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Study & Training Visas

Study in Australia — the right visa, the right advice.

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Overview

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows you to study full-time at a registered Australian educational institution. With significant changes to the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in 2024-2026, and increased financial evidence thresholds, getting expert advice before you apply has never been more important.

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test in 2024. Under the GS requirement, the Department assesses whether you are a genuine student — considering your circumstances in your home country, your potential circumstances in Australia, the value of the course to your future, your immigration history, and any other relevant matters. This is a holistic assessment, and a well-prepared application that addresses all of these factors is essential.

Financial evidence requirements have increased significantly. As of 2025, you must demonstrate access to at least AUD $29,710 for 12 months of living expenses, plus your tuition fees and travel costs. The Department may also consider your financial capacity to support any dependants.

Student visa holders have limited work rights (typically 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks). Breaching work conditions is a common reason for visa cancellation. I advise on visa conditions and compliance to ensure you maintain your visa status throughout your studies.

Key Facts

Visa Subclass500 (Student)
Key RequirementGenuine Student (GS) test
Financial ThresholdAUD $29,710 + tuition + travel (2026)
Work Rights48 hours per fortnight during study
Post-Study OptionSubclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa

How I Work — Step by Step

1

Course & Provider Review

I review your chosen course and education provider to ensure they meet the Department's requirements and support a strong GS case.

2

GS Statement Preparation

I prepare a detailed Genuine Student statement addressing all five assessment factors.

3

Financial Evidence

I advise on the financial evidence required and help you demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel.

4

Application Lodgement

I lodge your student visa application with all supporting documents and evidence.

5

Visa Conditions Advice

Once granted, I advise on your visa conditions including work limits, course requirements, and compliance obligations.

What I Do

  • Assess your eligibility for a student visa and advise on the GS requirement
  • Prepare a strong application addressing all GS assessment criteria
  • Advise on financial evidence requirements and how to demonstrate sufficient funds
  • Handle complex cases involving previous refusals, visa breaches, or changes of course
  • Appeal student visa refusals at the ART
  • Advise on post-study options including the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Who Is This For?

  • International students applying to study at Australian universities, colleges, or schools
  • Students whose student visa has been refused and who wish to appeal
  • Students who need to change courses or education providers
  • Students facing visa cancellation due to condition breaches
  • Graduates seeking advice on post-study visa options

Common questions about

What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?+
The GS requirement replaced the old GTE test in 2024. It assesses whether you are a genuine student by considering your circumstances in your home country, your potential circumstances in Australia, the value of the course to your future, your immigration history, and other relevant matters. A well-prepared statement addressing all of these factors is essential.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa?+
As of 2026, you must demonstrate access to at least AUD $29,710 for 12 months of living expenses, plus your full tuition fees and return travel costs. If you have dependants, additional funds are required. The funds must be genuinely available to you.
Can I work while studying in Australia?+
Yes, but with limits. Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Exceeding these limits is a breach of visa conditions and can result in visa cancellation.

Need Help with Study & Training Visas?

Book a consultation from $97. I will give you an honest assessment of your situation and your best next step.

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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Thoughts only — not legal advice.

Important: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to frequent change. You should seek independent, qualified legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any immigration decision or taking any action. Viewing this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Read full disclaimer