Australian universities provide high-quality education, a multicultural environment, and pathways to work and migration after graduation. Nigerian students planning to study in Australia in 2025 will probably apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa. Here are the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, costs, and rights for Nigerian applicants.
How does the Student Visa (Subclass 500) work?
- Those who are enrolled in a full-time course may live, study, and work part-time in Australia with a Subclass 500 Student Visa.
- After graduation, the certificate is valid for one year.
- It is possible for applicants who meet additional requirements to include their family (spouse, children).
Qualifications for Eligibility
In order to obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you must meet the following requirements:
- Enrollment in a registered program
- CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)-registered Australian educational institutions must offer the offer.
- A recognized qualification must be earned through a full-time course.
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- In order to qualify for a visa, you must submit your institution’s CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment).
- Genuine Temporary Entrants (GTEs) requirements
- Obtaining a visa requires demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in studying in Australia for a limited period of time.
- Evidence includes ties to Nigeria, financial stability, academic background, and future plans.
- Affordability
- If there are dependents (if any), a proof of sufficient funds is required for tuition, travel, living expenses, and schooling costs.
- Estimates of living costs are published by Australian immigration.
- English proficiency
- Unless you are exempt (some courses or institutions allow waivers), you must meet the English test score requirements.
- Tests like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are accepted.
- Requirements regarding character and health
- Licensed doctor examination.
- Proof of your character must be provided by a police clearance certificate from Nigeria (and any other country you have lived in).
- Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC)
- It is a requirement that you maintain a valid health insurance policy, known as OSHC, while you are here.
- Minimum Age Requirements
- To participate, you must be at least 6 years old.
- No visa breach has been reported in the past
- In the past, you must not have violated the conditions of your Australian visa.
Documents required
The following documents must be prepared when applying from Nigeria:
- A valid Nigerian passport.
- Your Australian institution’s confirmation of enrollment (CoE).
- The visa application has been submitted.
- Genuine intent statement (GTE).
- Documents proving financial status (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor letters).
- English test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
- A medical examination’s results.
- Police clearance certificate(s).
- Providing proof of Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC).
- Certificates, transcripts, and qualifications from academic institutions.
- Passport-style photographs.
- In case of family application, provide documents for dependents.
Non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator.
How the application process works
- Certificate of Eligibility and Offer
Obtain your CRICOS Confirmation of Enrollment from an institution that is registered with the CRICOS program. - Prepare financials and tests
Prepare your finances, take the English test, and obtain a medical checkup and police certificate. - Lodge Application Online
The official Australian immigration portal is the place to submit your documents and pay your visa fee. - Biometrics and health checks
It may be necessary to provide biometrics (fingerprints) and undergo a health examination. - Waiting for decision
It is important to monitor the status of your application since processing times vary. - Visa grant
Upon approval for travel to Australia, a visa grant notice will be mailed to you.
Charges & Fees
- Visa Application Fee: A base fee is charged for the Subclass 500 visa (for primary students).
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Insurance): This insurance must be purchased during the period of study abroad.
- English tests, medical exams, and police checks: Additional costs incurred locally.
Dependents applying with you are subject to additional visa fees and health insurance requirements.
Post-Study Opportunities & Work Rights
- The student visa allows you to work part-time during term time (usually 48 hours per fortnight) and full-time during breaks.
- The Temporary Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) allows you to work in Australia for two to four years depending on your qualifications.
Job Applicants’ Tips for Nigerians
- In your GTE statement, demonstrate that you have strong ties to Nigeria (family, property, job prospects).
- Trustworthy CRICOS institutions are your best bet.
- Make sure your financial history is good and save money early.
- Take an English test before the visa application deadline.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to get your police clearance and medical check.
- When you arrive, make sure your OSHC policy is valid.
- Ensure that all parts of your application are sincere and thorough.