Student Visa Information

Your Student Visa Journey

Studying in Australia starts with the right student visa. Most international students study on a Student visa (Subclass 500). This page walks you through the journey step by step, so you know what to expect. It is general information only. For advice about your own situation, always speak to the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.

Step 1: Choose your course and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Your journey begins when you enrol in a nationally recognised course with a CRICOS-registered provider like SGSCC International. Once you accept your offer and pay your deposit, we issue your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). You need this CoE to apply for your student visa, so this is your first big step.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Getting organised early makes everything easier. For a Subclass 500 application, you will usually need:

• Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS provider
• A valid passport
• Your Genuine Student (GS) statement, which explains that you plan to come to Australia to study
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay
• Proof that you can cover your tuition and living costs
• English test results, such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
• Health and character documents, which may include a medical check or a police certificate
• A welfare arrangement, if you are under 18

Home Affairs decides exactly what is required, so always check their current checklist for your country.

Step 3: Create your ImmiAccount

Your visa application is managed online through an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Set this up early. It is where you apply, upload documents and track your progress.

Step 4: Apply and track your application

When your ImmiAccount is ready, you:

• Complete the Subclass 500 application form
• Upload your documents, including your CoE, passport, GS statement and financial evidence
• Pay the visa application fee
• Attend a biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo) if you are asked to
• Complete a medical check with an approved panel doctor if Home Affairs requests one
• Submit your application and receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track it

Home Affairs will let you know if they need anything more. If your visa is granted, you will receive a notice with your visa number, your conditions and your start date. If it is refused, they will explain why, and you may have appeal rights depending on your situation.

Give yourself enough time. Apply early so your visa is granted before your course starts. You must attend the full orientation program, so check the dates in your Letter of Offer and Written Agreement.

Step 5: Arriving in Australia

When you land, you pass through immigration and customs. Have your passport, your Subclass 500 visa and your CoE ready to show at the border. Australia has strict customs and biosecurity rules, so declare anything you need to. Then attend your SGSCC orientation, where we help you settle into campus life and your new home in Sydney.

Step 6: Staying on track with your visa conditions

Your student visa comes with conditions you agree to keep. As a student visa holder, you:

• Stay enrolled full-time in your registered course
• Keep up your attendance and course progress
• Keep your OSHC health cover active for your whole stay
• Tell us within 7 days if you change your address or contact details
• Only work within the hours your visa allows

Work hour limits and other conditions are set by the Australian Government and can change, so always confirm the current rules on the Home Affairs website.

Travelling in and out of Australia

Your student visa lets you travel in and out of Australia while it is valid. Just make sure your visa stays valid for your whole study period, and that you keep meeting your conditions, including full-time study and current health cover.

Need help understanding the journey?

Our international team is happy to explain the enrolment steps and point you in the right direction. For anything about your visa itself, the Department of Home Affairs and registered migration agents are the experts, and we will always refer you to them.