Australia Student Visa: AUD 2,500 (Subclass 500) Guide

What is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at registered Australian education institutions. It covers all levels from primary school to postgraduate research.

Key Facts:

• Fee: AUD 2,500 (main applicant, for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026)
• Processing: 4-6 weeks (varies by country)
• Allows work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term
• Must maintain enrollment and attendance requirements

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

1. 1Be accepted into a CRICOS-registered course
2. 2Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
3. 3Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
4. 4Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
5. 5Demonstrate sufficient funds
6. 6Meet English language requirements
7. 7Meet character and health requirements

Step 1: Get Accepted and Receive CoE

1. 1Choose a CRICOS-registered course (search at cricos.education.gov.au)
2. 2Apply to the institution
3. 3Accept your offer and pay the deposit
4. 4Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with a unique code
5. 5Keep your CoE safe - you need the code for your visa application

Step 2: Write Your GS Statement

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is critical. You must demonstrate:

• Why this course: How it relates to your career goals
• Why Australia: Why you chose Australia over your home country
• Your circumstances: Current employment, family ties, economic situation
• Return plans: What you'll do after completing studies
• Immigration history: Previous travel and visa compliance

Tips for GS:

• Be specific about career plans in your home country
• Explain the gap if you've been out of study
• Reference job market conditions in your home country
• Keep it to 1-2 pages

Step 3: Purchase OSHC

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory before applying. Approved providers include:

• Medibank
• Allianz Care Australia
• BUPA Australia
• nib

OSHC must cover your entire visa duration. Purchase before submitting your application.

Step 4: Prepare Financial Documents

You must show funds for:

• Tuition: As shown on your CoE
• Living costs: AUD 29,710 per year
• School-age dependents: AUD 4,449 per year (living costs), plus approximately AUD 13,502 per year for school fees if applicable
• Travel: Return airfare

Acceptable evidence:

• Bank statements showing funds held for at least 3 months
• Government loan
• Scholarship documentation
• Financial declaration from sponsor

Step 5: Meet English Requirements

Accepted tests and minimum scores for the visa, in place since 23 March 2024 (institutions may set higher bars by course):

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0+ (5.5 is accepted only when packaged with an ELICOS English course)
• TOEFL iBT: 64+
• PTE Academic: 50+
• Cambridge: 169+

Some exemptions apply for citizens of English-speaking countries or students who completed prior studies in English.

Step 6: Apply via ImmiAccount

1. 1Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
2. 2Select "New Application" > Student Visa (500)
3. 3Enter your CoE number
4. 4Complete all sections of the application
5. 5Upload supporting documents
6. 6Pay AUD 2,500 application fee
7. 7Submit and note your application reference number

Step 7: Health Examination and Biometrics

After submitting:

• You may receive a request for a health examination
• Complete it with an approved panel physician
• Biometrics may be required depending on your nationality
• Results are sent directly to the Department of Home Affairs

Step 8: Receive Decision

• Granted: You'll receive a visa grant notification by email
• Refused: You'll receive reasons and may have review options
• Request for more info: Provide additional documents within the deadline

Your visa is electronic - no stamp or label in your passport.

Working While Studying

During Term

• Up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks)
• Unlimited hours for specified work (part of your course)

During Breaks

• Unlimited work hours during scheduled course breaks

After Graduation

• Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
• 2-3 years depending on qualification level
• Full work rights

Maintaining Your Student Visa

You must:

• Remain enrolled in a CRICOS course
• Maintain satisfactory attendance (typically 80%+)
• Make satisfactory course progress
• Maintain OSHC coverage
• Notify your provider of address changes within 7 days

Common Refusal Reasons

1. 1Weak GS statement - Doesn't convincingly show genuine student intent
2. 2Insufficient funds - Financial evidence doesn't cover full costs
3. 3Course doesn't match background - Study plan inconsistent with previous education or work
4. 4Health or character issues - Failed medical or police checks
5. 5Poor English - Test scores below required minimums