Subclass 500

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Study in Australia full-time at a CRICOS-registered provider — with a clear Genuine Student case and a credible pathway plan.

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What the Subclass 500 lets you do

Stay in Australia for the duration of your CRICOS-registered course — up to 5 years on a single grant.
Bring eligible family members (partner, dependent children) as secondary applicants.
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Live and study in any state or territory in Australia.

Who can apply

Applicants enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (English Language Intensive — ELICOS, VET, Higher Education, Postgraduate Research, Foundation, Non-award, Schools, Defence-sponsored).
Both onshore and offshore applicants — different conditions apply at application time and on the bridging visa.
Applicants must hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application.

Core eligibility criteria

Genuine Student (GS) requirement — replaced the older GTE from 23 March 2024. Assessed via specific GS questions, your study plan, ties to home country, and intended progression.
Financial capacity — from 10 May 2024: AUD 29,710 for the primary applicant, AUD 10,394 for a partner, AUD 4,449 per dependent child, AUD 13,502 per school-aged child per year; OR personal annual income evidence (AUD 87,856 single / AUD 102,500 with family).
English language requirement — IELTS / PTE / TOEFL iBT / CAE / OET scores vary by course type, or an acceptable exemption.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa duration — single, couple or family policy from a recognised provider.
Health requirement — health examinations where required by your country grade or course type (commonly medical, chest X-ray).
Character requirement — police clearances where required, declaration of any past visa refusals or character concerns.

Subclass 500 visa conditions

Condition 8202 — maintain enrolment and satisfactory attendance and course progress.
Condition 8501 — maintain adequate OSHC for all visa holders for the full visa period.
Condition 8516 — continue to satisfy the requirements for the grant of the visa (including financial capacity).
Condition 8533 — notify your provider of your residential address within 7 days of arrival or change.
Condition 8105 — work limitation (48 hours per fortnight during sessions; unlimited during scheduled breaks).
Condition 8538 — for school-aged minor applicants on Subclass 500.

Documents typically required

Valid passport, passport-style photo, identity documents.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course on your visa application.
Genuine Student responses, study plan, statement of purpose and supporting personal statement.
Evidence of financial capacity — bank statements, fixed deposits, loan letters, scholarship letters; sponsor evidence where applicable.
English language test results or exemption evidence.
OSHC certificate covering the visa period.
Academic transcripts, certificates, English-translated documents.
CV/resume, employment records where relevant.
Family documents — marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents, custody documents.

Indicative processing times

Higher Education sector — generally several weeks for low-risk profiles; significantly longer for higher-risk profiles or when additional information is requested.
VET sector — typically longer than Higher Education, particularly for offshore applicants.
ELICOS / Non-award / Foundation — varies widely; provider and country combinations matter.
Note: processing time depends on country grade (assessment level), document quality, course type, and seasonality (peak intake months).
Always confirm latest published processing times via the Department's Global Visa Processing Times dashboard.

Common refusal grounds we mitigate

Weak Genuine Student narrative — vague study plan, no connection between past study and chosen course, unclear career outcome.
Insufficient or unexplained funds — sudden large deposits without documented source.
Course-hopping concerns — multiple downgrades or unrelated course switches.
Sponsor relationship and financial capacity gaps for dependent applicants.
Adverse immigration history — past refusals, overstays, withdrawals or cancellations.
Document inconsistencies — discrepancies across CV, transcripts and statements.

Pathways after the Student Visa

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa — for eligible graduates of Australian higher education and select VET qualifications.
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa — employer-sponsored work pathway.
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491 General Skilled Migration — points-tested pathway after meeting work experience requirements.
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme — permanent employer-sponsored pathway.
Subclass 858 Global Talent / 482 / others — depending on profile.

How StudyNet supports your Student Visa

Pre-application profile assessment — honest review of GS, finance and pathway risk before you pay any visa fees.
Course and provider selection aligned to your future PR pathway, not just admission ease.
GS responses, study plan and statement of purpose drafted with your story in your own voice.
Financial capacity strategy — sponsor evidence packs, source-of-funds documentation, structured account statements.
Document review, certified translations and final lodgement quality control.
Post-grant compliance support — Condition 8202, OSHC, work-hour rules and reporting requirements.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and refers to the Department of Home Affairs visa categories. It does not replace personalised migration advice. Please book a consultation for case-specific guidance.