Australia's Official Student Visa for International Students
Subclass 500 Visa – Student Visa Australia
Study in Australia With the Right Visa Behind You — The Official Student Visa for International Students
Australia is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. World-class universities, globally recognised qualifications, a safe and multicultural environment, and genuine post-study work opportunities make it a top choice for international students every year.
But before any of that happens, you need the right visa. The Subclass 500 Student Visa is the primary visa that allows international students to live in Australia and study full-time at a registered Australian education provider.
Whether you are heading to Australia for a short English language course, an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate program, or a vocational qualification — the Subclass 500 is the visa you need. And while the application process may appear straightforward at first glance, getting it right requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of what the Department of Home Affairs expects to see.
At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered migration agents work with international students and their families every day to prepare strong, well-documented Subclass 500 applications. We know what works and we know where applications go wrong.
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During study sessions
Primary applicant (2026)
75% of applications
School to PhD
Visa Overview
What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is Australia's main student visa. It replaced the former series of student visas in 2016 and now covers all levels of study — from primary and secondary school to undergraduate and postgraduate university programs, vocational education and training, English language courses, and more.
To apply for a Subclass 500, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered education provider. CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students — only institutions and courses listed on this register are approved for international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
The visa is granted for the duration of your course plus a short additional period to allow for course completion and departure. It gives you lawful status to live in Australia, study full-time, and work within the permitted hours during your studies.
Key Features of the Subclass 500 Visa
- Covers all study levels — school, vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate, English language
- Requires enrolment at a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider
- Grants full-time study rights in Australia
- Permits work rights — up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions
- Stay period tied to the duration of your enrolled course
- Eligible for a Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa for accompanying guardians of students under 18
- Family members may be able to accompany you to Australia
Who Can Apply
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 500 Visa?
The Subclass 500 is available to anyone who has been accepted into a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered education provider in Australia. Eligibility is assessed across several areas.
School Students
International students enrolled in primary or secondary school programs in Australia. Students under 18 who are attending school may need a parent or guardian to hold a Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa.
Vocational Education (VET) Students
Students enrolled in Certificate, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma level courses at registered training organisations (RTOs) that are listed on CRICOS.
Higher Education Students
Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs at Australian universities or other registered higher education providers.
English Language Students
Students enrolled in ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) programs at CRICOS-registered language schools.
Postgraduate Research Students
Students undertaking Masters by Research or PhD programs at Australian universities.
Non-Award and Foundation Students
Students in foundation programs, bridging courses, or non-award study programs that are registered on CRICOS.
Visa Advantages
Key Benefits of the Subclass 500 Visa
Choosing to study in Australia is a significant decision. The Subclass 500 is designed to support that decision with a visa that gives you genuine flexibility and access during your time in Australia.
Study at Any Level, Any Registered Provider
The Subclass 500 covers every level of study at every CRICOS-registered provider. You are not restricted to one type of institution or one level of qualification — the same visa covers a language school student and a PhD candidate.
Work While You Study
One of the most important practical benefits of the Subclass 500 is the ability to work in Australia while studying. Most Subclass 500 holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This helps students offset living costs and gain valuable Australian work experience.
Bring Your Family With You
Your spouse or de facto partner and your dependent children may be able to accompany you to Australia as secondary applicants on your Subclass 500 application. Depending on your course level, your partner may also be eligible to work in Australia.
Access to Australia's World-Class Education System
Australian qualifications are recognised globally. Studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 gives you access to institutions that consistently rank among the best in the world, taught in English, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to work in Australia and gain practical experience in your field. The Subclass 500 is the foundation of that broader pathway.
Travel Flexibility
Subclass 500 holders can travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the validity of their visa. You are not locked in — you can return home for holidays or family commitments and come back to continue your studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Understanding the Subclass 500 Requirements in Detail
The Subclass 500 has several distinct requirement areas. Each one needs to be satisfied for a visa to be granted. Understanding what the Department of Home Affairs looks for in each area helps you prepare an application that stands up to scrutiny.
