What Is the Subclass 500 Visa?

The Subclass 500 visa allows international students to:

• Study full-time at a registered Australian institution (CRICOS-approved).

• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight (and unlimited hours during semester breaks).

• Bring eligible family members as dependents.

• Stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to 5 years).

This visa is your ticket to quality education and potential future migration.

Step 1: Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

You can’t apply for the visa without securing a place in an Australian school.

1. Apply to institutions: Universities, TAFEs, or private colleges.

2. Receive an offer letter: Conditional on meeting academic/English requirements.

3. Accept and pay tuition deposit: Usually first semester’s fees.

4. Receive CoE: Electronic document with unique ID code.

Pro tip: Always choose a CRICOS-registered course. Afrovo helps African students pick courses aligned with career and PR pathways.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Passport: Valid for the full duration of study.

• CoE: From your chosen institution.

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement: Explaining your study intentions.

• English test results: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL (usually IELTS 6.0+ or PTE 50+).

• Proof of funds: To cover tuition + living costs.

  • AUD $29,710/year for living expenses (as of 2025).

  • Tuition fees for one academic year.

  • Travel costs (approx. AUD $2,000).

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory health insurance.

• Academic documents: Certificates, transcripts.

• Police clearance & medical exam: Sometimes requested.

Missing documents result in delayed processing or rejection.

Step 3: Demonstrate Financial Capacity

One of the biggest reasons African applications get rejected is weak financial proof.

You can show funds through:

1. Bank statements (personal or family sponsor).

2. Education loan approval letter.

3. Scholarship award letter.

4. Government sponsorship.

Afrovo helps students structure their financial evidence so it meets Australian Home Affairs standards.

Step 4: Write a Strong Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement

The GTE is where many African students fail. Immigration officers want proof that you’re coming primarily to study, not just to migrate.

Your statement should:

• Show clear career goals and how your chosen course fits in.

• Explain why you chose Australia (vs other countries).

• Highlight ties to your home country (family, future career prospects).

• Avoid copying templates. Write a personalized story.

Afrovo has experts who polish GTEs to boost acceptance rates.

Step 5: Apply Online via ImmiAccount

1. Create an ImmiAccount on the official Home Affairs website.

2. Fill in Form 157A (application form).

3. Upload documents (PDF, under 5MB each).

4. Pay the application fee.

5. Submit your application.

Keep copies of everything.

Step 6: Health Check & Biometrics

• You’ll receive a HAP ID for medical exams.

• Do health check at approved clinics.

• Biometrics (fingerprints, photos) may be requested.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Processing time (as of 2025):

• 75% of applications: within 6–8 weeks.

• 90% of applications: within 10–12 weeks.

Factors that delay visas:

• Incomplete documents.

• Weak financial evidence.

• Poor GTE statement.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa Grant

If approved, you’ll get an electronic visa grant letter. This includes:

• Visa grant number.

• Conditions (e.g., work limits, OSHC).

• Entry dates.

Pack your bags. You’re ready for Australia!

Common Reasons African Students Get Rejected

1. Insufficient funds: Weak or unverifiable bank statements.

2. Poor GTE statement: Copy-paste essays raise red flags.

3. Unaccredited institutions: Non-CRICOS courses.

4. Inconsistent documents: Different names, missing details.

Cost Breakdown for African Students

• Visa application fee: AUD $710

• Tuition (first semester): AUD $8,000–$15,000

• OSHC: AUD $600–$1,200/year

• Medical exam + biometrics: AUD $200–$300

• Flight ticket: AUD $2,000+

Total upfront: AUD $11,000–$18,000 depending on course & city.

After Visa Approval: What’s Next?

• Book accommodation: On-campus, shared housing, or private rentals.

• Open Australian bank account: Needed for part-time work.

• Get TFN (Tax File Number): To work legally.

• Attend orientation: Meet lecturers, settle in.

How Afrovo Helps Students

• University placement: Matching you with the right CRICOS course.

• Scholarship guidance: Helping reduce tuition costs.

• Visa filing support: Step-by-step assistance with documents, GTE, and ImmiAccount.

• Settlement services: Airport pickup, housing guidance, job coaching.

FAQs

Q: Can I bring my spouse or children?
Yes, dependents can be added to Subclass 500, but you must show extra funds.

Q: Can I work full-time as a student?
Only during semester breaks. During study terms, max 48 hours/fortnight.

Q: What happens after graduation?
You can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), a key step toward PR.

Applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, strong documents, and expert guidance, African students have a high chance of success.

If you’re serious about studying in Australia, don’t risk rejection. Afrovo is here to help you from course selection to visa approval to settlement in Australia.

Achieve Your Migration Journey Today with Afrovo.

We are passionate about helping Africans unlock global opportunities.

 Email: hello@afrovo.com
 WhatsApp: Click to chat
 Instagram: @afrovo_
 TikTok: @afrovo
 Facebook: @Afrovo