What is a Subclass 500 Student Visa?
This visa allows you to engage in an approved course of study at an Australian school, college, or university, from primary to post-graduate education.
Student visa holders have full travel rights, and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their study sessions, offering a balanced approach to education and employment.
They must also abide by a number of conditions while holding this visa, including satisfactory class attendance and course progression, and notifying Immigration if their study arrangements change.
International Students who complete eligible courses with a minimum of 2 academic years of study may be able to extend their stay by applying for a Graduate visa.
Timeline of key changes – 500 Visa
7 August 2025
- New English language tests accepted for 500 visa applications
1 July 2025
- Government lodgement fees jump 25% to $2000 for the main applicant
1 January 2025
- All applicants required to present a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) at the time of lodgement to submit a valid Student visa
19 December 2024
- Introduction of Ministerial Direction 111 to process offshore Student visa applications based on ‘new overseas student commencements’ allocation, effectively limiting the number of visas that can be approved each year
1 July 2024
- No longer possible to apply for a Student visa in Australia from certain temporary visas to prevent ‘visa hopping’
23 March 2024
- ‘Genuine Student’ requirement replaces the ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ requirement. Immigration takes into account the applicant’s circumstances, reasons for study, and how this will benefit the applicant in future.
- Minimum English test scores increased for most applicants
1 July 2023
- Work limitation re-introduced at 48 hours per fortnight (PhD or Master by Research students still allowed full work rights).
- Students working in Aged Care allowed to continue full-time work until 31 December 2023.
13 January 2022
- Work restrictions lifted for all Student visa holders
13 March 2020
- Students working in supermarkets able to work full-time during COVID Pandemic. Slowly expanded to other key affected industries.
Requirements for a 500 Visa
To be eligible for a Student visa, primary applicants (the student) must:
- Be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course of study. A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) is required at the time of lodgement.
- Be 6 years of age or older
- Demonstrate adequate welfare arrangements if the student is under 18 years of age
- Meet English language requirements
- Provide evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living, and travel costs
All applicants must meet health and character requirements, and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Applicants in Australia must hold an eligible visa in order to apply while onshore. It is not possible to lodge a Student visa application in Australia while holding a Visitor visa, Transit visa, Maritime Crew visa, or a Graduate visa.
Genuine Student
Immigration wants to ensure that applicants are genuinely coming to Australia to undertake studies. As part of this assessment, they will consider:
- The applicant’s current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
- Why the applicant wishes to study the course in Australia and how they chose their education provider, and whether the student understands the requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.
- How completing the course will be of benefit to the applicant in the long-term.
Existing Student visa holders applying for another Student visa while in Australia must clearly demonstrate course progression to be considered for a further visa.
How much does a 500 visa application cost?
As of 1 July 2025, the government application fees are as follows:
Visa Application – Main Applicant – $2,000
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $1,225
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $400
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) – in certain circumstances only – $700
How long does a 500 take to process?
As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:
| Application Type | 50% processed within | 90% processed within |
| Higher Education | 28 days | 5 months |
| Vocational Education | 5 months | 13 months |
| Postgraduate Research | 27 days | 11 months |
| Schools | 27 days | 5 months |
| Independent ELICOS | 24 days | 8 months |
| Foreign Affairs / Defence | 3 days | 22 days |
| Non-Award | 5 days | 34 days |
Why Choose AVIE for Immigration Services?
Personalized Guidance – Every migration journey is unique, and we provide tailored advice to match your circumstances and goals.
Expert Problem-Solving – Our team has extensive experience handling complex visa situations and finding tailored solutions to meet client needs.
Dedicated Support – We intentionally cap our agents’ caseloads to ensure you receive the time, care, and dedication you deserve. You’re never just a number with us.
Avoid Mistakes – Avoid costly delays and reapplications—our expertise ensures visa applications are done right the first time.
Stress-Free Process – We handle the complexities of visa applications, so you can focus on planning your new life in Australia.
Related News
500 Student Visa English Language Test Changes
485 Graduate Visa English Language Test Changes
International Students Are Not to Blame for Rising Rents or Inflation, RBA Confirms
How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa? (Complete Guide)
What Happens After My Student Visa? (Find Your Options)
Times of India: Australia: Reduction in Net Migration to Continue; Minimum Salary to Rise for Skilled Visa and International Students May See Visa Fee Hike
Looking for a Change? Why More People Are Considering a Move to Australia
Student Visa Changes in 2025
Victorian Government expanding visa opportunities for international student graduates
5 Tips You Need to Know for Your Australian Student Visa Application
I’m a Visa Holder in Australia and I’ve Just Had a Baby. What Do I Do Now?
Spots Filling Fast: Limited University Places for International Students in Australia
FAQs
How long can I stay in Australia on a Student Visa?
You can stay in Australia for the duration of your course, plus a period after your course ends (usually 2 months). The exact duration depends on the length of your study. However, the maximum length of stay for a Student visa will generally not exceed 5 years.
What financial evidence do I need to provide with my Student visa application?
At a minimum, you must have enough money to pay for:
Your travel – $1000 to $3000 depending on your country of residence)
12 months of your course fees (or pro rata fees, if your course is less than 12 months) – refer to your Confirmation of Enrolment
12 months of living costs for you and any family members who come with you to Australia (or pro rata fees, if you are staying less than 12 months) – $29,710 for the primary applicant, $10,394 for a partner, and $4,449 for each child.
School fees for any school-age children who accompany you (or pro rata fees, if the child will be at school for less than 12 months) – at least $13,502 per year per child
Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, evidence of a loan from a financial institution, scholarships or other funding, or taxation documents for parent/s or partner who earned at least $87,856 in the 12 months before applying for the Student visa.
What are my options once I finish my studies?
There may be a Graduate visa option available, as well as options for Skilled Migration. We suggest discussing your eligibility and potential strategies with one of our Registered Migration Agents.
Can I work on a subclass 500 Visa?
Primary visa holders who are studying at Masters level or below are limited to working a maximum 48 hours a fortnight while their course is ‘in session’. A fortnight is a 14-day period commencing on a Monday, and no week must exceed 24 hours of work.
Once students are on semester break or once they have completed their course, they may have full time work rights.
Dependent visa holders must check the conditions on their visa for work limitations, including a bar on starting employment before the course has commenced.
What happens if I want to change my course or education provider?
You’ll need to meet specific visa conditions to avoid cancellation. This includes having a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your new course, ensuring the new course is at the same level or higher, and confirming whether you’ve completed at least six months of your current principal course.
Do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
Yes. You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
The minimum (basic) OSHC plan will usually cover:
- visits to the doctor (GP)
- some hospital treatments
- ambulance
- limited medicines
OSHC doesn’t cover treatments such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. You can purchase Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider if you want cover for these.
Can I travel in and out of Australia while on a Student Visa?
Yes. The Student Visa is typically granted with multiple entry, so you can travel as long as your visa is valid and you maintain enrolment.