Australian Student Visas
Breaking news: Australian post-study work visas and student visa work hours.
The Australian Government has announced a significant increase to post-study work rights for international graduates studying eligible degree courses.
The changes, which come into effect from 1 July 2023, will allow international graduates with specific qualifications to work in Australia for an additional two years on their subclass 485 visa (otherwise known as the Post Study Work Visa).
So that is two further years, on top of the time that this visa already allows eligible students. This will take the allowance from:
- Two years to four years for specified Bachelor degrees;
- Three years to five years for specified Master degrees
- Four years to six years for all PhDs.
The list of qualifications eligible for the additional PSWV time can be viewed here
The Australian Government is also set to increase the number of hours a student visa holder can work during their studies from the current cap of 40 hours per fortnight to 48 hours per fortnight.
If you have any questions about the changes and how they might affect you and your plans to study in Australia, please contact us for free expert advice
Anyone enrolling as an international student on a course lasting four months or more in Australia will need a student visa. Here are the key things to know.
Please note that in order to apply for an Australian student visa, you must have an unconditional offer of place at a university, have accepted that place in writing and paid the required tuition fee deposit. It is therefore one of the last parts of the process to organise.
What type of visa do I need?
For all levels of study you will need to apply for a subclass 500 student visa. This must be applied for using the online system at https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
When should I apply?
Is there an age limit?
Can I still get a student visa if I’ve already had a working holiday visa for Australia?
How much does it cost?
How long does the visa last?
How long does it take to get?
When can I travel to Australia?
What will I need to apply?
Your country of passport and the university you will be going to will determine what evidence you need to show for your student visa application. Please check the criteria at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500 before you begin. As a start point, however, you will need your CoE, the application fee, your passport number, and evidence that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance. You will also need to write a genuine temporary entry (GTE) statement and you may be asked to provide supporting documents to show you are a genuine student. Please contact Study Options if you want to discuss these requirements.
Do I need to provide any health documents or checks?
Can I apply for another visa when my course ends?
Could I stay permanently in Australia once my course has finished?
Can I take my partner with me to Australia on my student visa?
Can I take my children with me to Australia on my student visa?
What do I need to know about taking my family with me to Australia?
If you (as the student) are going to be studying a bachelors degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma, your partner will be allowed to work for 48 hours per fortnight for the duration of your student visa. If you are studying a masters (by coursework or by research) or a PhD, your partner will be able to work full-time for the duration of your student visa.
Can I work while on this visa?
All information is correct at time of going to press (September 2023) but is subject to change. Please check the Australian Department of Home Affairs (Immigration and Citizenship) website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for the most up-to-date information.