Visa Information
For International Students | Student Visa (Subclass 500)
To study in Australia as an international student, you will need a valid Student Visa (subclass 500). This page explains what the visa is, how the process generally works, and what to be aware of when seeking help with your application. We want you to arrive in Australia well-informed, well-prepared, and protected from the bad actors who target international students.
What Is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (subclass 500) is the Australian government visa that permits international students to undertake a full-time course of study at a registered Australian education provider. It is issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and is the only visa category that allows enrolment in CRICOS-registered courses, such as those offered by The Future Culinary Academy.
Who issues it
Australian Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au)
Who applies for it
You (the student), using your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by The Future Culinary Academy
Where to apply
Online via the ImmiAccount portal at homeaffairs.gov.au — applications are not accepted in person or at embassies
Work rights
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods; unlimited during scheduled course breaks. Please verify current work entitlements at homeaffairs.gov.au as conditions may change.
Family members
Eligible family members (partner, dependent children) may be able to accompany you on a Student Visa. Conditions apply — consult a registered migration agent for family-specific advice.
Cost
Current visa application charge is published at homeaffairs.gov.au. The Academy has no involvement in or control over visa fees.
Protecting Yourself: What to Watch Out For
Warning signs — be very cautious if someone:
- Guarantees your visa will be approved
- Promises a fast-tracked or “guaranteed” pathway to permanent residency through study
- Asks you to pay large sums of cash for “visa processing” outside of official channels
- Is not registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)
- Contacts you unsolicited (via social media, WhatsApp, or phone) offering visa or enrolment help
- Offers to “help” you complete your visa application without any formal engagement or written agreement
- Claims to work “with” or “for” The Future Culinary Academy but is not a staff member you can verify on our website
What legitimate advice looks like
- A registered migration agent will never guarantee visa outcomes — only the Department of Home Affairs makes that decision
- Any person providing immigration assistance for payment in Australia must be registered with MARA — check mara.gov.au before engaging anyone
- Visa application fees are paid directly to the Australian government via ImmiAccount — not to a third party
- The Future Culinary Academy will never ask you to pay anyone other than us directly for enrolment-related matters
- If you are unsure whether someone is legitimately associated with The Future Culinary Academy, contact us directly at admissions@thefca.edu.au to verify
Where to Get Legitimate Help
Rent is not your only cost. Budget carefully for the following when calculating what you can afford.
Department of Home Affairs
All official visa information, application portal (ImmiAccount), processing times, and visa conditions
Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)
Verify a migration agent’s registration, find a registered agent, or report an unregistered agent
Study Australia (Australian Government)
General guide for international students on visas, OSHC, living costs, and arriving in Australia
OSHC Approved Providers
Find and compare government-approved OSHC providers for your health cover
The Future Culinary Academy — Enrollment Team
General enrolment information, your CoE, and confirmation of whether someone claiming to represent us is a genuine staff member
A note from The Future Culinary Academy
We know that navigating the Australian visa system can feel overwhelming, and we know that international students are frequently targeted by people who make false promises. Our commitment to you is this: we will always give you honest, accurate general information; we will always refer you to official sources for advice we are not qualified to give; and we will always be available to confirm whether someone claiming to represent us is genuine. If anything feels wrong — trust that instinct.
Contact us directly at admissions@thefca.edu.au before you pay anyone or sign anything you are not certain about.
BEGIN YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY
At The Future Culinary Academy, passion for food transforms into professional mastery and global career opportunities.
