Maximize Your Student Visa 500 Approval Chances

Applying for the Student Visa Subclass 500 is one of the most popular pathways to live, study, and eventually work in Australia. With its world-class education system, diverse culture, and post-study opportunities, Australia is a top choice for international students worldwide.

However, the visa application process is complex and highly scrutinised. Every year, thousands of applications are refused due to avoidable mistakes, insufficient documentation, or poor understanding of the visa conditions.

As a registered Australian immigration agency, we’ve helped countless students successfully obtain their Subclass 500 visa. In this comprehensive guide, we share expert strategies to maximise your chances of visa approval and how working with an experienced migration agent can make all the difference.

What is the Student Visa Subclass 500?

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study full-time in Australia for the duration of their chosen course. With this visa, you can:

• Enrol in a full-time registered course 
• Bring eligible family members 
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight (during the semester) 
• Enjoy generous post-study work rights upon completion (under the 485 Graduate Visa)

Key Eligibility Requirements

To be granted a Subclass 500 visa, applicants must:

1. Be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course in Australia 
2. Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) 
3. Satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement 
4. Show evidence of sufficient financial capacity 
5. Hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 
6. Meet English language proficiency requirements 
7. Have no substantial immigration or criminal issues 

Meeting these criteria is essential — and doing it right is what significantly boosts your chances of success.

Top Reasons Why Student Visas Get Refused

Before we dive into the strategies, let’s understand why applications get refused. Common reasons include:

• Weak GTE Statement 
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation 
• Financial insufficiency 
• Lack of understanding of course relevance 
• Poor academic history 
• Previous visa refusals or overstay history 
• Doubtful intention to return home after study 

Understanding these risks is the first step to building a strong application.

How to Maximize Your Student Visa 500 Approval Chances

1. Write a Strong GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) Statement

The GTE statement is arguably the most important part of your application. This is where you explain why you’re choosing to study in Australia, how it fits your career goals, and why you intend to return home after study.

Tips for a compelling GTE:

• Explain your reasons for choosing Australia over other countries 
• Show how the course aligns with your future plans 
• Describe family, financial, or employment ties to your home country 
• Be honest and consistent — avoid copying online templates 

A weak or generic GTE is one of the top reasons for refusal. Work with a registered migration agent to ensure it’s tailored, clear, and persuasive.

2. Choose the Right Course and Education Provider

Your course choice should make logical sense based on your background.

For example:

• If you studied business previously, enrolling in an advanced diploma or master’s in business makes sense. 
• Switching to an unrelated course (e.g., from engineering to hospitality) must be clearly justified in your GTE. 

Also, make sure the institution is CRICOS-registered and reputable. Visa officers assess the credibility of both the course and the provider.

3. Show Genuine Financial Capacity

You must prove that you or your sponsor can genuinely afford your studies and living costs.

As of now, you may need to show:

• Tuition fees for 1 year 
• Living costs (approx. AUD $24,505 per year) 
• Return airfare 
• Additional costs for dependents, if applicable 

Acceptable financial evidence includes:

• Bank statements 
• Loan letters 
• Scholarship documentation 
• Income evidence of sponsor (with relationship proof)

4. Ensure All Documents Are Accurate and Complete

The Department of Home Affairs checks the authenticity of every document. Any inconsistency can delay or even result in visa refusal.

Key documents include:

• Passport 
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) 
• GTE Statement 
• Academic transcripts 
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) 
• Financial documents 
• OSHC confirmation 
• Work experience (if applicable) 

Always double-check translations, dates, and names.

5. Prepare for an Interview (if required)

Some applicants may be contacted for a telephonic or video interview to assess their intentions and verify the GTE.

Typical interview questions include:

• Why did you choose this course and provider? 
• What are your career plans after graduation? 
• How will you support yourself financially? 
• Do you have relatives in Australia? 

Be confident, honest, and consistent with your GTE statement.

6. Work with a Registered Migration Agent

The most effective way to increase your visa approval chances is by getting help from professionals migration agent in Australia who understand the system inside and out.

A registered agent will:

• Help you choose the right course and provider 
• Draft a compelling GTE tailored to your profile 
• Prepare and review all documentation 
• Handle application submission and updates 
• Guide you through any interview or additional requests 

Important: Always check that your agent is MARA-registered (Migration Agents Registration Authority).

What Happens After Visa Approval?

Once approved, your visa allows you to:

• Enter Australia up to 90 days before your course starts 
• Work part-time during study and full-time in holidays 
• Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completion, giving you 2–6 years of post-study work rights (depending on qualification level and location)

Visa Refused? Don’t Panic

If your visa is refused, you may still have options:

• Review the refusal letter carefully 
• Consider Merits Review at the AAT 
• Submit a stronger application with corrected issues 
• Seek professional help immediately to avoid further complications

Need Help with Your Student Visa Application?

At Easy Aussie Migration, we’ve helped students from around the world successfully apply for and obtain their Australian Student Visas. Whether you’re applying for the first time or have faced a previous refusal, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Our services include:

• Course and college selection 
• Visa eligibility assessment 
• GTE drafting and review 
• Document preparation and submission 
• Ongoing case management

Start Your Australian Education Journey Today

Don’t risk your future with an incomplete or weak application. Let the experts handle it for you. Contact us now for a free initial consultation and let’s secure your Subclass 500 visa together.