Genuine Student Requirement
The Department needs to be satisfied that you genuinely intend to study in Australia temporarily and that study is your primary purpose. Assessment looks at your study history, career intentions, course choice, ties to your home country, and immigration history. A strong personal statement is a key part of this assessment.
Financial Requirement
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs in Australia, and return travel. Evidence can include bank statements, scholarship letters, evidence of financial support from a sponsor, or a combination of sources. The funds need to be accessible and the evidence needs to be recent.
English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for your course. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and OET. If you are from a country where English is an official language, or have completed a qualification taught entirely in English, you may be exempt.
Health Requirements
All Subclass 500 applicants must meet Australia's health requirements. Depending on your country of origin and length of stay, you may need a medical examination with an approved panel physician. Applicants from certain countries are also required to undergo a chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening.
Character Requirements
You must be of good character to be granted a Subclass 500. This means providing police clearance certificates from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. The character requirement also looks at your overall conduct and any criminal history.
Overseas Student Health Cover
You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. OSHC must be purchased from an approved Australian health insurer. Some education providers arrange OSHC as part of their enrolment process — check with your provider whether this is the case.
Document Checklist
Subclass 500 Visa Australia Documents Checklist
Getting your documents right is one of the most important parts of a successful Subclass 500 application. Missing or insufficient documents are a leading cause of delays and refusals.
Identity and Personal Documents
- Valid passport (with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Any previous Australian visa grant letters or refusal notices
Enrolment Documents
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your CRICOS-registered education provider
- Offer letter from your education provider (if CoE is not yet issued)
Financial Evidence
- Recent bank statements (typically covering the last three to six months) showing sufficient funds
- Scholarship or sponsorship letter if applicable
- Evidence of financial support from a parent or sponsor — including their bank statements and a letter of support
- Evidence of tuition fees already paid (if applicable)
English Language Evidence
- IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET test results
- Evidence of English-medium prior education (if seeking an exemption)
Genuine Student Evidence
- Personal statement explaining your study intentions, course choice, and post-study plans
- Academic transcripts and certificates from previous study
- Resume or CV (particularly useful for postgraduate applicants)
- Evidence of ties to home country — employment, property, family responsibilities
Health and Character Documents
- Health examination results from an approved panel physician (if required)
- Chest X-ray results (if required based on country of origin)
- Police clearance certificates for all relevant countries
- Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
For Secondary Applicants (Family Members)
- Passport and identity documents for spouse/partner and dependent children
- Relationship evidence — marriage certificate, de facto relationship evidence
- Birth certificates for dependent children
- Health and character documents for all secondary applicants
Application Costs
Subclass 500 Visa Cost Australia
The Subclass 500 visa application charge is set by the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to periodic review. As of 2026, the base visa application charge for the primary applicant is AUD 1,600. Each secondary applicant aged 18 or over incurs an additional charge of AUD 1,600, and secondary applicants under 18 incur a reduced charge of AUD 400.
| Cost Item | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Charge — Primary Applicant | Applicant | AUD 1,600 |
| Visa Application Charge — Secondary Applicant (18+) | Applicant | AUD 1,600 |
| Visa Application Charge — Secondary Applicant (under 18) | Applicant | AUD 400 |
| Health Examination (per adult) | Applicant | AUD 300 – 450 |
| Chest X-ray (if required) | Applicant | AUD 100 – 150 |
| Police Clearances (per country) | Applicant | AUD 50 – 150 |
| English Language Test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/OET) | Applicant | AUD 300 – 400 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — per year | Applicant | AUD 500 – 700 |
| Migration Republic Professional Fee | Applicant | Contact Us |
*Fees subject to change. Always verify current visa application charges on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging. Costs for OSHC vary by insurer and duration of cover.
Processing Times
Subclass 500 Visa Processing Time Australia
Processing times for the Subclass 500 vary depending on your country of passport, the completeness of your application, and the Department of Home Affairs' current workload.
| Processing Benchmark | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| 75% of applications processed within | 5 to 8 weeks |
| 90% of applications processed within | 10 to 16 weeks |
Applications that are complete, well-documented, and free of complications are processed faster. Applications that require additional information, involve complex circumstances, or are submitted with insufficient documentation take considerably longer.
