Cambodians, especially youth, have long been dreaming of having a better life abroad to study. For students, Australia is one of our top picks. The education is excellent, the lifestyle is safe and welcoming, there are good job opportunities following graduation. If you are considering this route, the first major step is to understand the student visa process.
Reasons for deciding to study in Australia
Well, guess what – Australia has some of the world’s best universities. Many are among the Top 100 in the world. The teaching style revolves around practical skills and critical thinking, which provides the right preparation for future jobs. You can choose from various courses — business, IT, engineering, hospitality and health or even creative fields like design.
Australia is multicultural, and that is why it feels friendly to Cambodian students. You are not going to be so alone, because there are communities from Southeast Asia. Additionally, you can study part-time while earning money and gaining experience. Some students receive invitations to stay and work longer on post-study visas after completing their course.
Many places have pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and student life offered by cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This is where you can grow into a better version of yourself, where your personal development and professional growth takes place.
Digging Deeper into the Main Student Visa: Subclass 500
Most Cambodians apply for its student visa known as the Subclass 500. The visa allows you to study in Australia on a full-time basis for the duration of your course. In some cases, you can bring family members back, but the focus of your efforts is on your studies.
To obtain this visa, you need to comply with important requirements laid out by the Australian government. If you are well prepared, the process is online and relatively easy.
Student Visa Key Requirements
First, you want to apply for admission to a course. Pick a school or university that is registered with CRICOS (this is the official list for international students). When you accept the offer, including paying a deposit, the school issues you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This paper is extremely significant – you cannot even apply for the visa without it.
Come the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This was in place of the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant rule. You need to demonstrate that your primary purpose is study. Within the visa form, you internationally answer questions about why you chose this course, this school and Australia. Just do not go on and on about the course: Be honest — say how that course relates to whatever your career plans are back home or wherever you envision yourself going.
You also must demonstrate you have sufficient funds. *Note that also, as per the most recent changes, you must demonstrate funds for tuition, living expenses (approx. AUD 29,710 yearly for accommodation) travel and so on. This can be through savings, family help or scholarships. This is where bank statements or sponsor letters come in.
English skills matter too. The majority of students take some form of test like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. The required scores depend on your course; it is usually somewhere between about 5.5 to 6.5 overall. You can do extra English classes first if your English is lower.
You must have health insurance – this is known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You purchase this prior to applying or upon receipt of your CoE. It includes doctor visits and hospitalization if you fall ill.
You have to pass health and character checks. In some cases, this includes a medical exam and police clearance from Cambodia.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Choose a course and a school after researching. Use sites like study Australia. Gov.au to search.
- Get your Letter of Offer -> Apply to the school
- You accept the offer, pay your fees and get a CoE.
- Get OSHC insurance.
- When you need to prepare the following documents TV: passport, CoE (Certificate of Enrollment), English testing results, proof of funds, answers for GS (Good Standing) and photos.
- You will be required to establish an account at Immi Account (the Australian official site for immigration).
- Complete the online application, upload all required documents and pay for the visa (from AUD 2,000+ as of mid-2025).
- Wait for processing. It could take a few weeks to few months, so apply early – at least 8 weeks prior to your course commencement.
- Track your application in Immi Account. If they request more information, respond immediately.
Tips for Cambodian Students
Most who get out of Cambodia make plans early. Start with good English practice. To get some real-life advice, speak with friends or family who attended. Be careful with agents – only choose those you trust.
When it comes to education, there are pros that can make life much easier for you especially if you are in the city of Phnom Penh — an experienced education consultant in Phnom Penh. They assist with inspecting documents, clarify rules and walk you through decisions. Asia Pacific Group is dedicated to providing honest advice for Cambodian students. We know the market here. We know the latest visa changes. Visit us for a free consultation and let us plan how to best proceed based on your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Australia is a huge decision that inspires the difficult reward. It leads us to new knowledge and friends from all over the globe, as well as to better career opportunities. Many Cambodians did it and returned having acutely developed skills.
If you are serious, start today. Research rounding up on courses, improving your English, convert documents. As long as you do the right preparation, your dream of a student visa Australia can be realized.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Asia Pacific Group – your expert in studying in Australia from Cambodia.