Student Visa (Subclass 500)

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Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live, study, and work part-time in Australia while enrolled in a full-time course at an accredited institution. Whether you’re pursuing a university degree, vocational training, or English language studies, this visa is your gateway to a world-class education system and diverse cultural experiences.

This visa offers access to top-ranked Australian institutions and the flexibility to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during holidays. It also allows eligible family members to accompany the student as dependents, making it a practical option for students with families.

Additionally, the visa provides a clear pathway for students who may wish to transition to post-study work visas or permanent residency in Australia after graduation, depending on their qualifications and career plans.

Requirements for Student Visa (Subclass 500)

To apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved Australian education provider.

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement explaining your study intentions.

• Sufficient financial evidence to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.

• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores).

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay in Australia.

• Meet health and character requirements as per Australian immigration laws.

Steps to Apply

Step 1

Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).

Step 2

Prepare Documents.

Step 3

Create an Immi Account.

Step 4

Pay the Visa Fee & Submit Application.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 500 Visa

To be eligible for this visa, you must:

• Be at least 6 years old (for school students).

• Be enrolled in a full-time course registered on CRICOS.

• Hold adequate welfare arrangements (if under 18).

• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

• Not hold any visa that has a “No Further Stay” condition (unless waived).

What to Expect: Timeline, Fees & Essential Costs

Understanding the full journey before you apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) helps you plan better both financially and logistically. From how long it takes to get your visa approved, to the exact costs involved, being informed ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

• Processing time Depends on your course type, country of application, and completeness of documents.

• Visa application charges vary based on whether you’re applying alone or with dependents.

• There are additional costs such as health checks, English language tests, and student health insurance that you should budget for.

• Proper planning helps avoid delays, meet key deadlines, and stay within budget.

• You may be eligible for faster processing if all requirements are met early and accurately.

• Processing Timeline: Your Journey to Study Begins Here

Visa Type
Processing Time
Higher Education Sector
4 - 8 weeks
Vocational Education
4 - 10 weeks
Postgraduate Research
6 - 11 weeks

• Visa Costs & Additional Expenses

Fee Category
Amount
Primary applicant
AUD 710
Additional applicant (18+ years)
AUD 530
Dependent child (under 18 years)
AUD 175

• Other Possible Costs

Fee Category
Amount
English Test (IELTS/TOEFL etc.)
AUD 300 - 400
OSHC (12 months average)
AUD 500 - 700
Police Clearance Certificate
AUD 15 - 30
Medical Examination
AUD 300 - 500

FAQ:

Can student visa be lodged using offer letter?
Only if the applicant is in Australia, candidate can apply for student visa with letter of offer, however, the applicant must obtain a COE for visa to be granted.
What are the exemptions for English language requirement?
If one of the following applies, the applicant does not need to provide evidence of an English test score with the visa application:
  • If the applicant is enrolled in full-time school studies as a principal course including in a secondary exchange program, a postgraduate research course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and Foreign Affairs or Defense sponsored students
  • If the applicant has completed at least five years’ study in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
  • If the applicant is a citizen and holds a passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland
How the applicant is assessed against the character requirements?
Visa applicant must answer the character related questions on the visa application form and the information provided will be used to assess the character. Applicant might be asked for more information by DOHA, if required.
What is difference between regular and streamlined categories?
The documents requirements for Financial capacity and English differs for the applicant in regular or streamlined category.
What are welfare arrangements for an applicant under 18 years old?
To be granted a student visa, the applicant must demonstrate that s/he has adequate welfare arrangements in place for the length of the student visa or until they turn 18 years of age. They can do this by demonstrating that they will be accompanied by a parent or legal custodian, a suitable relative or that the student’s education provider approves the arrangements for the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?
To be eligible for a student visa to Australia you must first enroll in a full time course of study which is registered with the Commonwealth Registry of International Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).You must study a course listed on the CRICOS register in order to obtain a student visa.

Once you pay your student fees and enroll in your course the school will provide you with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You must have this CoE to apply for your student visa.

Student Visa Subclass : 500

Student visa (subclass 500) is intended for the international students from across the globe who want to pursue their education in Australia. This visa lets you enrol in an accredited Australian institution for a full-time course. With this visa subclass 500 the students from overseas can stay in Australia up till their educational course completes or for up to five years (whichever is earlier). The Subclass 500 Visa also entitles the eligible guardians of the international students to join and live with them by lodging an application for Student Guardian Subclass 590 Visa.

What this subclass 500 visa lets you do in australia?

Student Visa Subclass 500 allows you to study for a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registered full-time course in Australia. Also, eligible family members are free to join you in Australia. Anyone with a valid student visa in Australia can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight while the course is underway and unlimited number of hours during designated course breaks. If you are pursuing a master’s degree in research or doctoral degree, you wouldn’t have any work restrictions.

To be eligible for student visa (subclass 500)

  • You must have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from a CRICOS registered education provider in Australia.
  • You have made suitable arrangements for stay in Australia if under 18 years of age.
  • The applicant of this visa must me at least 6 years old.
  • You must get the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is responsible to care for all your medical solutions while you stay in Australia.
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) is another critical aspect you must scale through to secure a student visa in Australia.
  • Depending on the country you originate from, you must prove a certain proficiency in the English language by securing a satisfactory test score in any approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
  • You must satisfy a minimum financial requirement (not necessary for a few nationalities) that covers all the costs necessary for studying in Australia.
  • You must meet certain health requirements by undergoing a health examination from a registered health practitioner (if applicable).

FAQ:

Can student visa be lodged using offer letter?
Only if the applicant is in Australia, candidate can apply for student visa with letter of offer, however, the applicant must obtain a COE for visa to be granted.
What are the exemptions for English language requirement?
If one of the following applies, the applicant does not need to provide evidence of an English test score with the visa application:
  • If the applicant is enrolled in full-time school studies as a principal course including in a secondary exchange program, a postgraduate research course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and Foreign Affairs or Defense sponsored students
  • If the applicant has completed at least five years’ study in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
  • If the applicant is a citizen and holds a passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland
How the applicant is assessed against the character requirements?
Visa applicant must answer the character related questions on the visa application form and the information provided will be used to assess the character. Applicant might be asked for more information by DOHA, if required.
What is difference between regular and streamlined categories?
The documents requirements for Financial capacity and English differs for the applicant in regular or streamlined category.
What are welfare arrangements for an applicant under 18 years old?
To be granted a student visa, the applicant must demonstrate that s/he has adequate welfare arrangements in place for the length of the student visa or until they turn 18 years of age. They can do this by demonstrating that they will be accompanied by a parent or legal custodian, a suitable relative or that the student’s education provider approves the arrangements for the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?
To be eligible for a student visa to Australia you must first enroll in a full time course of study which is registered with the Commonwealth Registry of International Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).You must study a course listed on the CRICOS register in order to obtain a student visa.

Once you pay your student fees and enroll in your course the school will provide you with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You must have this CoE to apply for your student visa.