Introduction
Australia remains a top destination for international students due to its world-class education system, high quality of life, and diverse cultural experience. If you’re already in Australia and looking to study or extend your stay as a student, applying for an onshore student visa (subclass 500) is your pathway to achieving this goal.
What is Onshore Student Visa Australia?
Onshore Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the student visa granted for international students who are currently in Australia at the time of visa application. Student Visa Subclass 500 allows students to study and study full-time in Australia for up to 5 years, depending on the length of their course.
Who can apply for an Onshore Student Visa Australia?
You can apply for a student visa while in Australia if you are holding a substantive visa, except for one of the following visas:
- Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular) stream
- Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic and Consular visa (subclass 426)
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) (ETA)
- Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
- eVisitor visa (subclass 651)
- Transit visa (subclass 771)
- Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)
- Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) – primary visa holder only. A family member of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can apply for a Student visa in Australia
It is worth noting that if you are under a 485 visa or a visitor visa 600, you are NOT allowed to apply for a student visa from Australia. You will need to return to your home country and apply it from outside.
Important Update on Onshore Student Visa in 2025
Before 2025, onshore student visa applicants could lodge their applications using a Letter of Offer from a registered Australian institution as proof of enrollment. They were allowed to submit an official Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) later, once obtained.
However, effective 1 January 2025, all onshore applicants must provide a valid CoE at the time of lodgement. A Letter of Offer will no longer be accepted. This change is to ensure that both offshore and onshore applications follow the same requirements, and that students have a stronger commitment to their chosen education provider.
It’s important to note that this requirement applies only to applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025. Applications submitted before this date will not be affected.
Need assistance to apply for a student visa Australia? Contact SOL Migration, one of the best migration agencies in Brisbane!