Australia Student Visa Subclass 500
If you want to study in Australia, you must apply for the Student visa subclass 500.
This visa allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of their course.
This guide explains who can apply, required documents, financial proof, processing times, work rights, dependents, and common refusal reasons in simple language.
What Is the Student Visa Subclass 500?
The Student visa subclass 500 allows you to:
- Study full time at a CRICOS registered institution
- Stay in Australia for the length of your course
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study
- Work unlimited hours during official holidays
The visa can be granted for up to five years depending on your course length.
Who Can Apply for an Australia Student Visa?
To apply for the student visa 500, you must:
- Have an offer letter from an Australian institution
- Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment CoE
- Meet Genuine Student GS requirements
- Show proof of financial capacity
- Have Overseas Student Health Cover OSHC
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
You must apply online through an ImmiAccount on the Australian Government website.
Required Documents for Student Visa 500
Most students need to submit:
- Passport copy
- Confirmation of Enrolment CoE
- Genuine Student responses
- Financial documents
- English test results
- OSHC policy details
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Health examination results if requested
- Biometrics if required
All documents must be clear and in English or officially translated.
Financial Requirements for Student Visa
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself in Australia.
As of 2025, the minimum living cost requirement is:
-
AUD 29,710 per year for the student
You must also show funds for:
- 12 months of tuition fees
- Travel cost to Australia
- Additional funds for dependents if applicable
Acceptable financial evidence may include:
- Bank statements
- Education loans
- Scholarship letters
- Sponsor financial documents
Incomplete or unclear financial proof is a common reason for visa refusal.
Genuine Student GS Requirement
The Genuine Student requirement is a key part of the student visa process.
You must explain:
- Why you chose Australia
- Why you selected this course
- How the course fits your career plans
- Your financial situation
- Your ties to your home country
Your GS responses must match your Statement of Purpose and academic background.
In some cases, students may be asked to attend a GS interview.
Student Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary based on:
- Country of application
- Education sector
- Completeness of documents
As of mid 2025:
- 50 percent of applications are processed in about 29 days
- Some applications may take up to 3 to 6 months
Apply early to avoid delays.
Work Rights on Student Visa 500
International students can:
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study
- Work unlimited hours during official semester breaks
- Start working only after the course has commenced
Students enrolled in master’s by research or PhD programs may work more than 48 hours per fortnight.
Breaching work limits can lead to visa cancellation.
Bringing Dependents to Australia
Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Unmarried children under 18
You must declare dependents in your initial visa application.
Financial requirements for dependents as of 2025:
- AUD 10,394 per year for partner
- AUD 4,449 per year per child
Dependents of undergraduate students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session
.
Dependents of master’s by coursework, master’s by research, master’s (Extended), or PhD students can work more than 48 hours per fortnight.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Refusal
Student visas may be refused due to:
- Insufficient financial proof
- Weak Genuine Student response
- Inconsistent information
- Low English score
- False or incomplete documents
- Failure to meet health or character requirements
Careful preparation significantly improves approval chances.
After Visa Approval
If your visa is approved, you will receive:
- Visa grant number
- Visa expiry date
- Visa conditions
Your visa is electronically linked to your passport.
You must:
- Remain enrolled
- Maintain attendance
- Follow work restrictions
- Inform authorities of address changes
What Happens After Graduation?
After completing your course, you may explore:
- Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485
- Further study options
- Skilled migration pathways
Your eligibility will depend on your qualification, age, English level, and occupation.
We provide general guidance on post study options. For immigration advice, consult a registered migration agent.
Next Step
Understanding the student visa process helps you prepare confidently.
In the next guide, we explain the cost of studying in Australia, tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarship options in detail.