Australian student visa (subclass 500): conditions, GTE/GS and documents

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Australian student visa subclass 500 is a visa for international students studying full-time in Australia. From 2024, the Australian student visa policy will have many important adjustments: Genuine Student (GS) requirement instead of GTE, higher English standards and increased fees. The article summarizes the conditions, records and practical experience so you can prepare properly.

Overview of Australian student visa subclass 500

The subclass 500 visa allows you to stay in Australia to study full-time at a recognized educational institution, from school, English (ELICOS), vocational (VET) to university, postgraduate. Visa duration is usually tied to the course duration on the CoE plus a certain amount. Applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Regarding fees, from July 1, 2025 the main application fee for a student visa is 2,000 AUD and may be periodically adjusted; check the fee estimator on the Home Office site before submitting.

Conditions for applying for an Australian student visa subclass 500

Understand each "key" document in the lesson What are CoE, I-20, CAS and about insurance in the article OSHC study abroad health insurance.

From GTE to Genuine Student (GS)

Previously, Australian student visa applicants had to write a GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) report to prove their intention to temporarily reside. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, for applications submitted from March 23, 2024, this requirement is replaced by Genuine Student (GS). Important difference: GS focuses on whether you actually went to school or not; The desire to settle down in the future is not considered a minus point.

Instead of a long essay, the visa application has separate questions, each answering up to 150 words in English, about:

• Current situation: family, community, work, economy.
• Reasons for choosing the course, school and understanding of life in Australia.
• What benefits does the course bring to you?
• Other related information; Special question for people who have had a student visa or are in Australia on another visa.

The answer should be short, specific and accompanied by supporting documents (transcript, job confirmation, career plan). This is very similar to preparing for an interview, you can refer to the article Student visa interview.

Documents and submission process

1. Receive offer and CoE: accept invitation, pay fee, buy OSHC (usually through school).
2. Prepare documents: passport, CoE, English certificate, diploma, transcript, financial documents, family relationship documents, CV, work documents (if any). Read the article Proof of finances for studying abroad.
3. Create an ImmiAccount and apply online, answer GS questions, pay fees.
4. Biometrics and health screening if required, at designated facility. See article Medical examination for student visa application.
5. Wait for results and respond promptly if additional requests are required.

You can apply for a visa when you have a CoE; According to commonly applied regulations, applications from outside Australia can be submitted as early as 124 days before the start date, and you can enter the country as early as 90 days before the course begins. Please check the current review time to calculate the schedule, see more Study visa processing time for different countries.

After having a visa: rights and obligations

• Part-time work: according to current regulations, students are allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours every two weeks during the semester and unlimited during official vacations.
• Maintain visa conditions: attend school fully, achieve academic progress, maintain OSHC, update address with school.
• Changing schools, changing courses: need to comply with regulations, especially in the first 6 months of the main course.

Flying to Australia often has many options for direct flights or connecting flights via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. More than 30 VeDuHoc Bookers compare multiple airlines, optimize checked baggage of 40–46kg, check transit requirements and send flight information to parents via Zalo. Reference air tickets to study abroad and International checked baggage for international students.

Frequently asked questions

How are GTE and GS different?

GTE requires proof of intention to stay temporarily through a written report; GS (applicable to applications submitted from March 23, 2024) focuses on you actually going to school, answering short questions in the application and not considering the desire to settle down as a minus point.

How much IELTS is required for an Australian student visa subclass 500?

According to regulations applicable from March 23, 2024, usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent; 5.0 if you have studied ELICOS before the main course and 5.5 with some recognized preparatory programs. Schools may require more.

Can I bring my family along?

You can bring qualified dependents with you, but must prove additional finances and purchase insurance for the whole family. Some educational levels have their own regulations.

How long does it take to get visa results?

Processing time varies depending on the level of study, time and completeness of the application. Please submit as soon as you have the CoE.

The Australian student visa subclass 500 is not too complicated if you understand the requirements correctly and prepare honest and consistent documents. Always check information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Once you have a visa, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to book tickets on time for admission.

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