases, certain family members can be included in the student application. It’s a topic with its own rules. Studying and want to include your partner? We cover how that’s structured too: read the guide and contact us.
General information, not advice — your next step
At Tu Visa Australiana, Sabine is a case manager: she helps you understand the general picture in English and organise your basic documentation so that an admitted lawyer can assess it. Legal consultations and the assessment of your particular situation are handled by the firm’s admitted lawyers; we provide the general information and connect you with them when needed.
If you’d like a solid base to start from, download our free 5-step guide. And whenever you’d like your particular situation assessed, contact us — in English — and we’ll refer you to the right lawyer.
Questions about your situation? Contact us →
General information · not individual legal advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au