Australia Student Visa Application Process

Before you start

You generally apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) after you have an offer from an Australian education provider and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a course registered on CRICOS. The application is made online to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

The steps below are a general guide. The official process, required documents, fees, and processing times are set by the Department and can change, so confirm each step on the official Home Affairs website. This is general information only and is not immigration advice.

Step 1 — Get your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Apply to your chosen provider, accept the offer, and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course. The CoE is a key document for your visa application. You usually also arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) at this stage, as it is needed for the visa.

Step 2 — Create an ImmiAccount and complete the application

Most applicants lodge online through ImmiAccount, the Department's online portal. You create an account, complete the Student visa (subclass 500) application form, and answer the required questions, including those for the Genuine Student requirement.

• Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
• Complete the subclass 500 application form
• Answer the Genuine Student questions honestly and in your own words

Step 3 — Attach your supporting documents

You upload the documents the Department asks for. These commonly include your CoE, evidence of OSHC, evidence of sufficient funds (the financial-capacity requirement), English-language evidence as required, and identity documents. Health examinations and police/character documents may also be required.

The exact document checklist depends on your circumstances and is set by the Department. Use the official document checklist on the Home Affairs site rather than an unofficial list.

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Evidence of funds (financial-capacity requirement)
• English-language evidence (if required)
• Identity, health, and character documents (as required)

Step 4 — Pay the fee and lodge

You pay the visa application charge and lodge the application through ImmiAccount. The Department sets the fee and may update it, so check the current charge on the official site before paying. After lodging, you may be asked to complete health examinations or provide biometrics.

Step 5 — Wait for a decision and check your conditions

Processing times vary by course, location, and individual circumstances, and are published and updated by the Department. If your visa is granted, read your visa grant notice carefully — it sets out your visa conditions, including health-cover and work-hour rules. Verify anything you are unsure about on the official Home Affairs website.

No guide or agent can guarantee a visa outcome or a particular processing time.