Student visa (Subclass 500)

Your student visa before your course starts

A late visa means a missed enrolment. Apply online in minutes, your application is checked for issues before submission, and immigration lawyers guide the process.
Immigration lawyer guidance
Money back if refused
Your student visa before your course starts - Australian visa application
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Why choose Tern?

Immigration lawyer verified

Our legal framework is backed by immigration lawyers to ensure it complies with Australian immigration laws.

Never wonder if your evidence is enough

We write a personalised GTE statement for your application covering your circumstances, ties to home, and genuine intent. As you upload evidence, you get real-time feedback on what's missing or needs strengthening. If refused, your service fee is refunded.

No visa, no fee

If your visa is refused, your service fee is refunded in full. The government fee of A$2,000 is non-refundable by the Department, which is why lawyer review before lodgement matters.

You'll be matched to the right one

There are multiple student visa options, each designed for different circumstances. No need to choose. Immigration lawyers assess your situation and recommend the best fit during your application.
Select a subclass to view more details
Subclass 500

Postgraduate research sector

For masters by research or PhD students enrolled at an Australian university. Research students often have unlimited work rights.
Subclass 500

Defence or DFAT sponsored student

For students sponsored by the Department of Defence or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These are typically government scholarship recipients.
Subclass 500

Higher Education Sector

For bachelor's degrees, masters by coursework, graduate certificates, and graduate diplomas at an Australian university or higher education provider.
Subclass 500

Vocational Education and Training Sector

For Certificate I to IV and Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses at a registered vocational education provider (TAFE or private college).
Subclass 500

Independent ELICOS Sector

For English language courses (ELICOS) that are not packaged with another course. Typically for students focusing solely on English proficiency.
Subclass 500

Non-Award Sector

For students undertaking full-time study that does not lead to an Australian qualification, such as study abroad or exchange programs.
Subclass 500

Schools Sector

For primary and secondary school students enrolled at an Australian school. Students under 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements.
Postgraduate research sector
Defence or DFAT sponsored student
Higher Education Sector
Vocational Education and Training Sector
Independent ELICOS Sector
Non-Award Sector
Schools Sector

What you need to be eligible

Enrolled in a courseYou'll need a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your institution
Money for your studiesShow you can cover tuition and living costs
English skillsMeet the language requirements for your course
Health insuranceOverseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay
Not sure if you qualify? Start the application and your eligibility is checked as you go.

What's included

Full support from start to finish
Guided evidence collection for your situation
Migration advice to strengthen your application
Checked for errors and inconsistencies before submission
Full preparation and lodgement with the Department
All follow-up with the Department handled for you

What people are saying

Based on 24 reviews
The best part was thatThe best part was that, in the process of filling in the form, I got stuck with a question that required an upload which I made several attempts and then an email came in explaining that you are working on sorting it out for me. That felt like miracle for me as I was in-between meeting on that day and had to stay up late on campus. That was so satisfying
Norah· 30 March 2026
Very quick to apply.Very quick to apply. Good user experience, no issues whatsoever.
Victoria· 26 March 2026
I recommend this serviceThe consultation was efficient and helpful. The lawyer answered all of my questions and gave me clear next steps to follow. I would recommend if you need quick and knowledgable advice throughout your visa application.
Jade· 26 March 2026

Meet your legal team

Your application follows a process designed and maintained by immigration lawyers for accuracy and compliance.

See your visa timeline and costs in minutes.

Answer a few simple questions. It takes about 2 minutes. See your exact costs and what's included before you pay.
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Australian visa applications with lawyer oversight and app-level simplicity.
Lawyer verified platform
Tern Visa Pty Ltd is an independent company and is not affiliated with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. We do not issue visas; visas are issued by the Department of Home Affairs. General information on this website is not legal advice. Where you use our application flow, immigration assistance (including personalised advice) is provided by an Australian legal practitioner in connection with legal practice and is delivered through the Tern platform. The practitioner's details are shown in the application flow.

Contact

support@ternvisa.com
Sydney, Australia
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