Student Visa

Quick answer

EMI International's licensed education consultants help international students choose courses and schools and apply for the Student visa (subclass 500), the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after study, and the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) for parents of students under 18. Since 23 March 2024, student visa applicants must meet the Genuine Student requirement, which replaced the former GTE requirement.

• Visas covered: Subclass 500, 485 and 590
• Services: Course and school selection, visa applications, extensions, transfers and cancellation or refusal issues
• First step with EMI: Free 45-minute in-person consultation in Sydney CBD

Last reviewed: September 2026, against current Department of Home Affairs policy. General information only, not legal advice.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Allows international students to study full-time at an Australian education provider for the length of their course.

Core Requirements

• Enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement on 23 March 2024
• English: generally IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent (lower scores accepted for some packaged English courses; some applicants are exempt)
• Financial capacity: currently AUD 29,710 a year for living costs, plus course fees and travel (additional amounts for partner and children)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole stay

Work Rights

• Up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session
• Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
• Unlimited hours for research master's and PhD students once the course has started

Genuine Student — What to Prepare

• Answers to the Genuine Student questions in the application: your current circumstances, why this course and provider, why Australia, and how the course benefits your future
• Evidence of ties and circumstances in your home country (family, employment, assets)
• Previous study results and any gaps in study or employment
• Evidence of genuine access to funds

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

After at least 2 academic years of Australian study, graduates under 35 (under 50 for research master's/PhD) may stay and work for 18 months to 3 years depending on their qualification. See the Working Visa page for details.

Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

Lets a parent, custodian or eligible relative live in Australia to care for a student under 18.

Eligibility

• The student's parent or custodian, or a relative aged 21 or over nominated by the parents
• Generally cannot bring children aged 6 or over (exceptions apply)
• Genuine intention to stay temporarily as the student's guardian
• Enough money for living costs and any accompanying children's schooling
• Adequate health insurance (OVHC) for the whole stay

Visa	Main applicant charge (from 1 July 2026)
Subclass 500 (most applicants)	AUD 2,500
Subclass 590	AUD 2,500

Government charges shown are base application charges for the main applicant from 1 July 2026 and change regularly. Confirm current amounts with the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours can international students work in Australia?

Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Some postgraduate research students have different conditions.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

Since 23 March 2024, student visa applicants must show they are genuine students who intend to study in Australia. This replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

Can a parent stay in Australia with a student under 18?

Yes. A parent, custodian or eligible relative may apply for the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) to live with and care for a student under 18.

My student visa was cancelled. Can anything be done?

Sometimes. EMI has helped a client overturn a visa cancellation and lift a three-year entry ban; see the case study below. Early advice is important because review deadlines are strict.

Related: Case study: visa cancellation overturned and 3-year ban lifted

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