Study in Australia
For eligible international students enrolled in an Australian course of study.
Studying and Training Visas
Study, Guardian & Training Visas
Explore Australian visa pathways for international students, eligible student guardians and people undertaking approved workplace-based occupational training or professional development.
Education & Occupational Training
Choose the visa that matches your purpose in Australia
Australia has separate visa pathways for international students, guardians supporting younger students, and people participating in structured occupational training or professional development.
The correct visa depends on the purpose of your stay, the course or training involved, your age and circumstances, welfare arrangements where relevant, and any sponsor or nomination requirements.
Student, guardian and training visas have different
eligibility criteria and visa conditions. Applicants should
use the visa subclass that genuinely reflects the main
purpose of their stay in Australia.
Student guardians
For eligible guardians accompanying and supporting younger international students.
Occupational training
For approved workplace-based training or professional development activities.
Current visa rules
Study, welfare, sponsorship and training requirements should be checked against current Home Affairs guidance.
Main Visa Options
Studying and Training Visas
The Department of Home Affairs lists subclasses 500, 590 and 407 as Australia's studying and training visa options.
Subclass 500
Student Visa
Current Student Visa
A temporary visa for eligible international students undertaking an approved course of study in Australia.
- Valid Confirmation of Enrolment is generally required
- Overseas Student Health Cover requirements apply
- Genuine Student requirements apply
- Welfare arrangements are required for students under 18
- Visa conditions can regulate study and work rights
Subclass 590
Student Guardian Visa
Current Guardian Visa
A temporary visa for an eligible parent, custodian or relative who accompanies and supports a student in Australia where guardian arrangements are required.
- Used in connection with an eligible student
- Guardian relationship and nomination requirements apply
- Relevant relatives generally need to be 21 or older
- Welfare and accommodation responsibilities apply
- Health, character and financial requirements may apply
Subclass 407
Training Visa
Current Training Visa
A temporary visa for people undertaking approved workplace-based occupational training or professional development in Australia.
- Approved occupational training or development activity required
- Sponsorship and nomination requirements generally apply
- Training must fit an eligible occupational training type
- Sponsor must meet relevant temporary activity requirements
- Applicant must meet visa-specific eligibility requirements
Choosing a Pathway
Which studying or training visa may be relevant?
01
International students
Subclass 500 may be relevant if your main purpose is to undertake an eligible course of study in Australia.
02
Guardians of younger students
Subclass 590 may be relevant where an eligible student needs an approved guardian during their stay in Australia.
03
Occupational trainees
Subclass 407 may be relevant for structured workplace-based training or professional development rather than ordinary employment.
04
Students under 18
Younger Student visa applicants must have suitable welfare arrangements for the period required by Home Affairs.
05
Training sponsors
Organisations supporting subclass 407 applicants must meet the sponsorship and training requirements applying to them.
06
Visa-condition planning
Applicants should understand the study, training, welfare and work conditions attached to the visa they hold.
Professional Assistance
Support for students, guardians and trainees
Student & Guardian matters
Assistance can focus on the visa requirements connected with study, enrolment, welfare arrangements and guardian matters.
- Student visa eligibility review
- Confirmation of Enrolment and study-document guidance
- Genuine Student requirement guidance
- Student Guardian visa assessment
- Under-18 welfare documentation guidance
- Supporting-document preparation
Training visa matters
Assistance can include reviewing the proposed occupational training, sponsor requirements and the relevant subclass 407 application process.
- Training visa pathway review
- Occupational training type assessment
- Sponsor requirement guidance
- Nomination documentation guidance
- Applicant evidence review
- Visa application preparation support
Application Journey
How the process generally starts
The exact steps differ between subclasses 500, 590 and 407.
1
Identify your purpose
Determine whether your main purpose is study, student guardianship or occupational training.
2
Review eligibility
Check enrolment, welfare, sponsor, nomination or training requirements relevant to the visa.
3
Prepare evidence
Gather identity, study, welfare, financial, sponsor and other supporting documents where required.
4
Visa application
Lodge the relevant visa application and respond to any further information requests during processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studying and training visa questions
What is the Student visa subclass 500 for?
It is a temporary visa for eligible international students undertaking an approved course of study in Australia.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
Student visa applicants must demonstrate that they are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student and understand that studying in Australia is the primary reason for their Student visa application.
Does a student under 18 need welfare arrangements?
Yes. Student visa applicants who will be under 18 in Australia must provide evidence of suitable welfare arrangements under the applicable Home Affairs rules.
Who may act as a nominated student guardian?
Depending on the circumstances, the nominated guardian can be a parent, person with custody, or an eligible relative aged 21 or older who meets the relevant requirements.
Is the Training visa subclass 407 a normal work visa?
It is designed for approved workplace-based occupational training or professional development. The training purpose, sponsorship and nomination requirements are central to the visa.
Can visa approval be guaranteed?
No. Visa decisions are made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs according to the relevant law, visa criteria and evidence provided.
Important studying and training visa information
Student visa rules, work conditions, Genuine Student requirements, welfare arrangements, visa charges, training sponsorship requirements, and processing arrangements can change. This page provides general information only and does not guarantee visa eligibility or approval. Current Department of Home Affairs requirements and the applicant’s individual circumstances should be reviewed before applying.
Need help with a studying or training visa?
Arrange a consultation to discuss your Australian study, guardian or occupational training circumstances and the visa pathway that may be relevant.