- Easy Aussie Migration
- December 12, 2025
Can You Apply for a Student Visa After a 408 Visa?
Australia’s Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa, often referred to as the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa, has been one of the most utilised visa pathways by international students, temporary workers, and visitors during the pandemic and its aftermath. Even though this visa category has largely been phased out, many people are still in Australia on a 408 visa or have recently held one. A common question they ask is:
“Can I apply for a Student Visa after my 408 visa?”
The short answer is yes, many applicants can apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) after holding a 408 visa, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. However, there are important considerations around visa conditions, timing, genuine temporary entrant criteria, financial requirements, and how immigration views “visa hopping.”
This blog explores the full situation in depth so you can understand your options clearly and make informed decisions.
Understanding the 408 Visa: What It Means for Your Next Step
The 408 visa was originally designed to support temporary activity participants, but during COVID-19 it became a pathway for people who could not leave Australia and needed work rights to support themselves.
Today, some people still hold a 408 visa through limited streams or bridging arrangements, while others are transitioning off it.
Why does this matter for a future Student Visa?
Because immigration officers often look at your visa history, including:
- Why you applied for certain visas
- Whether you have maintained lawful stay
- Whether your next visa application logically aligns with your circumstances and goals
If you’re shifting from a 408 visa to a Student Visa, the Department of Home Affairs may assess whether your intention to study is genuine and not simply a way to extend your stay in Australia.
Can You Apply for a Student Visa After a 408 Visa?
Yes, it is generally allowed.
The Department does not prohibit applicants from applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) after a 408 visa. Many people have successfully transitioned from a 408 to a Student Visa to:
- Continue studies they paused during COVID-19
- Begin a new qualification for career development
- Upgrade from a diploma to a bachelor degree
- Improve their migration prospects
However, approval is not automatic, and several criteria can affect the outcome.
Key Requirements to Consider Before Applying
1. Check your 408 visa conditions
Your visa will list any specific conditions such as:
- No Further Stay (8503, 8534, or 8535)
- Work restrictions
- End-of-visa obligations
If you have a No Further Stay condition, you cannot apply for a Student Visa in Australia unless you successfully apply for a waiver. Waivers are not guaranteed and require strong supporting documents.
2. Meet the Genuine Student (GS) criteria
This is one of the most important parts of the Student Visa application. The Department wants to ensure you’re applying to study for genuine educational purposes rather than extending your stay temporarily.
The GS statement must clearly explain:
- Your study goals
- Why this course benefits your future career
- How it fits into your educational background
- Why you chose Australia
- Why you’re not studying in your home country
- Your financial and personal circumstances
Applicants transitioning from a 408 visa must be especially clear in explaining why they now want to pursue study. A vague or poorly explained shift in purpose is a common reason for refusals.
3. Financial capacity requirements
You must show you can genuinely support yourself while studying. This includes:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Dependants’ costs (if applicable)
The Department may scrutinise financial evidence even more strictly for applicants who were on a 408 visa and may have had fluctuating employment or income.
4. Health insurance (OSHC)
Every Student Visa applicant must have valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covering the full visa duration.
5. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must secure enrolment in an approved CRICOS-registered course and obtain a CoE before lodging your application. The course choice should support your GS statement logically.
How Your Visa History May Affect Your Application
Stopping and starting visa types can sometimes raise red flags for the Department. They look for patterns that show:
- Genuine long-term planning
- Consistent goals
- A logical education pathway
- Stable commitments
If your previous visa history includes frequent changes, multiple short-term visas, or extensions that appear to delay departure, this needs to be addressed carefully in your GS statement.
Why Many People Choose to Study After a 408 Visa
This is where professional guidance becomes extremely valuable.
Applicants often transition from a 408 visa to a Student Visa for several practical and career-focused reasons:
1. Career Change or Skills Upgrade
- Studying a new qualification can open doors to new industries.
- Australian education provides hands-on, industry-relevant skills that boost employability.
- A student visa allows individuals to pivot into career areas that offer better future opportunities.
2. Gaining Australian Qualifications
- Australian qualifications are internationally recognised and highly valued.
- Completing a qualification in Australia can improve competitiveness in the global job market.
- Certain qualifications may later support skilled migration pathways (though the Student Visa itself does not guarantee PR).
3. Continuing or Completing Previous Studies
- Many people had their studies disrupted during COVID-19 and now want to continue.
- Others may wish to upgrade their education level, such as moving from a certificate to a diploma or from a diploma to a bachelor degree.
- Returning to study helps them achieve long-term career or academic goals.
4. Discovering New Opportunities in Australia’s Education System
Australia is an attractive study destination because of:
- High-quality institutions with strong academic reputations.
- Industry-focused courses designed with employer input.
- Internship and work placement opportunities that provide real-world experience.
- Modern campuses and supportive international student services.
These advantages often appeal to people previously on 408 visas who now want to invest in education and improve their long-term prospects.
Challenges You May Face When Applying
Although the Student Visa is possible after a 408 visa, it comes with challenges that should not be underestimated:
- Proving genuine intent: If the Department believes you’re using study as a way to extend your stay, your visa could be refused.
- Financial requirements: Applicants must show credible and verifiable funds.
- Tight timelines: If your 408 visa is close to expiry, you must act quickly to gather documents.
- Selecting the right course: A poorly chosen course can undermine your GS statement.
- No Further Stay conditions: If applicable, this requires extra processing and justification.
Best Practices for a Successful 408 → 500 Visa Transition
✔ Choose a course aligned with your future goals: The course should make sense in relation to your past studies or work experience.
✔ Write a strong Genuine Student statement: Explain your motivations clearly and convincingly.
✔ Prepare financial documents early: Bank statements, sponsor evidence, income proof, and affidavits must be well-organised.
✔ Maintain visa compliance: Your immigration record should show consistent lawful behaviour.
✔ Apply early: Don’t wait until your visa is about to expire.
Why You Should Consider Using a Registered Migration Agent
Navigating a Student Visa application is increasingly complex. The Australian government has tightened requirements to ensure applicants are genuinely pursuing education and not simply seeking temporary extensions.
A registered migration agent (RMA) can help you:
- Understand your eligibility
- Select a suitable course that supports your future goals
- Prepare a compelling Genuine Student statement
- Ensure your financial evidence meets current requirements
- Manage timing and avoid last-minute issues
- Review your visa history and address any concerns
- Reduce the risk of refusal
The cost of a visa refusal is far more stressful and expensive than seeking professional help from the beginning.
If you’re transitioning from a 408 visa, where intentions and visa history are scrutinised more closely, having expert guidance can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can apply for a Student Visa after holding a 408 visa. Many applicants take this pathway successfully. However, your approval will depend heavily on your genuine intention to study, financial capacity, and how well your migration history aligns with your new plans.
If you want to increase your chances of success, avoid mistakes, and receive personalised assistance, consider speaking with a registered migration agent in Australia. Their experience with similar cases can guide you through the entire process smoothly and professionally.
