What is OSHC?

OSHC is a mandatory requirement of your student visa. You must be covered for the entire time you are studying in Australia. It must be paid in full for the entire time your will have the visa.

​

You will purchase your OSHC just before you apply for your student visa. You have to pay for it all upfront (no partial payments).

Can I get Medicare on a Student Visa?

Some passport holders get lucky and do have Medicare while on a student visa, including the UK and Italy.

However, even if you qualify for Medicare, you still need to purchase OSHC.

Learn more here:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/when-you-visit-australia

How much does it cost?

There are 6 providers in Australia. The average cost per year of study (depending on the insurance provider):

• $430-$500 for a single applicant
• $2,500-$3,100 for a couple
• $5,000-$5,400 for 2 parents + 1 or more children

Why do I need OSHC if I have travel insurance?

OSHC is an unavoidable requirement for the student visa. It ensures all students have the same level of medical cover.

​You will have to cancel any other insurance cover policy you have and apply for OSHC, before you can submit your visa application.

Will my OSHC be refunded if I stop studying?

Yes. Once you provide the insurance company with proof that you are no longer on a student visa, or you have left the country permanently, you will be refunded for the period of cover you did not use.

How many hours can I work?

While on your student visa, almost all students will have the following work rights. Work rights begin the day the course commences as stated in the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). While classes in session: You are allowed to work 40 hours a fortnight (a fortnight is 14 days and starts on a Monday). It is up to you how you use those hours. For example, you can work 30 hours one week, in 10 hours the following week.
​
While class is not in session: If you are on official school holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc), you are allowed to work full time - unlimited hours. Just keep in mind that school is in session even through the exam period. Even though you might have finished your exams, the course may still be considered in progress. Also note that public holidays do not fall into this category.
​
If you are studying a Masters by Research or a PhD, you will have unlimited work rights.

Can I work on an ABN while on a Student Visa?

Yes, you can work under an Australian Business Number (ABN) for your own company or as a contractor.
​
However, you still have to honour the prescribed work rights hours & have a tax file number.

What are the work rights for a dependent on a 500 visa?

If the principal visa holder (the student) is studying a Masters or PhD, the dependent has full work rights. For all other courses, the dependent can only ever work 40 hours a fortnight (a fortnight is 14 days and starts on a Monday). It is up to you how you use those hours. For example, you can work 30 hours one week, in 10 hours the following week.

Can I work for the same employer indefinitely?

Yes, you are able to work for the same employer for as much time as you like. Unlike a Working Holiday visa which only allows 6 months per employer, there are no restrictions while on a Student Visa.

What is OSHC?

OSHC is a mandatory requirement of your student visa. You must be covered for the entire time you are studying in Australia. It must be paid in full for the entire time your will have the visa.

​

You will purchase your OSHC just before you apply for your student visa. You have to pay for it all upfront (no partial payments).

Can I get Medicare on a Student Visa?

Some passport holders get lucky and do have Medicare while on a student visa, including the UK and Italy.

However, even if you qualify for Medicare, you still need to purchase OSHC.

Learn more here:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/when-you-visit-australia

How much does it cost?

There are 6 providers in Australia. The average cost per year of study (depending on the insurance provider):

• $430-$500 for a single applicant
• $2,500-$3,100 for a couple
• $5,000-$5,400 for 2 parents + 1 or more children

Why do I need OSHC if I have travel insurance?

OSHC is an unavoidable requirement for the student visa. It ensures all students have the same level of medical cover.

​You will have to cancel any other insurance cover policy you have and apply for OSHC, before you can submit your visa application.

Will my OSHC be refunded if I stop studying?

Yes. Once you provide the insurance company with proof that you are no longer on a student visa, or you have left the country permanently, you will be refunded for the period of cover you did not use.