Subclass 500 — Student Visa
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is the primary Australian visa for international students who want to study full-time at a CRICOS-registered Australian education institution. The visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, and may include family members.
As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
1. What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 is the main student visa for international students enrolled in full-time study at an Australian CRICOS-registered institution.
What you can do
- Study full-time at your CRICOS-registered institution
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester
- Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
- Include eligible family members
- Travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity
2. Eligibility — Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 500 visa:
- Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered course
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.5–6.5+ depending on course)
- Have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel
- Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be a genuine student (Genuine Student requirement)
English requirements
- IELTS 5.5 (most vocational courses)
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 (most university courses)
- IELTS 7.0+ (postgraduate research)
3. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) in 2024. You must demonstrate that you are a genuine student with a realistic intention to study in Australia.
Factors considered
- Your academic background and history
- Immigration history
- Reason for choosing the course and institution
- Evidence that the course aligns with your career goals
- Ties to your home country
4. Financial Requirements
You must show you have sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees (varies by course)
- Living costs: AUD 29,710 per year (single student, 2026)
- Travel costs (return airfare)
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Evidence can include bank statements, loan documents, or sponsor statements.
5. Costs
Primary applicant: approximately AUD 2,500 (1 July 2026 update). Additional charges for adult/child dependants.
Other costs: OSHC (AUD 500–2,000/year), English test (AUD 300+), tuition (varies).
6. Pathway from 500 to PR
After completing your studies, you can transition to:
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) — gain work experience
- Skilled migration (189/190/491) — if your qualification is in a skilled occupation
- Employer-sponsored (482/186) — if an employer sponsors you
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 500 visa?
Duration of your course + 1–2 months extra.
Can I work full-time on the 500?
No, up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. Unlimited during breaks.
Can I change courses or institutions?
Yes, but you must update your enrolment and may need to apply for a new visa.
Can I bring family members?
Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children can be included as dependants.
8. Ausking Services for the 500 Visa
- Free 30-minute eligibility assessment
- Course and institution selection guidance (70+ partner schools)
- Document preparation (CoE, OSHC, financials)
- GS (Genuine Student) statement preparation
- Application lodgement
- Post-study PR pathway planning (485, 189/190/491, employer-sponsored)
Ready to apply for Subclass 500 Student Visa?
Speak to our MARA-registered migration agents for a free 30-minute consultation.
π Call +61 (03) 9670 7567 |
βοΈ Email mel@auskingvisa.com