Student Visa | Subclass 500
Student Visa
The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows you to live in Australia for the duration of your studies while enrolled in a recognised educational institution. This visa is the gateway for international students to access Australia’s world-class education system, from vocational training and English courses to advanced higher education degrees.
Subclass 500 Student Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary |
| Stay | Up to 5 years (duration of course) |
| Cost | From $2,500 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | Visa Application timeframes are dependent upon the various available streams. A general timframe is approx. 33 days – 6 months2 |
| Key Requirement | Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the subclass 500 visa in 2026, you must meet rigorous criteria designed to ensure you are a genuine student with the means to support your stay.
1. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
As of March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the previous GTE test. This framework assesses your circumstances, including your academic background, ties to your home country, and the relevance of the chosen course to your career goals. Future intentions to apply for permanent residency do not count against you, provided your primary intent is study. The GS is arguably the most common reason why Student visa applications are refused – for this reason Visa Advisory Australia provides an exceptional level of insight to the Department on this matter.
2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must be enrolled in a full-time course of study registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). A valid CoE issued by your education provider is mandatory for your application to be valid.
3. Financial Capacity Requirement
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, travel costs, and annual living expenses. For 2026, the minimum annual living cost requirement for a single student is $29,710 AUD. Additional funds are required if you are bringing family members.
4. English Proficiency, Health, and Insurance
Most applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for most courses). You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay and meet Australia’s strict health and character standards.
How to Apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Please note: Applying for a student visa involves careful coordination between your academic enrolment and Departmental requirements. Furthermore, in 2026 many Student visa applicants are experiencing challenges in satisfying the Department of Home Affairs’ that they meet the “Genuine Student” legal criteria. We highly advise seeking the advice of a Registered Migration Agent for Student visa applications.
Step 1: Secure Admission and CoE
The first step is applying to an Australian institution and receiving a Letter of Offer. Once you pay your initial tuition deposit, the school will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documentation
Collect evidence of your financial capacity, English test results, and academic transcripts. Our experts audit these documents to ensure they meet the “decision-ready” standard to minimise delays.
Step 3: Address the Genuine Student (GS) Criteria
Draft detailed responses to the GS questions in the application form, explaining why you chose your specific course and provider in Australia and how it benefits your future.
Step 4: Lodge Your Application
Submit your application through ImmiAccount and pay the non-refundable fee. In 2026, offshore applications are prioritised based on the provider’s risk level and course category.
Step 5: Complete Health and Biometrics
After lodgement, you may be requested to undergo health examinations or provide biometrics. Promptly completing these steps is essential for faster processing.
Being on a Subclass 500 Student Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 500 Student Visa
As a Student visa holder, you can:
- Live and study in Australia for the duration of your course.
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
- Bring eligible family members with you to Australia.
- Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while your visa is valid.
Your Visa Obligations
You must remain enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance, and continue to have sufficient financial support. You are also required to maintain your OSHC health insurance at all times.
The Pathway to Permanent Residency
While the subclass 500 is temporary, many graduates use it as a foundation for future residency. Gaining an Australian qualification can lead to other visas, which provide a clear pathway toward permanent resident and eventually citizenship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
With student visa refusal rates reaching record highs in 2026, having a “decision-ready” application which adequately addresses the strict Genuine Student legal criteria is more critical than ever.
Our Subclass 500 Services include:
Comprehensive GS Strategy: We help you articulate your study intentions to satisfy the Genuine Student requirement.
Financial Audit: Expert review of your bank statements and sponsorship documents to ensure they meet strict Departmental standards.
Provider Selection Advice: Strategic guidance on choosing institutions that afford you the highest processing priority.
Decision-Ready Application: Lodgement by Registered Migration Agents to minimise processing delays and avoid further delays caused by Requests for Further Information (RFIs).
Family Inclusion Planning: Full management of applications for secondary entrants, including school-aged dependents, partners and guardians.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk your education in Australia. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 500 Student Visa
Q: Can I change my course after my visa is granted?
A: Yes, but you must ensure the new course is at the same or higher AQF level. If you move to a lower-level course, you may be in breach of your visa conditions and need to apply for a new visa. There are other measures taken in 2026 aimed at preventing student migrants from visa-hopping – these measures must be navigated cautiously and we highly recommend seeking the advice of a registered migration agent prior to changing your course of study.
Q: Does my partner have full work rights?
A: Generally, partners of Masters by Research or Doctoral students have unlimited work rights. For most other students, partners are limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
Q: Do I need to show funds for the whole course?
A: You generally need to show funds for the first 12 months of your tuition, living expenses, and travel. However, the Department may ask for proof of access to funds for the entire duration if your case is high-risk.
Q: What happens if my visa is refused?
A: If your visa is refused, you may have rights to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm is highly experienced in representing clients at the ART for partner visa matters. Our firm specialises in ART appeals for family visas – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 04 May 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
