Studying in Australia provides a unique way to experience Australian life while benefitting from access to a world-class education system. This includes benefitting from top-ranking universities and vocational colleges as well as accessing preparatory English language tuition. The Subclass 500 Student visa provides visa holders with the authority to work in Australia subject to specific limitations.

Subclass 500 Student visa

Individuals who intend to undertake study in Australia for more than 3 months will usually require a student visa. To be eligible for grant of a Subclass 500 visa, applicants are generally required to demonstrate that they:

• Are enrolled in a CRICOS registered course of study;
• Have a sufficient level of English;
• Are a genuine and temporary entrant;
• Hold adequate health insurance;
• Have access to sufficient funds for the duration of intended study;
• Meet relevant Public Interest Criteria.

Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa

The Subclass 590 visa allows individuals to enter and/or remain in Australia to provide care and support to a student visa holder under 18 years of age or older in limited exceptional circumstances. The Subclass 590 visa includes visa conditions which allow the holder to study for up to 3 months or in the case of English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) study for 20 hours per week while the visa is in effect. To be eligible for grant of a Subclass 590 visa, applicants are generally required to demonstrate that they:

• Are a genuine temporary entrant;
• Have sufficient funds for airfares and living costs;
• Hold adequate health insurance;
• Do not have any family unit members under the age of 6 years except in certain circumstances;
• Meet relevant Public Interest Criteria.

Subclass 407 Training visa

The Subclass 407 Training visa allows applicants to take part in workplace-based training to enhance occupational skills, area of tertiary study, or a field of expertise or alternatively, participate in a professional development training programme in Australia.

To be eligible for grant of a Subclass 407 visa, applicants are generally required to demonstrate that they:

• Meet functional English language requirements;
• Are a genuine temporary entrant;
• Have adequate financial support (including for accompanying family members);
• Are at least 18 years of age (except in limited circumstances);
• Hold adequate health insurance;
• Meet relevant Public Interest Criteria;
• Have an approved temporary activities sponsor;
• Are subject to an approved nomination;

Nominations require participation in a dedicated program of occupational training except where sponsors are an Australian Commonwealth Government agency. Nomination requirements differ depending on the specific type of training proposed. There are 3 types of occupational training covered by the Subclass 407 visa and include:

• Occupational training for registration;
• Occupational training for improving skills in an eligible occupation;
• Occupational training for capacity building overseas.

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