What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement and how is it different from the old GTE test?

The Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test on 23 March 2024. Both assess whether your primary purpose is study, but the GS requirement is evaluated as a holistic, positive test — DHA assesses whether you are a genuine student, not merely whether you intend to leave Australia after your course. Your GS statement, choice of course, financial position, ties to your home country, and immigration history are all considered. There is no set word count or format for the statement — but it must directly and honestly address the relevant factors. Our agents review every GS statement before lodgement.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

From 1 July 2023, the work limit returned to 48 hours per fortnight during term time after a temporary unlimited work period during the pandemic. During scheduled course breaks (holidays), there is no work restriction. If you breach the 48-hour condition, your visa may be cancelled. Note that 48 hours per fortnight applies per student — your partner on a secondary application may also have work rights, but these are separate. Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs.

Can my family come with me on my student visa?

A partner (spouse or de facto) and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on your student visa. Your partner will typically receive limited work rights (not unlimited). A parent or relative accompanying a student under 18 must apply for the Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa separately — they cannot be included as a secondary applicant on the 500.

What financial evidence does DHA require?

DHA requires evidence that you can fund your tuition, living costs and return airfare for the entire course duration. The living-cost evidence threshold is approximately $29,710 per year per student as at 1 July 2026, with additional amounts for a partner (~$10,345/yr) and each child (~$4,449/yr). Evidence typically includes 3–6 months of bank statements, scholarship letters, loan approvals, or statutory declarations from sponsors. Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs.

What is OSHC and is it mandatory?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students in Australia on a student visa. It must cover the full duration of your visa — from the day you arrive until the day you leave. OSHC must be purchased from a DHA-approved provider before your visa is granted. Students from Belgium, Norway and Sweden may use reciprocal health care arrangements instead. OSHC typically costs $60–$80 per month for a single student as at 1 July 2026.

What is the pathway from a student visa to permanent residence?

The most common pathway is: Subclass 500 Student Visa → Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (2–6 years depending on qualification) → skills assessment in your occupation → Expression of Interest via SkillSelect → invitation to apply for 189, 190 or 491. The 485 gives you work experience to build points and complete your skills assessment. Your course must be a CRICOS-listed qualification in an occupation on the relevant skilled migration occupation list. Not all courses lead to a viable PR pathway — course choice at the start is critical.

Can I change my course or education provider while on a student visa?

Yes, but conditions apply. You generally need to have completed six months of your principal course before transferring to a new provider, unless your current provider agrees to release you earlier, ceases to be registered, or you have another compelling reason recognised under the National Code. The new course also needs to be at the same level or higher on the Australian Qualifications Framework unless you have a legitimate reason for stepping down.

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Student Visas

Student Visas Hub

Everything international students need to know about studying in Australia — from the subclass 500 application to the Genuine Student requirement and the pathway to permanent residence.

General information current as at October 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

Quick Answer

Student visas centre on the Student visa (subclass 500) and the Genuine Student requirement, as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. After study, many graduates use Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) and plan a student to PR pathway. Check English requirements early.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: October 2026

What you need to know

Six topics. Every student needs them.

500Core visa

Student Visa

Study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution. Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. Bring eligible dependants.

590For parents

Student Guardian Visa

Allows a parent or relative to accompany a student under 18 studying in Australia. The guardian cannot work in Australia.

GSSince 23 Mar 2024

Genuine Student Requirement

Replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. Assessed holistically — your statement, course choice, financial position, and ties to home country.

$$$Common refusal reason

Financial Capacity

Home Affairs requires evidence of funds for travel, the first 12 months of course fees and 12 months of living costs (AUD29,710 for the student). Incomplete evidence is a leading cause of refusal.

→PRAfter graduation

Student to PR Pathway

500 → 485 Temporary Graduate → skills assessment → EOI → 189/190/491 permanent visa. Course choice and occupation are critical to this pathway.

PR↑Planning ahead

Courses with PR Prospects

Not all qualifications lead to skilled migration. ANZSCO demand, skills assessment body, and state nomination lists determine whether your degree opens a PR pathway.

Financial Planning

Costs to plan for

DHA requires evidence of sufficient funds. Knowing the actual figures — visa charge, OSHC, living costs — prevents a refusal on financial grounds.

Cost item

Amount (AUD)

Notes

Visa application charge (primary applicant)

AUD2,500 (most sectors; AUD2,050 for ELICOS and Non-Award; lower charges for eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN citizens)

As at 1 July 2026

Visa application charge (secondary — adult)

AUD1,530 (AUD1,255 for ELICOS and Non-Award). Family members can only be included if an exemption applies - see note below.

Per additional adult

Visa application charge (secondary — child)

AUD500 (AUD410 for ELICOS and Non-Award). Children can only be included if an exemption applies.

Per dependent child

OSHC — single, 12 months

~$636–$760

Provider-dependent; budget ~$65/month

OSHC — couple, 12 months

~$1,440–$1,700

Provider-dependent

Living-cost evidence threshold

$29,710 / yr

Per student; additional amounts for dependants

Tuition — undergraduate degree

$20,000–$45,000/yr

Varies by institution and course; CRICOS-registered only

Tuition — postgraduate research

$18,000–$42,000/yr

Varies; some scholarships available

Tuition — vocational (TAFE/RTO)

$4,000–$22,000/yr

Certificate to Advanced Diploma level

Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs. Tuition figures are indicative ranges — contact your institution for exact fees. OSHC rates vary by provider. Agent fees are additional.

The Process

Five steps from offer to visa grant

Choose your course and institution

Before anything else

Your institution must be CRICOS-registered and your course must lead to a CRICOS-listed qualification. Course choice affects your work rights, PR pathway prospects, and Genuine Student assessment.

Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

After offer accepted

After accepting the offer and paying a deposit, your institution issues a CoE. You cannot lodge without it. Check the CoE details carefully — errors can cause delays.

Prepare your Genuine Student statement and documents

4–8 weeks

Write a clear, honest GS statement addressing why you're studying in Australia, your plans for your study, and your ties to home. Compile financial evidence, English results, OSHC, and health checks.

Lodge your application via ImmiAccount

Day of lodgement

Your registered migration agent lodges the application through ImmiAccount, attaches all documents, and pays the visa application charge. From 2 October 2026, most applicants must lodge from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted. You can only apply in Australia if you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption, for example needing up to 12 more months with the same provider, PhD study, or progressing to a higher AQF level course.

Decision and travel

4–16 weeks (median)

DHA processes your application. Processing times vary. Offshore Student visa applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025 are prioritised under Ministerial Direction No. 115, which sets priority levels based on the education sector and the provider. Applications made in Australia are generally assessed in the order they are lodged. Check the Home Affairs visa processing times guide for current figures. Once granted, check your visa grant notice for conditions — especially Condition 8105 (work restriction).

Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs. Processing times are estimates and may vary for complex cases or additional information requests.

Common Questions

Student visa FAQs

Check your Genuine Student case

The GS requirement is assessed holistically — your statement, course choice, financial position, and ties to home country all factor in. Our registered agents review your complete profile before lodgement.

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General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

1313 Success Group Pty Ltd trading as Nanak Migration Group makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at October 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Student Visas Hub

Everything international students need to know about studying in Australia — from the subclass 500 application to the Genuine Student requirement and the pathway to permanent residence.

General information current as at October 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.