Student & Graduate

Student & Graduate Visa

The Australian student visa is the primary gateway for international students to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of their academic program. The application process focuses heavily on “integrity,” meaning the government prioritizes applicants who can demonstrate a clear, logical link between their chosen course and their future career goals.

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Our agents are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), ensuring your case is handled with the highest level of legal integrity and professional ethics.

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5+ Years Serving International Students

Australian migration laws change frequently. We maintain a professional library and undergo continuous training to provide advice based on the latest policy shifts.

Offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Kathmandu & Chitwan

Every regional office is equipped with the latest resources to help you with English proficiency booking, university applications, and visa documentation.

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As MARN-registered professionals, we are legally bound to act in your best interest, providing transparent fee structures and honest assessments of your visa prospects.

Education + Migration under one roof

From complex document checklists to Departmental correspondence, our registered status gives us the authority and expertise to manage your application from start to finish.

FAQs

What is the "Traffic Light" processing system?

Australia uses a Ministerial Direction (115) “traffic light” model to prioritize applications.

Green Zone: Applications for top-tier, low-risk universities are fast-tracked (often within 15–30 days)
Amber/Red Zone: Applications for private vocational colleges or “high-risk” providers face much higher scrutiny and significantly longer wait times, sometimes exceeding 8–10 weeks.

What is the current application fee?

The base application fee for a primary applicant is AUD 2,000. This makes it one of the most expensive student visas globally.

What are the different types of visas for international students?

While “Student Visa” is a general term, there are three distinct categories depending on your goal:

Subclass 500 (Student Visa): The primary visa for all levels of study (ELICOS, School, VET, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate).
Subclass 590 (Student Guardian Visa): For parents or relatives looking to support a student under 18.
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa): For students who have already completed their studies and wish to live and work in Australia for 2–4 years.

Why are so many Student Visa applications being refused in 2026

Refusal rates have risen due to stricter enforcement of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Common reasons include:

Generic GS Statements: Using AI-generated or “copy-paste” answers for your statement of purpose.
Lack of Career Logic: Choosing a course unrelated to your previous study or work history without a strong explanation.
Financial Red Flags: “Sudden deposits” in bank accounts. In 2026, the Department looks for a stable financial history (usually 3–6 months) rather than a lump sum appearing right before the application.

Can I change my course or university once I arrive in Australia?

Yes, but you must follow Condition 8202 and the “Six-Month Rule.”

Same/Higher AQF Level: You can generally switch to a course at the same or higher Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level (e.g., Bachelor to Bachelor) without a new visa.
Lower AQF Level: If you move to a lower level (e.g., Bachelor to Diploma), you must apply for a new student visa. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation.
The 6-Month Rule: You generally cannot switch to a different education provider until you have completed at least 6 months of your “principal course” (the highest level course in your package). If you want to leave earlier, you need a “Letter of Release” from your current university.

check your eligiblity

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A. Student Visa (Subclass 500) – onshore & offshore

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the primary gateway for international students to study full-time in Australia. In 2026, the Australian government has implemented several “integrity measures” to ensure the visa is used by genuine students, including stricter financial requirements and a new assessment framework.

Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)

Enrollment: You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a full-time CRICOS-registered course. For applicants under 18, welfare arrangements are required
Genuine Student (GS): Prove your primary intent is study via a statement covering academic history, course choice, and ties to home. This replaced the prior GTE requirement
English Proficiency: Submit valid scores like IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 60+, PTE 50+, or equivalent; requirements vary by course/provider.
Financial Capacity: Show funds for first-year tuition, living costs (AU$29,710+), travel, and dependents if applicable
Health Insurance: Meet health standards (may need exams) and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full stay

DOs

Maintain full-time enrollment (20+ hours/week) in a CRICOS-registered course and attend classes regularly.
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time or unlimited during holidays; inform your school before international travel outside breaks.
Hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout your stay and notify your provider of address/course changes.

DONTs

New Updates and changes

Financial Scrutiny: As of January 2026, applicants from “High-Risk” regions (including India, Nepal, and Pakistan) are now under Level 3 Scrutiny. This means you must provide 3–6 months of traceable bank history and full evidence of the source of funds.
The “Genuine Student” (GS) Test: The government has shifted focus from “intent to stay” to “benefit of study.” You must prove that the return on investment for your chosen course is higher in your home country than the cost of studying in Australia.
No “Visa Hopping”: New regulations prevent students from switching to a Subclass 500 visa while onshore on a Visitor or Temporary Graduate visa. You must generally apply from offshore (your home country).
Risk-Based Processing: Universities are now categorized by a “Traffic Light” system. Choosing a “Green Zone” (Low-Risk) university results in faster visa processing (often within 15–30 days).