Factors that can affect processing time include: country of passport and associated risk assessment level; completeness of the application at the time of lodgement; whether health examinations have been completed and linked to your application before lodgement; whether police clearances are available and up to date; and volume of applications being processed at the time.
Post-Study Work and Migration Pathway
From Subclass 500 to Permanent Residency — The Broader Pathway
The Subclass 500 itself is a temporary visa. However, studying in Australia can be the first step in a longer migration pathway. After completing your studies, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to work in Australia and gain practical experience in your field. Skills and qualifications gained in Australia can then contribute to eligibility for employer-sponsored or points-tested permanent visa pathways. The specific options available to you depend on your occupation, qualification level, and other individual factors — something our agents can assess in detail.
How We Help
Our Visa Process
Eligibility Assessment and Strategy
We begin every Subclass 500 case with a thorough eligibility assessment. We look at your study plans, your financial situation, your English language results, your immigration history, and your personal circumstances. From this, we build a clear picture of the strengths and any potential vulnerabilities in your application and develop a strategy that addresses them properly before lodgement.
Genuine Student Statement Preparation
The genuine student statement is one of the most important documents in a Subclass 500 application. We work with you to prepare a statement that is genuine, well-structured, and directly addresses the Department's assessment criteria. A strong genuine student statement can make a significant difference in borderline cases.
Document Checklist and Review
We provide a personalised document checklist based on your specific circumstances — your country of passport, your course level, your family situation, and your financial position. Every document is reviewed carefully before the application is lodged. We check not just that documents are present but that they are adequate, properly certified where required, and presented correctly.
Visa Application Lodgement
We prepare and lodge your Subclass 500 application through the Department of Home Affairs' online system, managing all technical requirements and ensuring every part of the application form is completed accurately. We handle all communication with the Department on your behalf.
Follow-Up Through to Grant
After lodgement, we monitor your application actively. If the Department issues a request for further information, we respond quickly and thoroughly. We keep you updated at every stage and make sure you understand what is happening — from lodgement through to the day your visa is granted.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Migration Republic
Why Choose Migration Republic?
Applying for a Subclass 500 may seem like a straightforward process — you have an offer from a university, you fill in a form, you wait. But the genuine student requirement catches applicants who are unprepared. Financial evidence that does not meet the Department's expectations leads to requests for more information or outright refusals. An incomplete document checklist causes delays that can push your start date back by months.
Getting refused or significantly delayed on a student visa application has real consequences — for your enrolment, your tuition deposits, your accommodation arrangements, and your plans.
Our MARA-registered agents prepare Subclass 500 applications that are complete, accurate, and genuinely well-presented from the first submission. We know what the Department expects and we make sure every application we lodge reflects that knowledge.
Genuine Student Statement Expertise
The genuine student requirement is the most critical part of a Subclass 500 application. We prepare statements that are honest, well-structured, and directly address the Department's criteria — one of the most effective things we do for every applicant.
High Success Rate with Personalised Service
Transparent process with regular updates. Dedicated support from eligibility assessment through to visa grant. Every application is personalised to your individual circumstances — your country, your course, your family situation.
Dedicated Support from Start to Finish
From your initial eligibility assessment through to the day your visa is granted — and beyond, with post-study work pathway planning for the Subclass 485 and longer-term PR options.
Ready to Apply for Your Subclass 500 Student Visa?
Australia is waiting. The courses, the campus life, the career opportunities, the experience of living and studying in one of the world's most welcoming countries — all of it starts with the right visa application. The Subclass 500 Student Visa is your gateway to studying in Australia. But a gateway only works if it is opened correctly. A well-prepared application that clearly demonstrates your genuine student intentions, your financial capacity, and your compliance with all requirements gives you the best possible start to your Australian education journey. At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered agents are here to make sure your Subclass 500 application is prepared to the highest standard — from your initial eligibility assessment through to the day your visa is granted.
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