Doc Summary
Short answer: Yes. Most dependants can study in Australia, but the rules depend on your visa type and course length. In general:
- Spouses/partners on a Student (subclass 500) dependant visa can study up to 3 months without a separate student visa. For courses longer than 3 months, they must apply for their own Student visa (subclass 500).
- School-aged children of international students can enrol in Australian schools. Tuition fees and waivers vary by state/territory and by the primary student’s study level.
- Dependants on other visas (e.g., 485, 482) may study, but fees, conditions, and enrolment processes differ by visa and state.
Below is a clear guide to who qualifies as a dependant, what they can study, how fees work for school-aged children, and the steps to enrol or apply for your own student visa where needed.
Who is a “dependant” in Australia? #
For migration purposes, a dependant is typically a spouse or de facto partner and/or dependent children (usually under 18, or older if financially dependent and meeting criteria) included in or added to the primary visa holder’s application. Always check the current definition and evidence requirements with the Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500.
Can a spouse or partner study in Australia as a dependant? #
On a Student (subclass 500) dependant visa #
- You can study short courses up to 3 months without needing your own student visa.
- If you want to study for more than 3 months (e.g., a Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master), you will need to apply for your own Student visa (subclass 500) with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider.
- Make sure you meet Genuine Student/GTE requirements, financial capacity, English language, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Learn more about student visas on the official site: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500.
On other visas (e.g., 485 Temporary Graduate, 482 TSS) #
- Spouses/partners listed as secondary applicants on many work or graduate visas can generally study in Australia, but domestic fee eligibility does not apply. Expect international tuition fees unless you hold a visa with specific concessions.
- Always verify the study rights attached to your exact visa grant and conditions listed in your visa grant letter.
Can dependent children attend school in Australia? #
Yes. School-aged children of international students and temporary visa holders can enrol in Australian primary and secondary schools. However, fees and waivers differ by state/territory, and in some jurisdictions there are partial or full fee waivers for dependants of higher degree research students (e.g., Master by Research and PhD). Check your state:
- New South Wales: Temporary Residents Program – fees and policies: https://www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au/study/schools/temporary-residents-program
- Victoria: Fees, charges and waivers for temporary resident students: https://www.vic.gov.au/fees-charges-and-waivers-temporary-resident-students
- Queensland: Schooling for children of visa holders: https://education.qld.gov.au/parents/school-life/schooling-for-children-of-visa-holders
Policies change, so always review the latest guidance from your state’s Department of Education. You can also explore study pathways via the official Study Australia site: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/.
Documents typically required for school enrolment #
- Child’s passport and visa grant letter
- Primary visa holder’s CoE (if on Student 500) and visa details
- Proof of address in the school catchment
- Immunisation/health records and prior school reports
Some states require you to apply through a centralised temporary resident program before placement. Processing times can vary; apply early.
Health cover and compliance for dependants #
- OSHC: Student visa holders must maintain OSHC for themselves and their family members. Ensure your OSHC policy covers the entire family for the full visa duration.
- Attendance and progress: If a dependant holds their own Student visa, they must meet attendance and course progress requirements, keep their address updated, and comply with visa conditions.
Pathways if a dependant wants to study long-term #
- Apply for your own Student (subclass 500) visa: Obtain a CoE, meet financial and English requirements, and maintain OSHC.
- Use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Convert experience and prior study into credit towards an Australian qualification to reduce study time and costs. RPL can be an efficient pathway for spouses/partners upgrading skills.
- Consider course sequencing: Short course (≤3 months) on a dependant visa, then transition to a full course with your own student visa.
Frequently asked questions #
- Can my spouse study English (ELICOS) on a dependant visa? Yes, up to 3 months without a separate student visa. Longer ELICOS requires their own student visa.
- Do dependant children get free schooling? Not always. Some states waive fees for certain categories (e.g., higher degree research dependants), but many families pay international tuition. Check your state links above.
- Can a dependant switch to a Student visa inside Australia? Often yes, subject to eligibility and visa conditions. Evidence, GTE, financial capacity, and OSHC are required.
- Do work rights affect study rights? Work and study rights are separate. However, if a dependant seeks to study longer than 3 months, they need their own Student visa regardless of work settings.
- Where can I confirm current rules? The Department of Home Affairs provides the most current information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500.
Get personalised guidance #
Rules vary by visa subclass, state education policy, and your family’s circumstances. Skills Campus can assess your options, coordinate enrolments, support RPL assessments, and manage the transition to a Student visa if needed.
Talk to Skills Campus: https://skillscampus.com.au/
Contact us today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
