Student Visas

Updated October 2026

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and high quality of life. If you’re planning to study in Australia, obtaining the right student visa is a crucial first step. The most common visa for international students is the Subclass 500 visa, which allows you to study full-time at a recognised institution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility requirements, application process, visa conditions, and how you can avoid common mistakes. 

Important Student Visa Changes From 2 October 2026

If you’re planning to study in Australia, it’s important to understand the Student visa (subclass 500) rule changes that took effect on 2 October 2026. These changes affect where many applicants must lodge their applications and whether they can include family members.

Applying from within Australia

Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia. This includes people holding certain Visitor, Working Holiday, Work and Holiday, Temporary Graduate and Skills in Demand visas.

Current Student visa holders who want to apply for another Student visa in Australia are also affected, unless they meet a specific exemption. If you must apply from outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when your visa is granted.

Limited exemptions apply to certain applicants, including some students continuing their studies, PhD applicants, school students, government-sponsored students and those affected by an education provider default. The eligibility criteria differ depending on the circumstances.

Including family members

Most Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children in their application unless an exemption applies. Exemptions are available to certain groups, including eligible PhD students, government-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients and eligible students from Pacific and ASEAN countries.

The ability to add family members to a Student visa after it has been granted has also been removed. If you are planning to study in Australia with your family, it’s essential to understand these restrictions before making enrolment, travel or relocation plans.

Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when they were lodged.

What is an Australian Student Visa? 

Discover boundless educational opportunities in Australia with the Subclass 500 Student Visa, the primary visa option for international students looking to live and study in Australia. 

This visa allows you to enrol in an approved full-time course, from primary to postgraduate education, and gives you the flexibility to balance study, work, and travel.

With a Subclass 500 visa, you can: 

• Enrol in a full-time course
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
• Travel freely in and out of the country while your visa is valid

While the visa offers many benefits, it also comes with responsibilities, including maintaining satisfactory attendance, progressing in your course, and notifying Immigration if your study arrangements change.

If you complete an eligible course of at least 2 academic years, you may also be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa to extend your stay.

Eligibility Requirements for an Australian Student Visa 

To be eligible for the Subclass 500 visa, you must meet several important criteria: 

• CRICOS Course Enrolment: You must be enrolled in a course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Genuine Student Requirement: You must show that you are a genuine student, with clear reasons for your study and how it aligns with your plans. 
• English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English requirements unless you qualify for an exemption. 
• Financial Capacity: You need to provide evidence that you can pay for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The estimated minimum living cost for a single student living in Australia is currently AUD $30,000 per year.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your visa, unless exempt. 

Applying for a Student visa from within Australia: From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders must apply from outside Australia. Certain visa holders, including people on Visitor, Working Holiday and Temporary Graduate visas, are specifically prevented from lodging a Student visa application onshore. Current Student visa holders are also affected unless an exemption applies. If you are required to apply offshore, you must remain outside Australia when your visa is granted. Check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements to confirm whether you are eligible to apply in Australia.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia 

Applying for the Subclass 500 visa can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes the process clearer: 

Step 1: Choose a Course and Institution 

Select a CRICOS-registered course and institution. Once accepted, pay the required deposit to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). 

Step 2: Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) 

The CoE is issued by your institution after enrolment and is required to lodge your visa application. 

Step 3: Gather Required Documents 

You’ll typically need: 

• A valid passport 
• Your CoE 
• Proof of financial capacity 
• English test results 
• Genuine Student statement 
• OSHC confirmation 
• Academic transcripts and employment history (if applicable) 

Step 4: Apply Online  

Upload your documents and pay the application fee. 

Step 5: Health and Character Checks 

Follow instructions for any required health exams and police checks. 

Step 6: Wait for a Decision 

Visa processing times vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. You can monitor the status of your application via your ImmiAccount. 

This is a simplified overview of how to apply for a student visa but you don’t have to do it alone. At AVIE, we take care of the hard work and guide you through every step to help you secure your Australian student visa with confidence. 

Student Visa Rights and Responsibilities 

Your Rights: 

• Study full-time at your registered institution
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions
• Travel in and out of Australia

Your Responsibilities: 

• Stay enrolled in a registered course
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Maintain satisfactory attendance and course progression
• Notify Immigration of any changes to your address or education provider
• Comply with all visa conditions

Failing to meet your responsibilities could lead to visa cancellation, so staying informed is essential.

How to Avoid Common Student Visa Mistakes 

Many applications are delayed or rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them: 

• Double-check all your documents before submitting your application 
• Be honest and specific in your Genuine Student (GS) statement 
• Make sure your CoE and OSHC are valid 
• Apply early and don’t wait until the last minute 
• Stick to visa conditions (especially around work hours and attendance) 

For added confidence, work with a registered migration agent like AVIE to ensure your application is complete and accurate from the start. 