You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover for the entire duration of your visa. If your insurance expires even a day before your course ends, your visa could be cancelled

Spotlight Fact (click to open)

An interesting and often overlooked fact about the Subclass 500 visa is that it has no upper age limit. While Australia recently introduced a strict age cap of 35 years for the post-study Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) in late 2025, the student visa remains open to everyone. This means that whether you are 18 or 55, you can still apply for a student visa to pursue a degree or a career change, provided you can clearly demonstrate how the course fits into your professional “lifecycle” through the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

B. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is specifically designed for individuals who need to reside in Australia to provide care and support for an international student under the age of 18 (or older in exceptional circumstances).

In 2026, this visa has become more strictly regulated to ensure guardians have the genuine financial means to support themselves and the student without needing to work.

Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)

Relationship: You must be the student’s parent, legal custodian, or a relative over 21 years old nominated in writing by the parent/custodian.
No Work Rights: This is a non-working visa. You are strictly prohibited from engaging in any paid employment in Australia
Financial Capacity: You must demonstrate significant funds to cover travel, living costs, and the student's expenses. For 2026, the baseline living cost requirement is AUD 29,710 for yourself, plus additional amounts for the student
Annual Income Option: Alternatively, you can provide evidence that your spouse (who is not traveling) has a personal annual income of at least AUD 102,500
Health Insurance: You must maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or an equivalent policy for the entire duration of your stay.

DOs

DO live with the student: This is the primary condition of your visa. You must reside in the same household and provide daily care, accommodation, and support.
DO notify the Department of address changes: If you move, you must notify Home Affairs within 7 days. In 2026, they are performing more frequent "spot checks" on residential compliance.
DO maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): Ensure your insurance is active for the entire duration of your stay. If it lapses, your visa is at immediate risk of cancellation.
DO keep 12 months of stable financial records: While you only need to show the funds for one year, the 2026 "Stability Rule" means Case Officers often look for a year-long history of those funds to ensure they aren't just a temporary deposit.
DO follow the "Genuine Temporary Stay" (GTS) rules: You must prove you have strong ties to your home country (property, family, or business) and intend to return once the student turns 18.
DO take short courses: You can study English for up to 20 hours a week or any other training for a maximum of 3 months total.

DONTs

DON’T work at all: Condition 8101 is a strict "No Work" policy. This includes remote work for a company back home or "unpaid" work that an Australian citizen would typically be paid for.
DON’T leave Australia without the student: If you must travel alone (e.g., an emergency back home), you must obtain written approval from the Department first and prove you’ve made alternative welfare arrangements for the student.
DON’T arrive before the student: Your visa generally requires you to enter Australia either with the student or after they have already arrived.
DON’T bring children under 6: Unless there are extreme "compassionate and compelling" reasons, bringing a young child is usually grounds for visa refusal, as it's seen as a distraction from your duty to the student.
DON’T "Visa Hop": New 2026 regulations strictly limit switching from a 590 visa to other substantive visas (like work or partner visas) while you are onshore. Condition 8534 ("No Further Stay") is almost always applied.

List of Eligible Relatives

For the purposes of this visa, the Australian Department of Home Affairs defines a “relative” as:

Parents: Parent or step-parent.
Grandparents: Grandparent or step-grandparent.
Siblings: Brother, sister, step-brother, or step-sister.
Aunts and Uncles: Aunt, uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle.
Nieces and Nephews: Niece, nephew, step-niece, or step-nephew.
Immediate Family: Partner or child/step-child.

Note: Cousins are generally not included in the definition of “relative” for this specific visa subclass.

Spotlight Fact (click to open)

“Lock-out” rule known as Condition 8538

Under this rule, you cannot leave Australia without the student you are guarding. If you need to travel outside the country for an emergency or a short trip while the student remains in Australia, you must first provide the Department of Home Affairs with evidence of “alternative welfare arrangements” and obtain their written approval before you depart. Failing to do this can lead to your visa being cancelled immediately.

Quick Reference Table

Feature	The Rule	Pro-Tip
Work	Strictly Prohibited	Even "digital nomad" work is risky
Study	Max 3 Months	Great for a Cert II or hobby course
Money	$29,710/year	Keep this amount + student costs "liquid."
Travel	Only with student	Requires "Form 157N" if traveling solo.
Health	Mandatory OVHC	Don't confuse this with the student's OSHC

C. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.

Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)

Age: Be aged 35 years or under when you apply
The 6-Month Rule: Apply within 6 months of the date listed on your "Completion Letter" (this is the date you met all course requirements, not your graduation ceremony).
Australian Study Requirement: Have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 92 weeks (minimum 16 calendar months) while on a valid Student Visa.
Health & Character: Provide evidence of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) and apply for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check before lodgment.

DOs

DO apply within 6 months of your Completion Date: This is the date listed on your official Completion Letter, not your graduation ceremony or the day you get your marks. Missing this window by even one day is a common cause for automatic refusal.
DO apply within 6 months of your Completion Date: This is the date listed on your official Completion Letter, not your graduation ceremony or the day you get your marks. Missing this window by even one day is a common cause for automatic refusal.
DO transition to OVHC immediately: You must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Standard Student OSHC is no longer valid once your student visa ends. Evidence of this cover is required at the time of lodgment.
DO lodge your AFP check early: You must provide evidence (the receipt) that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check before you submit your visa application. You don't need the final certificate to lodge, but you must have the proof of application.
DO choose the right stream: You cannot change streams after applying. Post-Higher Education: For Uni graduates (Bachelor/Master/PhD). Post-Vocational: For Trade/Diploma grads (requires an occupation on the MLTSSL list and a skills assessment).

DONTs

DON’T expect the "Select Degree" extension: The 2-year automatic extensions for specific fields (like IT or Nursing) introduced a few years ago have officially ended. Current Stay Durations: Bachelor/Masters (Coursework) = 2 years; Masters (Research)/PhD = 3 years.
DON’T "Visa Hop" back to a Student Visa: New 2026 regulations strictly prevent 485 holders from applying for a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) while inside Australia. If you want to study again, you must leave Australia and apply from offshore.
DON’T rely on "One Skill Retake" for English: The Department generally requires your English score to be achieved in a single sitting. Check the latest instrument (LIN 25/089) before booking.
DON’T work beyond Student Visa limits while on a Bridging Visa: If your 485 is processing but your Student Visa is still active, you are bound by the 48 hours per fortnight work limit. You only get "unlimited" work rights once your student visa expires and your Bridging Visa A kicks in.
DON’T travel without checking your Bridging Visa: If you leave Australia while your 485 is processing, you must have a Bridging Visa B (BVB). Leaving on a BVA will cancel your right to re-enter.

key details

Age Limit: The maximum age to apply is now 35 years or under at the time of application. (Exceptions: Masters by Research and PhD graduates, as well as Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, remain eligible up to age 50).
English Language: You now need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in each band) or equivalent. Crucially, the test results must be no older than 1 year at the time of lodgment.
Visa Fees: The base application charge for the primary applicant is approximately AUD 2,300.

Spotlight Fact (click to open)

This extra year is a “PR goldmine”—it gives you more time to accumulate the one year of Australian work experience often required to claim 5 points on the Points Test or to secure a permanent employer-sponsored visa.

Summary Table: Who Gets What?

Qualification Level	Stay Duration	Age Limit
Bachelor Degree	2 Years	35 Years
Masters (Coursework)	2 Years	35 Years
Masters (Research)	3 Years	50 Years
Doctoral (PhD)	3 Years	50 Years
Trade / Diploma	18 Months	35 Years

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs. It allows you to live, study and work in Australia temporarily.

You can work in Australia
You can bring your family with you
You must hold a qualification relevant to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
This stream is for applicants meeting the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification only

STAY

Up to 18 months.

COST

From AUD2,300.00

Post-Higher Education Work stream

This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It allows you to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.

You can work in Australia
You can bring your family with you
You need a recent degree in CRICOS-registered course
This stream is for applicants meeting the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement with a degree level qualification or higher

STAY

Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification.

COST

From AUD2,300.00

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

This visa is for Temporary Graduates holding a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement visa with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area. It allows you to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.

STAY

Between 1 and 2 years depending on:

the regional location of the educational institution that you graduated from that led to the grant of your first Temporary Graduate visa
the regional area that you live in as the holder of your Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement stream.

COST

From AUD905.00

how does help you

Strategic course and provider selection aligned with long-term career goals

Genuine Student (GS) statement guidance with structured documentation review

Complete visa application preparation and lodgement under MARA supervision

Health insurance and compliance guidance

Support during visa processing, RFI responses, and bridging visa matters

Post-study visa planning (Temporary Graduate visa – 485 pathways

Ongoing academic and career direction support

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