Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Guide: Step by Step

What is the Student Visa (subclass 500)?

International students in Australia study on the Student Visa (subclass 500). It lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution, work part-time, bring eligible family members, and travel in and out of the country while your course is active. It is usually granted for the length of your course, up to a maximum of five years.

How the application works

1. Get accepted and receive your CoE. After you accept your offer and pay any deposit, your institution issues an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), the document you need to apply for the visa.
2. Apply online via ImmiAccount. Create an ImmiAccount, complete the application, pay the fee and upload your evidence.
3. Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. You answer targeted questions in the application about your study intentions and circumstances. The GS requirement replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement from 23 March 2024.
4. Show English proficiency. Usually IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 (or an accepted equivalent), depending on your course and any pathway study.
5. Show you can cover costs. Provide evidence of funds for living costs, first-year tuition and travel (see the figures below).
6. Arrange OSHC. Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the entire visa period and must be purchased from an approved insurer before you lodge. Your institution can usually arrange it.
7. Complete health and biometrics if required. Some applicants must attend a health examination with a panel physician and provide biometrics.

Fees

• Visa application charge: AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant (about US$1,300), raised from AUD 1,600 on 1 July 2025. It is non-refundable even if your visa is refused. A few sources quote higher figures, so confirm the exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge. Partners and children pay separate charges.
• OSHC: roughly AUD 500 to 700 per year for a single policy.
• Other costs: a health examination, an English test and biometrics may add to your budget, along with your institution deposit or first-semester tuition.

Processing time

Processing varies widely by country, course and provider. Many straightforward applications are decided within a few weeks, but some take several months, and peak intake periods run longer. Apply early and do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is granted. Track progress in your ImmiAccount.

Financial requirements

For 2026, a single student must show genuine access to at least AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, in addition to first-year tuition and return travel. If you bring family, add roughly AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 per child, plus school costs for school-aged children.

The funds must look genuine and be readily available, so avoid a single large deposit made just before applying. Bank statements with a few months of history, an approved education loan, a scholarship letter or a sponsor's income evidence can all be used. These benchmarks are indexed and change, so confirm the current figure before applying.

Can you work?

Yes. Subclass 500 holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You can start work once your course begins. Treat any earnings as help with extras, not as a way to cover your main costs, and never plan your budget around work income.

After graduation

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets eligible graduates live and work in Australia, typically for 2 to 3 years depending on your qualification, with extra time possible for some regional study. Note that the 485 has an age limit (generally under 35 for most applicants) and its own English and timing rules. Many students use it to gain professional experience and, in some cases, a pathway toward permanent residence.

Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500) requirements, financial capacity (AUD 29,710) and work-hours rules; Genuine Student requirement effective 23 March 2024. Fees and thresholds change often; verify on homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.

Explore study options in Australia or read our Australia country guide for costs, universities and the path to work.