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Study & Migration · Australia

Studying and migrating to Australia: a guide for Vietnamese students

Studying in Australia starts with choosing a CRICOS-registered course that fits your ability and budget. Once you have an offer and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you apply for the subclass 500 student visa with evidence of English, funds and OSHC health cover. You can work limited hours while studying, and may be eligible for a 485 visa after graduating. Permanent residency is a separate pathway, not an automatic result of studying.

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Written by:
Owen & Co.
Checked:
28/09/2026
Next review:
05/10/2026
Reviewed by:
Pending review
Australia

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales.

Your goals. Your own pathway.

Overview

What would you like to know?

01

Core requirements

Each school sets its own entry requirements. On the visa side, an Australian study application usually centres on five things.

  • A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course.
  • English evidence: at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent; at least 5.0 if you take ELICOS English study first.
  • Evidence of funds for tuition, living and travel costs.
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay.
  • Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.

02

Costs to plan for

Your total cost includes tuition, living costs, insurance, the visa fee and flights. Tuition varies widely by school, field and level, so get quotes directly from institutions.

  • Minimum living-cost evidence for the visa: AUD 29,710 for 12 months. This is a visa threshold, not your real cost of living.
  • Student visa application fee: from AUD 2,500 per application (from 1 July 2026).
  • Rent varies by city and housing type; budget it weekly, the way Australian listings quote it.
Build your own item-by-item budget ↗Cost planner on the Du Học & Định Cư Úc resource site.

03

Scholarships

Scholarships come from three main sources: the Australian Government, state governments and institutions themselves. Most are partial and reduce tuition.

  • Look for scholarships on your target institution's site while preparing your application.
  • Read the conditions for keeping a scholarship (GPA, credit load each term).
  • Prepare essays and references early; many deadlines fall before admission deadlines.

04

Choosing a school and course

Only courses registered on CRICOS can be used for a student visa. Check the institution and course CRICOS codes before paying a deposit.

  • Compare institutions for your field, not only by overall ranking.
  • Consider the city: living costs, part-time work and climate differ significantly.
  • If you are thinking long term, check how your field relates to occupations in demand, but don't choose a course only because of an occupation list.

05

The subclass 500 student visa

The 500 visa lets you study full time in Australia. You apply only after receiving a CoE, and must keep OSHC for your whole stay.

  • Receive an offer → pay tuition/deposit → receive your CoE.
  • Buy OSHC and prepare financial, English and personal documents.
  • Apply online through ImmiAccount, then provide biometrics and health checks if requested.
Student visa 500 details

06

Work rights and after graduation

While your course is in session you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, the 485 Temporary Graduate visa is a common way to stay and work.

  • Post-Higher Education Work stream: usually 2–3 years depending on qualification.
  • Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months.
  • Applicants generally need to be 35 or under (exceptions apply).

07

From study to migration: the real picture

Studying does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Skilled migration depends on your occupation, points, experience, English and invitations at the time you apply, and policy can change while you study.

  • Choose a field because you want that career, then consider migration options.
  • Follow official Home Affairs announcements rather than social-media rumours.
  • Owen & Co. helps you understand options and prepare applications; we do not promise visa or migration outcomes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need IELTS to study in Australia?

The student visa requires English evidence: at least IELTS 6.0 or an accepted equivalent, or at least 5.0 if you take an ELICOS English course first. Some institutions set higher requirements for specific courses.

How much money do I need to show?

For living costs alone, the minimum for a student is AUD 29,710 for 12 months, plus first-year tuition and travel. Accompanying family members need additional funds.

How many hours can students work?

Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Masters by research and doctoral students have no hour limit.

Can I stay and work after graduating?

You may be eligible for a 485 visa if you meet the qualification, age and Australian study requirements. The length depends on your qualification and visa stream.

Can studying in Australia lead to permanent residency?

Some people have moved from study to permanent residency, but it is a separate pathway with its own requirements. Treat it as a possibility to prepare for, not a guaranteed outcome.

Official sources

Visa policy can change. Always check official sources at the time you apply.

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