Student visa basics: what international students should know

If you're planning to study in Australia as an international student, you'll almost certainly be applying for a Student visa (subclass 500). Here's a plain-English overview — with the official sources you should always rely on.

Where to get official information

Visa rules change, so always check the source: the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) for visa requirements and conditions, and Study Australia (studyaustralia.gov.au) for the official guide to studying and living in Australia. Treat anything else — including this article — as orientation, not advice.

The basic sequence

You choose a CRICOS-registered course and provider, receive and accept a Letter of Offer, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and then apply for the visa with your CoE and supporting documents, including evidence of English proficiency and financial capacity.

Responsibilities while you study

Student visa holders have conditions — commonly including maintaining enrolment in a registered course, meeting course progress and attendance requirements, keeping health cover (OSHC) current, and keeping your contact details up to date with your provider. Your college must support you, and must also report significant non-compliance — so if life happens, talk to your college early.

Your protections under ESOS

Australia's ESOS framework exists to protect international students: providers must be registered on CRICOS, give you accurate information before you enrol, maintain fair complaints and refund processes, and meet the standards of the National Code. The Overseas Students Ombudsman provides a free external avenue for unresolved complaints about private providers.

Questions about studying at Thames as an international student? Ask us — and verify anything visa-related against the official sources above.