Thinking about studying in Australia? Start here.
Most visa platforms only help once you've already chosen your visa. Visafold also helps the people before that decision. the ones researching whether to come, what to study, and how to get to PR from a Student visa.
Free guide
The international student visa starter guide
We'll send you a clear walkthrough: 500 visa basics, what the Genuine Student (GS) test means, how the 485 graduate visa works, and what your timeline to PR could look like. No login. Unsubscribe anytime.
The state of the queue
What current grant rates actually look like
Subclass 500 . Latest grant rates
83% approval rate in April 2026
Feb 2026
67%
Mar 2026
59%
Apr 2026
83%
By country (high-attention markets)April 2026
Data from Department of Home Affairs monthly student visa reports (data.gov.au) and Times Higher Education analysis. Information only, not migration advice.
What you should know first
The big picture for international students
Subclass 500
Student visa basics
Lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia. Course length determines visa length. Includes 48hr/fortnight work rights during study. You'll need OSHC, a Genuine Student statement, and financial capacity proof.
Subclass 485
Graduate visa after study
After finishing a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years, you can apply for a 485. 2 to 3 years of full work rights in Australia. This is your bridge from study to PR. Length depends on your qualification level.
GS
Genuine Student statement
A statement you write explaining why you're studying in Australia, your ties to your home country, and your plans after. Replaced the old GTE test. The single most-rejected reason for 500 refusals.
PR pathway
From student to permanent resident
Most international students target PR through skilled visas (189, 190, 491, or employer-sponsored 482→186). Your course choice and field of study directly affects which pathways open up. Plan early. it shapes your whole journey.
Where to start
Roughly the order of decisions to make
- 1
Decide your end goal
Are you here to study and leave, or study toward PR? This shapes every other choice. PR-focused students should pick courses that lead to occupations on the skilled occupation list.
- 2
Pick a field that opens doors
Engineering, IT, nursing, accounting, and teaching all have strong PR pathways. Niche fields might not. Check ANZSCO codes for any occupation you're considering.
- 3
Choose course length carefully
A 2-year Masters gives you a longer 485 visa than a 1-year Masters. Bachelor's degrees of 3+ years also qualify. Shorter courses limit your post-study options.
- 4
Compare universities and locations
Regional study (outside Sydney/Melbourne CBDs) can give you extra 485 years and 491 pathway eligibility. Tuition varies hugely between unis.
- 5
Plan your financial evidence
You'll need to show ~AUD$30k for tuition + AUD$24k+ for living expenses. Sponsor letters from family are accepted but must be evidenced properly.
- 6
Apply to the uni first, then the visa
You can't apply for the 500 until you have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen university.
Free tools
Use these to plan your move
AI-assisted
Draft your GS statement →
Genuine Student is the single most-rejected factor for 500 visa refusals. Answer 9 questions, get a structured outline covering every assessment factor Home Affairs reviews. Replaces the old GTE test.
Calculator
Financial evidence calculator →
Plug in tuition, course length, partner & kids. Get the exact AUD amount you need to evidence. broken down by category.
Planner
PR pathway planner →
Map 500 → 485 → skilled/employer-sponsored PR. See the realistic timeline and which course paths give you the most options.
Community
See real student journeys →
What other 500 applicants are doing. wait times, what they uploaded, which milestones they hit.
Visafold is a document organisation tool, not a migration agent. For decisions that depend on your specific situation, consult a MARA-registered agent.