FAQs 

1. Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa? 

From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applicants can no longer include their partner or dependent children in their application unless a specific exemption applies. Exemptions include certain PhD students, government-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients and eligible students from Pacific and ASEAN countries.

Student visa holders can no longer add family members as subsequent entrants after their visa has been granted, and there are no exemptions to this restriction. Some transitional arrangements apply to family members already included in an existing Student visa when the holder is eligible to apply for a further visa.

If you plan to study in Australia with your family, check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before making any commitments.

2. How much bank balance is required for an Australian student visa? 

You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. As a guideline, this means showing evidence of living costs (excluding tuition and travel). These figures can vary, so it’s best to consult an expert to understand your specific financial requirements. 

3. How much is the student visa in Australia? 

As of now, the base application charge for a Subclass 500 Student Visa is AUD $2500. There may also be extra costs for health checks, biometrics, and police certificates. Fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a migration expert for the most accurate estimate. 

4. Can you work in Australia on a student visa? 

Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions. During official course breaks, there is no work limit. This allows students to support themselves financially while gaining valuable work experience. However, work should not interfere with your studies, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress is essential to keep your visa valid.

5. How long does a student visa take to process? 

Processing times for the Subclass 500 visa can vary depending on your country of origin, the completeness of your application, and your specific circumstances. On average, it can take anywhere from one to three months. Providing all required documents and demonstrating that you meet all eligibility requirements can help avoid delays.

Get Expert Assistance from AVIE for Your Australian Student Visa Application 

Applying for a student visa can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE), we specialise in helping students successfully apply for the Subclass 500 visa. Our team offers expert guidance throughout the entire process, from gathering documents and writing your statement to submitting a complete application. 

With years of experience and a strong track record, we’re here to make your journey to Australia as smooth as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get personalised support with your student visa application. 

Applying for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) can be an exciting step towards your education and future career. However, with new application rules taking effect on 2 October 2026, it’s more important than ever to understand the requirements before enrolling in a course or making travel plans.

Here are five tips to help you prepare.

1. Check Your Eligibility and Where You Can Apply

Before applying, make sure you meet the Student visa requirements. These generally include enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting the Genuine Student requirement, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity, meeting English language requirements where applicable, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

It’s also essential to check where you’re permitted to apply. Since 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders can no longer lodge a Student visa application while in Australia. Some current Student visa holders may qualify for exemptions when applying for a further visa, but these are subject to specific criteria. If you’re required to apply from outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when your visa is granted.

Check the latest requirements before committing to your study plans.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the necessary documents before you start your application. You will need:

• A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen school.
• Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a scholarship letter.
• English language test results (like IELTS) if required.
• Health insurance that covers your stay (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC).
• A valid passport.

It’s important to have all these documents ready to avoid any delays in your application.

3. Understand the Visa Conditions

If your Student visa is granted, you’ll need to comply with its conditions throughout your stay. These may include maintaining enrolment, meeting course progress requirements, maintaining appropriate health insurance and notifying the relevant authorities of certain changes.

Most Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to their visa conditions. Different rules may apply to certain research students.

It’s also important to understand the new restrictions on family members. Most applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children in their Student visa application unless a specific exemption applies. Family members can no longer be added as subsequent entrants after the visa has been granted.

If you’re planning to study with your family, check the rules carefully before making arrangements.

4. Apply Early

Start preparing well before your intended course commencement date. You’ll need time to secure your CoE, gather documents and meet the relevant application requirements.

Student visa processing times vary depending on factors such as your circumstances, the completeness of your application and current processing priorities. There is no guaranteed timeframe, so avoid booking non-refundable travel based on an assumed decision date.

If you’re already in Australia, check whether you’re eligible to apply onshore before lodging an application. If you need to apply offshore, factor this into your travel and accommodation plans.

5. Seek Help If Needed

Student visa requirements can be complex, particularly if you’re applying for a further visa, changing your study plans or navigating the new onshore application and family member restrictions.

If you’re unsure how the rules apply to your circumstances, consider speaking with a registered migration agent. They can help you understand the relevant requirements, identify potential issues and determine what steps you may need to take before applying.

At AVIE, we provide personalised guidance to help you understand your Australian migration options and prepare for the application process.

Applying for a Student visa is a significant step. Taking the time to understand the rules, prepare your documents and plan ahead can help you make informed decisions about studying in Australia.

For more detailed advice, contact an immigration expert who can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.

This blog was originally posted September 2024 and has since been updated.