Applying for a student visa in Australia can feel overwhelming without clear guidance. Whether you’re starting your studies or continuing an existing course, it’s important to understand what’s involved and when to take action.
At Astraea Law, we provide straightforward legal advice to help students apply, renew, or extend their visas efficiently. This guide outlines each step in the student visa timeline so you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays. You’ll learn how to apply for a student visa in Australia, what to do when it’s time to renew, and how to manage an extension if your circumstances change.
Let’s break down the process clearly, so you can focus on your studies with confidence.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia
To apply for a student visa in Australia (subclass 500), you must meet specific eligibility requirements and follow a clear application process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s needed and when to act.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you:
- Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered education provider
- Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
- Hold adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover)
- Have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel
- Meet English language requirements (e.g. IELTS or similar)
- Have a valid passport
2. Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need:
- CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) certificate
- Valid passport
- GTE statement (explaining your study intentions)
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
- Academic transcripts and English test results (if applicable)
3. Create an ImmiAccount and Apply Online
You must apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website using an ImmiAccount. Complete the application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee.
4. Attend Health and Character Checks
You may be required to:
- Complete a medical examination
- Provide police certificates from your country of residence
5. Wait for Processing
Student visa processing times vary but generally take between 4 to 8 weeks. Times depend on your location, education provider, and application completeness. You can check estimated wait times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
6. Receive Your Visa Outcome
If approved, your visa will be sent by email. You can then make travel plans and prepare for your course start date. If refused, you may have the right to appeal or reapply.
Understanding Your Visa Conditions
Once your student visa is granted, it’s important to follow the conditions attached to it. Breaching these rules could lead to visa cancellation.
Work Restrictions
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During official course breaks, there are no work limits. If you’re studying a master’s by research or a doctorate, you may be eligible to work unlimited hours.
Academic Progress and Attendance
You must:
- Stay enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Attend classes as required
If you fail to meet these conditions, your education provider may report you to immigration.
Change of Course or Education Provider
If you want to change your course or provider:
- You may need a new CoE
- You must notify your current provider and follow the correct process
- In some cases, a new visa application may be required
Keep Your Details Updated
Always ensure your contact details in your ImmiAccount are up to date. If you change your address or phone number, update it within 7 days.
Understanding and complying with your visa conditions helps you stay legally in Australia and focus on your studies without interruption.
How to Renew a Student Visa
If your current student visa is expiring and you need more time to complete your studies or begin a new course, you’ll need to apply for a new student visa. In most cases, this is referred to as renewing your visa, although technically, you’re submitting a fresh application.
When Should You Renew?
Start the renewal process at least 6–8 weeks before your current visa expires. If your visa ends before your new visa is granted, you may be eligible for a bridging visa to remain lawful during the wait.
What You’ll Need
To renew your student visa, prepare:
- A new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Updated Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- A valid passport
- Proof of ongoing financial capacity
- A new Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
You’ll also need to complete a new online application through your ImmiAccount and pay the visa fee again.
Can You Stay in Australia While Waiting?
Yes. If you apply before your current visa expires, you’ll likely be granted a bridging visa that allows you to remain in Australia legally until your application is processed.
How to Extend Student Visa in Australia
Extending a student visa in Australia usually means applying for a new visa because student visas can’t be formally extended. You’ll need to meet all eligibility criteria again and submit a new application.
Why You Might Need to Extend
You may need to extend your stay if:
- You’ve changed course, and your new course has a later end date
- You didn’t complete your course on time
- You’ve enrolled in a new course after finishing your current one
Each of these situations requires a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and fresh supporting documents.
Steps to Extend Your Stay
- Get a new CoE: Request this from your education provider.
- Update your OSHC: Your health cover must match the length of your new visa.
- Gather required documents: These include your passport, GTE statement, financial evidence, and academic records.
- Submit a new visa application: Lodge it through your ImmiAccount before your current visa expires.
What’s the Difference Between Extending and Renewing?
In practice, “extending” and “renewing” mean the same thing: applying for a new student visa. The process and requirements are identical.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Student visa issues often come from small but avoidable errors. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to stay on track.
1. Leaving It Too Late
Many students wait until the last minute to apply for a renewal or extension. This increases the risk of visa expiry and stress. Start preparing at least two months before your visa ends.
2. Incomplete Applications
Missing documents or incorrect forms can lead to delays or refusals. Double-check your application before submitting it, especially your CoE, financial evidence, and GTE statement.
3. Ignoring Visa Conditions
Working extra hours, poor attendance, or changing courses without notice can breach your visa conditions. These breaches are taken seriously and could affect your current or future visas.
4. Not Seeking Advice Early
If your situation is unusual, such as needing a second extension or changing your study plans, it’s best to get legal advice early. Acting too late may limit your options.
5. Overlooking Bridging Visa Conditions
If you’re on a bridging visa, be aware of its terms. You may not have work rights, and travel conditions can differ. Always check what’s allowed.
Staying organised and informed is the best way to protect your visa status. If you’re unsure at any stage, Astraea Law can step in to review your situation and guide your next move.
How Astraea Law Can Help
Student visa applications can be time-sensitive and detail-focused. At Astraea Law, we provide clear, practical support to help you apply, renew, or extend your student visa with confidence.
Our team takes the pressure off by:
- Reviewing your documents to avoid errors and delays
- Preparing strong, well-supported applications
- Advising on bridging visa options
- Assisting with complex situations, including refusals or changing study plans
We understand how important your visa is to your future. Whether you’re applying for the first time or continuing your studies, we’ll work with you to keep the process smooth, efficient, and legally sound.
Next Step: Get Trusted Legal Support
If you’re unsure how to apply for a student visa in Australia or need help renewing or extending your current visa, we’re here to help.
Astraea Law offers clear legal guidance tailored to your situation, so you can stay focused on your studies without worrying about paperwork or delays.
Get in touch today to speak with a lawyer who understands the process and will support you every step of the way.
