Overview
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows you to live in Australia to participate in a full-time course of study. You must be enrolled in a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This visa also allows you to travel in and out of Australia and bring eligible family members with you.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, you must be at least 6 years old, have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a registered course, and meet the 'Genuine Student' (GS) requirement. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover your tuition, living costs, and travel, and hold adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC).
Application steps
- 1
Step 1
Apply for and be accepted into a CRICOS-registered course at an Australian education provider.
- 2
Step 2
Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider.
- 3
Step 3
Gather all required documents, including financial evidence and health insurance (OSHC).
- 4
Step 4
Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- 5
Step 5
Complete the online application form and upload all supporting documents.
- 6
Step 6
Pay the visa application fee.
- 7
Step 7
Provide biometrics or undergo health examinations if requested by the Department.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) documentation
- Genuine Student (GS) statement
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Relationship evidence for family members
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
While the student visa is temporary, it is a common first step. Graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain work experience, which can then lead to points-tested skilled migration visas (e.g., 189, 190, 491) or employer-sponsored pathways.
Family options
You may include your partner and dependent children under 18 in your application. They must meet health and character requirements and be declared at the time of your initial application to be eligible to join you later.
Language notes
You must meet English language requirements as specified by your education provider and the Department of Home Affairs. Exemptions may apply based on your citizenship or previous study history.
After arrival
You must notify your education provider of your residential address within 7 days of arrival, maintain your enrolment, and adhere to all visa conditions, including work hour limits and health insurance requirements.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to declare all family members in the initial application.
- Miscalculating the 48-hour per fortnight work limit.
- Not maintaining satisfactory course attendance and progression.
- Allowing health insurance (OSHC) to lapse.
FAQs about Student visa (subclass 500)
Who is the Student visa (subclass 500) for?+
International students who have been accepted into a full-time course of study at a registered Australian education provider.
What are the eligibility requirements for Student visa (subclass 500)?+
To be eligible, you must be at least 6 years old, have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a registered course, and meet the 'Genuine Student' (GS) requirement. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover your tuition, living costs, and travel, and hold adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC).
How much does the Student visa (subclass 500) cost?+
Typical fees listed for Student visa (subclass 500): From AUD 2,500 (base application charge).. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Student visa (subclass 500) processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Typically 6 to 11 weeks..
How long can I stay on the Student visa (subclass 500)?+
Up to 5 years, in line with your course enrolment.
Can I work on the Student visa (subclass 500)?+
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session; unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Does Student visa (subclass 500) lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
While the student visa is temporary, it is a common first step. Graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain work experience, which can then lead to points-tested skilled migration visas (e.g., 189, 190, 491) or employer-sponsored pathways.
What are common mistakes with Student visa (subclass 500)?+
Failing to declare all family members in the initial application. Miscalculating the 48-hour per fortnight work limit. Not maintaining satisfactory course attendance and progression.