Your Pathway to World-Class Education in Australia
The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to pursue full-time education at accredited Australian institutions. Whether you’re enrolling in a university degree, vocational course, or English language program, this visa provides the opportunity to gain globally recognized qualifications while experiencing life in Australia.
Key Benefits of the Student Visa (Subclass 500)
✅ Study at Australia’s top universities & institutions
✅ Work up to 48 hours per fortnight (unlimited during holidays)
✅ Bring family members (spouse/partner and dependent children)
✅ Stay for the duration of your course (up to 5 years)
✅ Post-study work opportunities (via 485 Graduate Visa)
Eligibility Requirements
1. Enrollment in an Approved Course
✔ Must have a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian education provider
✔ Eligible course types include:
- Higher education (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
- Vocational education (VET courses)
- English language courses (ELICOS)
- School programs (primary/secondary)
2. Financial Capacity
✔ Proof of funds to cover:
- 12 months’ tuition fees
- 12 months of living costs – AUD 29,710 for the student, plus AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 per child
- Travel expenses
3. English Language Proficiency
✔ IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) for most courses – 5.5 if packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS
✔ Standalone ELICOS study does not require a test score
4. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
✔ Must demonstrate genuine intention to study (not just for work/migration)
✔ Answer targeted questions in the application about your circumstances, course choice and what the course does for you
5. Health & Character Checks
✔ Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) mandatory
✔ Police clearance certificates (if required)
How the Student Visa Process Works
- Choose a Course & Institution – Get accepted and receive a CoE
- Prepare Documents – Financial proofs, English test results, Genuine Student responses
- Lodge Visa Application – Online via ImmiAccount
- Visa Decision
Work Rights on a Student Visa
✔ Part-time work allowed (48 hours per fortnight)
✔ Unlimited hours during semester breaks
✔ Post-study work rights (via Subclass 485 visa)
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Course & Institution Selection – Match you with the right program
✅ Visa Application Support – Strong visa application, avoid common refusal reasons
✅ Post-Arrival Support – Help with banking, accommodation, and more
Start Your Australian Study Journey Today!
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources:
Home Affairs – Student Visa
CRICOS Registered Courses
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a subclass 500 Student visa cost?
The visa application charge starts from AUD2,500.00, as published by the Department of Home Affairs and checked on 18 September 2026. Concessions apply in limited circumstances, including for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, eligible ASEAN citizens, and applicants in the ELICOS and non-award sector. Additional applicant charges apply for accompanying family members.
How long can you stay on a subclass 500 Student visa?
The Department grants the subclass 500 for up to 6 years, in line with the applicant enrolment. The period actually granted follows the course length and the level of study, so a short ELICOS course attracts a much shorter grant than a research degree. The visa does not automatically extend if a course is repeated or changed.
How many hours can a student visa holder work in Australia?
A subclass 500 holder can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when their course of study or training is in session, as published by the Department of Home Affairs. Outside course session the fortnightly limit does not apply in the same way. Breaching the work condition is a visa cancellation risk, so the in-session distinction matters.
How much money do you need to show for an Australian student visa?
You must show funds genuinely available to you covering travel to Australia plus twelve months of tuition, living and, for school-aged dependants, schooling costs for yourself and any accompanying family. The Department specifies the living-cost amount and updates it, so the figure should be checked on the Department website at the time of lodgement rather than relied on from a guide.
Can a student visa lead to permanent residence in Australia?
A subclass 500 is a temporary study visa with no direct permanent residence stream. Many graduates move next to a subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, and from there to a skilled or employer-sponsored pathway. Whether that sequence is realistic depends heavily on the occupation, the qualification and English, which is worth assessing before enrolling rather than after graduating.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test and asks the Department to be satisfied the applicant genuinely intends to study in Australia. It is assessed on targeted questions covering the applicant circumstances, their reasons for the chosen course and provider, and the value of the course to their future. Weak or generic responses are a frequent refusal ground.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa
- Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa
- Australian student visa refusal reasons and how to avoid them
- Student visas overview
This page is general information only and is current as at 18 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice. Fees, criteria and processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances need personal advice from a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd; Gaurav Duggal, MARN 1805710.