Subclass 500 Student Visa: Requirements, Costs & How to Apply

The student visa subclass 500 is the main Australian visa for international students who want to study a registered course in Australia. The student visa process in Australia involves more than receiving an offer from an education provider. Applicants generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), adequate financial capacity, appropriate health insurance, English-language evidence where required, and must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Applicants lodge the application online through ImmiAccount, and the exact documents required depend on their circumstances.

What Is the Student Visa Subclass 500?

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows eligible international students to study in Australia in a registered course. The visa can cover different education sectors, including higher education, vocational education and training, schools, English-language courses and postgraduate research.

The length of the visa generally relates to the course being studied, with additional time potentially granted depending on the course duration and other factors such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

The visa also provides limited work rights for most students while their course is in session. Students should check their individual visa conditions through VEVO rather than assuming that every Student visa holder has identical conditions.

Student Visa Australia Requirements

Before applying, prospective students should understand the main student visa subclass 500 requirements.

1. Confirmation of Enrolment

Most applicants need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for their intended course when submitting the application. The course must generally be registered on CRICOS, Australia's official register of courses and education providers available to overseas students.

If you are packaging multiple courses, the application needs to identify the appropriate principal course and provide the relevant enrolment evidence.

2. Genuine Student Requirement

The Genuine Student requirement is a central part of current Student visa applications.

Applicants need to demonstrate that they genuinely intend to enter and remain in Australia as students and understand that studying is the primary reason for applying for the visa. The online application asks questions about the applicant's current circumstances, reasons for choosing the course and education provider, understanding of studying and living in Australia, and how the course will benefit their future.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed course makes sense in the context of their previous education, employment history and future plans.

3. Financial Capacity

Applicants may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their stay in Australia. The Department's document checklist can require evidence covering travel costs, 12 months of living expenses, tuition fees and school costs for eligible accompanying dependants.

The amount of financial evidence required can change, so applicants should check the current Department requirements rather than relying on figures published in older articles.

Importantly, the Department advises students not to rely on employment in Australia as their primary means of supporting themselves or their family.

4. English Language Requirements

Depending on the applicant and course, evidence of English-language proficiency may be required.

The Department has approved specific English tests and evidence arrangements for Australian visa purposes. The applicable test and score depend on the circumstances, and exemptions can apply to certain applicants and courses.

Students should distinguish between visa English requirements and the education provider's own English admission requirements, as they are not necessarily the same.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover

International students generally need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for themselves and accompanying dependants for the required period. The Department's checklist states that OSHC should cover the student's stay and begin at least one week before the course starts.

6. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must satisfy Australia's applicable health and character requirements. Depending on individual circumstances, this can involve medical examinations, police certificates or other supporting evidence.

Applicants under 18 also have additional welfare and accommodation requirements.

How Much Does the Student Visa Subclass 500 Cost?

The student visa subclass 500 cost includes the government visa application charge, but the total cost of applying is higher once other expenses are considered.

As of 1 July 2026, the standard Student visa application charge for the primary applicant is AUD 2,500. Eligible applicants in certain categories can have different charges, so the Department's Visa Pricing Estimator should be checked before lodgement.

Other potential expenses include:

• Tuition fees
• OSHC
• English-language testing
• Medical examinations
• Police certificates
• Biometrics, where applicable
• Document translation or certification
• Travel and relocation expenses

The visa application charge is only one part of the overall financial commitment involved in studying in Australia.

How to Apply for the Student Visa Australia

The student visa subclass 500 application process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Choose a CRICOS-Registered Course

Select a course and education provider that match your academic background and future objectives.

Step 2: Receive Your Confirmation of Enrolment

After meeting the provider's admission requirements and accepting the offer, obtain the relevant CoE.

Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Depending on your circumstances, documents can include:

• Passport and identity documents
• CoE
• Financial evidence
• English-language evidence
• OSHC details
• Academic records
• Employment evidence
• Genuine Student supporting documents
• Health and character documents
• Family documents, where applicable

The Department's online Document Checklist Tool provides an indication of the evidence required, but the final checklist shown during the application should be followed.

Step 4: Lodge the Application Online

Student visa applications are lodged through ImmiAccount. Complete the form carefully, upload the required evidence and pay the applicable visa charge.

Step 5: Complete Any Additional Requirements

The Department may request further information, health examinations, biometrics or additional evidence during assessment.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

Student visa processing times are not guaranteed. The Department's processing-time guide provides an indication based on recently decided applications and recommends lodging well before the intended course commencement date.

What Can You Do on a Subclass 500 Visa?

A Student visa is primarily a study visa, but eligible holders can generally work subject to their visa conditions.

Most students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with different arrangements applying during official course breaks and to certain research-degree students.

Students must also maintain their enrolment and comply with the conditions attached to their visa. Check work rights through VEVO, as conditions can vary by visa.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a student visa subclass 500 requires careful preparation. A successful application is not simply about having an Australian university or college offer. Applicants need to demonstrate genuine study intentions, sufficient financial capacity, appropriate health insurance and any required English-language evidence, while providing documents that support their circumstances.

The student visa Australia rules and fees can change, so applicants should verify current requirements immediately before lodging an application. The Department of Home Affairs' Document Checklist Tool, visa pricing information and ImmiAccount should be treated as the primary sources for the latest application requirements.

For students planning to study and potentially build a future in Australia, choosing a course that logically connects with their previous education, professional background and career objectives can also help create a clearer and more credible overall application.