Australian Student Visa Guide for Masters Students

If you’re an international student you’ll need a student visa to be able to study a Masters in Australia. There may be some exceptions, for example if you’re from New Zealand you don’t need a visa to study in Australia.

All other international students will need to apply for the Student Visas (Subclass 500). This guide covers the eligibility criteria and application process for the Australian student visa.

The Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to undertake full-time study in Australia and is usually granted for the duration of your course (up to 5 years).

Note that the new Student Visa replaces the Australian Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573) and Postgraduate Research Sector Visa (subclass 574).

You’ll be able to stay and study in the country and travel in and out multiple times during this time – perfect if you’re thinking of visiting home!

Visa eligibility criteria

There are a few basic criteria you’ll need to meet to be eligible to apply for the Student Visa.

• First, and the most important, you must have been accepted by an Australian university and have obtained a Certificate of Enrolment (CoE). This is an official document issued by the university once you have paid the tuition deposit.
• If you’re not a native speaker, you’ll need to provide evidence of your fluency in English. You can provide English language test results, which you might have provided when applying for your course as well. Most recognised English language tests are accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
• From 1 October 2023, you’ll need to show you have a minimum of AU$29,710 (US$18,519) in savings to cover costs while you study. The actual living costs may be more than this amount., depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
• All students have to fulfill the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. You'll have to include a personal statement of 300 words with your application. You'll also need to submit supporting documents like evidence of previous study, current employment, economic situation in home country and ties to your home country.

If you fit all of these criteria, you can begin your application.

Applying for the student visa

The application itself is straightforward and is completed online. As an international student, you’ll most probably be applying for the visa from outside Australia, in which case you must apply at least 8 weeks before the start of your course.

There are some documents you’ll need at hand to complete your visa application.

• The Certificate of Enrolment (CoE)
• Bank statements, letters of sponsorship or funding to prove you meet the financial requirements.
• English language test results
• Health insurance documents
• Passport
• Your CV
• Previous academic transcripts

You can also check the Australian government’s visa document checklist to know what you’ll need.

You’ll also have to pay an application fee of AU$2,000 (US$1,317) when you make the application. There is an extra charge if your family members (dependants) are applying with you. The Australian Government provides a searchable database of all visa costs.

Visa processing times

The Australian government estimates that 90% of student visas are processed within 57 days. However, it can take longer depending on whether you need to provide any further supporting evidence, or if you’re applying for any dependants as well. You can check current wait times on the Australian government’s Immigration and Citizenship website.

Bringing family to Australia on a student visa

You are allowed to bring family with you on an Australian student visa. A family member can be your spouse or your or your spouse’s dependent child. You’d need to declare them as part of your application, even if they are not travelling to Australia with you. Your family members must also meet the Australian government’s requirements for health and character.

Working on an Australian student visa

Students are allowed to work 48 hours a fortnight on an Australian student visa during term time. There is no restriction to the amount you can work during holidays.

Note that the unrestricted allowance to work on a student visa which was put in place in January 2022 ended on 30 June 2023. However, anybody already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023 can continue to work unrestricted hours till the end of the year.

Read our guide on working in Australia as a student where we also talk about the kind of work you can do and where to look for it.

Next steps

Your student visa is granted for the duration of your course and if you wish to stay in Australia longer, you will have to apply for a new visa.

You can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows you to stay in the country after you complete your studies. If you’ve already found work, you can apply for a work visa sponsored by your employer.