After your offer: health cover, CoE and the student visa (500)

An offer is only the start. Between accepting it and flying out there are four steps, and each one depends on the one before, so the earlier you start the calmer it goes.

Step 1: accept the offer and buy OSHC

Your offer states the tuition deposit and the deadline to accept. Most schools ask for these together before they issue your CoE:

• The signed acceptance form.
• Proof that the tuition deposit is paid.
• Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy. The student visa requires OSHC for your whole stay, usually from arrival until your visa ends.

Some schools include OSHC with the offer, so you don't need to buy it separately; you can also choose your own insurer and send the policy to the school. We compare Bupa and Allianz and you can get a quote on the health cover page.

Step 2: the school issues your CoE

Once everything is in, the school issues your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment). It carries your course code and start date, which go into the visa application, so check your name, date of birth and OSHC details on it.

Step 3: prepare and lodge the subclass 500 student visa

You apply online through ImmiAccount, no earlier than 124 days before your course starts. What you usually need:

• Passport, CoE and OSHC policy details.
• A Genuine Student (GS) statement: why this course and school, how it connects to your past study or work, and your plans after. Write it in your own words and keep it consistent with your real history.
• English results: usually the ones your school accepted for admission; check the official site and your CoE for the exact requirement.
• Evidence of funds for tuition, living costs and travel. The official living-cost figure is AUD 29,710 a year (from May 2024), with extra amounts for family members.
• Health check: after lodging, do the eMedical exam at an approved clinic when asked.
• Biometrics: applicants in China are usually asked to give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.

The visa fee is shown by the official pricing estimator; go by what it says when you lodge. Lodgement is handled by our partner registered migration agent, and we can help you get the documents in order.

Step 4: once the visa is granted

Note your visa conditions, such as course attendance, working no more than 48 hours a fortnight during study periods, and telling your school about a new address within 7 days. Then book flights, find housing, tick through the departure checklist, and read your first week when you land.