■STUDENT VISA INFORMATION
Understanding the Australian Student Visa Process
The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) has specific requirements that Kenyan applicants need to understand before applying. Mara Ridge helps you know what to expect — including documentation, financial thresholds, and the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. For visa lodgement and legal advice, we connect you with a registered Australian migration agent.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Key Stages of the Subclass 500 Process
The following is a general overview of what the Subclass 500 application typically involves. Your MARA-registered migration agent will guide you through each stage based on your specific circumstances.
GTE Statement
Financial Evidence
Health & Police
The GTE is the Department of Home Affairs' way of assessing whether you are a genuine student intending to stay temporarily in Australia. It considers your study history, career goals, ties to your home country, and reasons for choosing Australia and your specific course. A registered migration agent prepares your GTE response based on your individual circumstances.
You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover your first-year tuition plus the Department of Home Affairs living cost threshold (AUD $29,710 for 2025). Acceptable evidence types are set by the Department of Home Affairs. Your migration agent will confirm what is required and the correct format for your situation.
Most student visa applicants are required to complete a health examination through an approved panel physician, obtain an Overseas Student Health Cover policy, and provide a police clearance from Kenya. Your migration agent manages lodgement of your application through the ImmiAccount portal once all requirements are met.
IMPORTANT NOTE
A Note on Our Role in Visa Matters
Mara Ridge Global Education is a registered international student recruitment consultancy, not a registered migration agent. We do not provide immigration advice, prepare visa documents, or charge any fee for visa-related services. For all visa applications, we connect students with a MARA-registered Australian migration agent who is legally authorised to provide immigration advice and lodge applications on your behalf. This applies to every student we work with — not just complex cases.