Student Visa Extension - Hays Migration

Extend your stay in Australia to continue your studies with a Student Visa extension. Whether you need more time to complete your course, want to start a new course, or need to finish your thesis, we can help you navigate the extension process.

Continue your studies in Australia

Pathway to extending your student visa and completing your education.

Student visa extensions in Australia, supporting international students in achieving their educational goals.

What is a Student Visa Extension?

A Student Visa extension allows you to apply for a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) to continue studying in Australia. This is necessary when your current student visa is about to expire and you need more time to complete your course, or when you want to start a new course.

It’s important to note that student visas are not “extended” in the traditional sense — you must apply for a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) before your current visa expires.

When Do You Need a Student Visa Extension?

You may need to apply for a new student visa if:

Your current visa is expiring and you need more time to complete your course
You want to start a new course or change courses
You need additional time to complete your thesis or research
Your course has been extended due to circumstances beyond your control
You want to study a higher-level course (e.g., progressing from diploma to degree)
You have changed your course and need a new visa

How to Apply for a Student Visa Extension

1
Obtain a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must have a valid CoE for your new or extended course
2
Meet all eligibility requirements: Same requirements as your original student visa application
3
Demonstrate Genuine Student requirement: Show you are a genuine student continuing your studies
4
Meet financial requirements: Demonstrate sufficient funds for your extended stay
5
Have valid health insurance: Ensure your OSHC covers your extended stay
6
Apply before your current visa expires: Apply well in advance to avoid visa expiry issues
7
Lodge your application: Submit your application online through ImmiAccount

Important Considerations for Visa Extensions

Apply early: Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your current visa expires to allow for processing time

Maintain visa conditions: Continue to meet all conditions of your current visa while your new application is being processed

Bridging visa: If you apply before your visa expires, you may be granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows you to stay in Australia while your application is processed

Course changes: If you change courses, you may need a new visa even if your current visa hasn’t expired

Thesis extensions: If you need more time to complete your thesis, you may need to apply for a new visa with an extended CoE

Student Visa Extension Processing Times

Processing times for student visa extensions (new Student Visa 500 applications) are similar to initial applications:

75% of applications: Processed within 1–2 months
90% of applications: Processed within 2–3 months

Note: Processing times can vary based on your country of citizenship, course type, and application completeness.

Student Visa Extension Costs

The cost for a student visa extension (new Student Visa 500) is the same as an initial application: approximately $710 AUD (as of 2025).

Additional costs may include:

Extended Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Medical examinations (if required)
Police clearances (if required)
English language tests (if required)
Migration agent fees (if using professional assistance)

Let Us Help You Extend Your Student Visa

At Hays Migration, we understand that extending your student visa is important for continuing your studies — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our experienced team of MARA-registered agents and migration lawyers are here to guide you through every step, from obtaining new CoEs and demonstrating the Genuine Student requirement to preparing comprehensive visa applications.