Australia remains one of the most popular study destinations for international students, due to its globally recognised education system and multicultural lifestyle. If you are planning to study in Australia, the student visa subclass 500 is the primary visa you need to understand. This visa allows eligible students to live in Australia, enrol in a full-time course, and gain valuable work experience while studying. However, applying for a student visa in Australia involves meeting strict eligibility criteria, preparing the right documents, and following the correct process.
What Is A Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The student visa subclass 500 enables overseas students to live, study and work in Australia while enrolled in a registered course. The visa is necessary to those who want to pursue a full-time study in Australia in the different sectors, which include:
- Higher Education (University degrees)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
- Primary and Secondary School
- Postgraduate Research and more
Once granted, the subclass 500 visa also lets you:
- Travel in and out of Australia during its validity;
- Work part-time (subject to conditions);
- Include family members in your application (spouse/dependents).
The visa assures you that you will be able to pursue your educational ambitions in addition to meeting the immigration requirements.
Eligibility Requirements For Subclass 500 Visa
In order to be eligible to the student visa subclass 500, you have to meet some requirements that the Australian Department of Home Affairs has established:
1] Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You need to have been enrolled in a full-time course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses Overseas (CRICOS).
2] Genuine Student Requirement: The applicants have to prove their genuine intention to study in Australia by the Genuine Student test, which will replace the previous GTE requirement. It examines your personal situation, reason for studying and future value of the course.
3] English Language Proficiency: You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), unless exempt.
4] Health and Character: You will have to meet health and character specifications stipulated by the Department.
5] Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): The applicants should have sufficient health insurance for the whole duration of their stay.
6] Financial Capacity: You should demonstrate that you have sufficient finances to meet the tuition fees, cost of living, and travelling expenses.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is fundamental to a successful Student Visa Australia application under subclass 500.
Student Visa 500 Checklist
The following is a checklist of what you need to submit for your subclass 500 visa application:
- Genuine passport with adequate remaining validity
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student Requirement evidence
- Proof of English language ability (if required)
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) policy details
- Financial capacity documents
- Health and character certificates
- Biometric and medical examination results (if requested)
- Welfare arrangements (if under 18)
- Additional documents for family members
Completing and submitting all documents accurately the first time is key to avoiding delays or refusals.
Processing Times For Student Visa 500
Processing times for a 500 subclass visa vary depending on factors such as your sector of study, completeness of your documentation, where you apply from, and current immigration priorities.
Here is an indicative summary:
| Sector / Subject | Processing Time (50% of applications) | Processing Time (90% of applications) |
| Foreign Affairs or Defence sector | 4 days | 20 days |
| Postgraduate Research sector | 26 days | 8 months |
| Non-Award sector | 1 day | 12 days |
| Schools sector | 20 days | 4 months |
| Independent ELICOS sector | 21 days | 5 months |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector | 5 months | 6 months |
| Higher Education sector | 39 days | 3 months |
One should always make sure to apply long before the date of starting your course to prevent any delays and ensure smooth scheduling.
Duration, Conditions, and Fee Of Subclass Visa 500
The following section summarises the duration of stay with subclass visa 500 to remain in Australia, the major visa requirements you will be expected to adhere to as a student, and the costs of government that will be charged on this visa.
Duration Of Stay
When having a subclass 500, you have the right to remain in Australia during your course up to five years, depending on the length of your enrolment.
Visa Conditions
Your visa will include conditions you must abide by:
- Work Hours: A maximum of 48 hours of work per fortnight can be done during study periods. Breaks can be scheduled in terms of work periods. Special work arrangements are provided to students in postgraduate research programs.
- Maintain Enrolment: You shall remain enrolled, have satisfactory attendance and course progress requirements.
- Health Insurance: Maintain OSHC at all times.
- Address Notification: Within 7 days of arrival, notify your education provider of your residential address.
Any violation of these requirements can lead to cancellation of the visa or any other repercussions.
Visa Fees
As of July 2025, the base cost of a subclass 500 visa is:
- Main applicant:- AUD 2,000
- Additional adult:- AUD 1,225
- Additional child:- AUD 400
Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website or visa pricing estimator for up-to-date fees.
Application Process For Student Visa Subclass 500
The following are the few steps to apply for your student visa subclass 500:
- Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) by a CRICOS-registered Australian provider.
- Open an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website.
- Fill in the online application form for Subclass 500.
- Add all supporting documents (passport, CoE, OSHC, financials, English test, etc.).
- Pay the visa application fee and submit your application at ImmiAccount.
- Attend medical exams or provide biometrics if required.
- Wait for a decision, and track progress through ImmiAccount.
Choosing an immigration consultant in Perth may ensure that your application is complete and that it fulfils all the requirements.
Book Your Consultation With Our Migration Experts Today!
Investing in a consultation with experienced migration professionals can make the subclass 500 application process smoother and stress-free. Whether you need help interpreting requirements, preparing documents, or understanding conditions and work rights, our registered migration agent Perth makes a difference.
Reach out to our trusted visa consultant Perth to book your consultation and take the first step towards studying in Australia.
FAQ’s of Student Visa Subclass 500
Q1:- Is a student visa subclass 500 a temporary visa?
Answer:- Yes, a student visa 500 is a non-permanent visa where you can spend up to five years.
Q2:- How to extend a student visa subclass 500?
Answer:- In order to be able to remain longer than your present visa validity (to continue studies), you have to request a new student visa in time before your present visa expires.
Q3:- Can I get PR after 2 years of study in Australia?
Answer:- Studying in Australia does not guarantee permanent residency (PR), but your qualifications and post-study work experience may help you meet other skilled migration pathways. PR depends on meeting specific criteria outside the subclass 500 visa.
Q4:- Can I work with a student visa 500?
Answer:- Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions and unlimited hours during breaks. Highly-rated research students may work unrestricted post-start.
Q5:- What is the student visa 500 fee for Australia?
Answer:- Currently, the subclass 500 visa fee is approximately AUD 2,000 for the main applicant, with additional fees for family members.
Q6:- What is the difference between a 485 and a 500 visa?
Answer:- The subclass 500 is for students wanting to study in Australia, whereas the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate visa) allows eligible graduates to stay and work after completing their studies.