Student visa (subclass 500)
The student visa 500 allows international students to undertake full-time study in Australia in a course registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
This visa enables eligible applicants to:
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Study full-time in an approved course
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Remain in Australia for the duration of their course
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Work limited hours while studying
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Include eligible family members
The visa is temporary and subject to specific conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs. For an overview of all student-related visas, see our Student Visa Australia guide.
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Student Visa 500 Eligibility Criteria
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To be granted a student visa 500, you must:
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Be enrolled in a registered course
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Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
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Meet the Genuine Student requirement
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Meet financial capacity requirements
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Meet English language requirements (if applicable)
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Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
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Meet health and character requirements
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Each requirement is assessed individually. Failure to meet one criterion may result in refusal.
Genuine Student Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
This requirement assesses whether you genuinely intend to:
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Stay in Australia temporarily
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Undertake the nominated course
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Comply with visa conditions
The Department considers factors such as:
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Your personal circumstances
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Immigration history
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The relevance of the course to your future plans
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Any other relevant matters
You may need to provide a written statement addressing these factors.
Financial Requirements for Student Visa 500
You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover:
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Tuition fees
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Living expenses
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Travel expenses
The Department specifies minimum living cost amounts and acceptable forms of financial evidence.
Evidence may include:
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Bank statements
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Education loan documentation
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Official sponsorship evidence
Insufficient financial documentation is a common reason for refusal.
Need Help With Your Student Visa 500 Application?
RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your eligibility, explain student visa 500 requirements, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government standards.
English Language Requirements
Unless exempt, applicants must meet minimum English language standards.
Approved tests and required scores are determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
Exemptions may apply depending on:
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Citizenship
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Previous English-language study
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Course type
You must provide valid test results if required.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
OSHC must:
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Be arranged before visa grant
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Cover the full period of stay
Maintaining OSHC is a visa condition.
Work Rights Under Student Visa 500
Holders of student visa 500 may work with restrictions.
Generally:
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Limited hours during study periods
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Unrestricted hours during scheduled course breaks
Work rights commence once your course has started.
Dependants may have different work rights depending on the principal applicant’s course level.
Always refer to your visa grant notice for exact conditions.
Including Family Members
You may include eligible family members in your student visa 500 application.
Eligible family members may include:
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Spouse or de facto partner
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Dependent children
Family members must:
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Meet health and character requirements
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Hold adequate health insurance
Work entitlements for dependants vary depending on the level of study. If the student is under 18 and requires a parent or guardian to accompany them, a separate Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be required.
Visa Conditions
Common conditions attached to student visa 500 include:
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Maintaining enrolment in a registered course
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Achieving satisfactory course progress
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Maintaining OSHC
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Not exceeding work limitations
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Updating contact details
Breaching visa conditions may result in cancellation.
Application Process
Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount.
The general process includes:
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Obtaining a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
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Preparing required documents
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Submitting the online application
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Paying the visa application charge
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Completing biometrics or medical examinations if requested
Accurate and complete documentation is essential.
Visa Charges and Processing Times
The visa application charge for student visa 500 is set by the Department of Home Affairs and may change.
Processing times vary depending on:
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Education sector
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Completeness of documentation
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Individual circumstances
Applicants should refer to official Department resources for current fees and processing estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions – Student Visa 500
How long can I stay on a student visa 500?
The duration of stay generally aligns with the length of your course, including a short period before the course starts and after it ends.
Can I work while holding a student visa 500?
Yes, student visa 500 holders can work subject to restrictions. Work hours are limited during study periods and may be unrestricted during scheduled course breaks.
Can I bring my family on a student visa 500?
Yes, eligible family members such as a spouse or dependent children can be included in your application, subject to meeting health and character requirements.
What happens if I change courses?
If you change courses, you must continue to meet student visa 500 conditions. In some circumstances, you may need to notify the Department or apply for a new visa.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Genuine Student requirement assesses whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia temporarily and comply with visa conditions.
Ready to Apply for Student Visa 500?
Understanding the student visa 500 requirements before lodging an application reduces the risk of delays or refusal.
RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your situation, identify potential risks, and guide you through preparing a compliant application.
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