Australia offers several visa options tailored for international students and their guardians, aiming to create a smooth pathway for studying and living there. Prospective students and their families have three primary visa types to consider, each with specific requirements and benefits to support their educational journey in Australia.
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the most common visa for international students, allowing them to enrol in full-time courses at Australian educational institutions for five years. To qualify for this visa, students need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution, confirming their admission to a registered course, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This mandatory insurance provides healthcare coverage throughout the student’s stay in Australia. The Subclass 500 visa is versatile, covering a range of study programs, including higher education, vocational training, and English language courses, making it a flexible choice for students across various academic disciplines. Moreover, visa holders can work part-time while studying, allowing them to gain practical experience and manage living expenses.
For students under 18 or those requiring additional support due to disability, the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent or guardian to accompany them to Australia. Applicants for this visa must provide evidence of their relationship to the student and proof of financial capacity to cover living expenses while in Australia. Guardians under this visa can remain until the student turns 18 or completes their studies, ensuring students have family support throughout their academic experience.
Upon graduation, students may extend their stay through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which enables them to gain work experience in Australia. This visa has different streams depending on the applicant’s level of qualification, with durations ranging from 18 months to up to four years for confident postgraduate and doctoral graduates. Key eligibility criteria include meeting English language requirements and completing at least two academic years of study in Australia. This pathway allows graduates to gain valuable work experience, enhancing their skills and career prospects in the Australian job market.
Visa applicants must also undergo mandatory processes, including biometric data collection, police certificates, and health examinations. Processing times can vary, typically ranging from four to 12 weeks, with fees for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) starting at AU$620 (around ₹35,000), and AU$1,680 (approximately ₹95,000) for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
These visa options ensure a well-rounded support system for international students, offering opportunities to study, work, and grow professionally in Australia.