Student Visas
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Student visas (subclass 500)
To study as an international student in Australia, you will need to obtain a student visa before travelling and starting your studies. For a full-time course, you'll need to hold a valid student visa for the full duration of your program.
With a student visa (subclass 500), you will be able to:
- Take part in your full-time course at The University of Western Australia
- Travel in and out of the country during the timeframe of your course
- Work in Australia for the duration of your course
If you’ve entered Australia on a temporary resident visa or another category of visa that allows you to study, you may be able to enrol to study part-time but will have to pay the full cost of your tuition before commencing your studies.
Before you apply for a student visa
You can apply for a student visa (subclass 500) after you’ve received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the University. This will be required by the Department of Home Affairs when you submit your visa application.
We will issue you with a CoE after you have:
- formally accepted your offer of a place
- returned your signed acceptance and refund forms
- paid the fee for your first semester of study
- arranged overseas student health cover (OSHC)
You will need to supply other supporting documentation when lodging your application. Use the Document Checklist Tool to help gather these documents before you apply for your student visa.
Student visa application process
The student visa application process is handled by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and can be submitted online. Some of our international agents can also help you submit your application.
- Students under 18 years
If you’re a student under 18 years, you’ll need to prove you have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying here in Australia. This means having a carer and accommodation approved by the University, or living in accommodation and a welfare arrangement approved by Home Affairs (this is usually a relative).
- Visa conditions
You must read and understand the conditions and requirements for your student visa.
- Applying for family
If you would like to bring family members with you to Australia, eligibility restrictions may apply.
From 2 October 2026, family members can only be included in a Student visa (subclass 500) application where the primary student:
- is sponsored by Defence or Foreign Affairs
- holds a passport from a Pacific or ASEAN country
- receives a foreign government scholarship covering full tuition fees
- is studying a PhD
- is applying for a new visa due to provider default.
Family members must be included when the primary Student visa application is lodged. In most circumstances, they cannot apply to join the student later.
- Application payments
You will be required to pay the visa application charge for you and your family members for your application to be valid.