The Subclass 500 is Australia’s primary student visa. It allows international students to live in Australia and study full-time at a registered education provider on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The visa covers all study levels — from English language courses (ELICOS) and vocational training (VET) through to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The visa is typically granted for the duration of your course plus an additional period (usually 1–2 months) and can be extended if you change courses or need additional time. It also provides work rights, allowing you to gain practical experience while studying.
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Enrolment at a CRICOS-registered provider: You must have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a provider registered on CRICOS. Your course must be full-time and lead to a recognised Australian qualification.
Genuine Student requirement: You must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) assessment, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test from 23 March 2024. This is covered in detail below.
Financial capacity: You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel for yourself and any family members included in the application.
English language proficiency: You must meet the minimum English requirement for your course level. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge, and OET (for health-related courses). Minimum scores vary by education sector.
Health and character: You must meet health requirements (often requiring a medical examination) and pass character checks. A police clearance certificate from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years may be required.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your visa.
Age: You must be at least 6 years old. Applicants under 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements in Australia.
| Education Sector | IELTS Overall | PTE Overall | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELICOS (English language courses) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Foundation / Pathway | 5.5 | 42 | 46 |
| VET (Diploma / Advanced Diploma) | 5.5 | 42 | 46 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 6.0 | 50 | 60 |
| Master’s / PhD | 6.5 | 58 | 79 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — English language requirements for student visas. Individual institutions may set higher requirements.
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is an assessment that replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test on 23 March 2024. It was introduced under Ministerial Direction 106 to better evaluate whether an applicant’s primary intention is to study in Australia.
How it works: Within the online visa application, you must answer a set of specific questions in English. Each response is limited to 150 words. These questions assess:
Decision-makers may also consider your immigration history, the value of your course to your future, and any other relevant factors. The assessment criteria are set out in Ministerial Direction No. 106, available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Tips for a strong GS response:
You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover the first 12 months of your stay. The Department of Home Affairs specifies the following minimum amounts:
| Category | Annual Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Living costs — primary applicant | 29,710 |
| Living costs — spouse/partner | 10,394 |
| Living costs — per dependent child | 4,449 |
| Tuition fees (first year) | Varies by course (AUD 7,000–50,000+) |
| Return airfare | Approximately AUD 2,500–3,000 |
| School fees (if children attend school) | AUD 8,000+ per child per year |
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Financial Capacity Requirements (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), updated July 2026.
Acceptable evidence of funds:
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all Subclass 500 visa holders. It covers the cost of visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals. You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa.
There are five approved OSHC providers in Australia:
| Provider | Approximate Annual Cost (AUD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| nib | ~634 | Lowest cost for singles |
| ahm | ~624 | Competitive monthly rates |
| Bupa | ~700 | Optional extras (dental, optical); 100% specialist cover |
| Medibank | ~750 | Highest medication limit |
| Allianz Care | ~804 | Comprehensive family cover |
Source: Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (privatehealth.gov.au); provider websites, May 2026 pricing.
Most education providers can arrange OSHC for you during the enrolment process, or you can purchase it directly from an approved provider before your visa is granted.
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (student) | 2,500 |
| Partner/spouse (18+) | 2,000 |
| Dependent child (under 18) | 500 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Pricing Schedule (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges), effective 1 July 2026. Fee was AUD 2,000 prior to this date.
Additional costs to budget for:
Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay |
| Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) | From your CRICOS-registered education provider |
| Genuine Student responses | Completed within the online application (150 words per question) |
| Financial evidence | Bank statements (3–6 months), loan approval, scholarship letter, or sponsor evidence |
| English test results | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, or OET score report (within validity period) |
| OSHC policy | Certificate of cover from an approved provider for full visa duration |
| Academic transcripts | Certified copies of all relevant qualifications |
| Health examination | Completed through the Home Affairs panel physician (arranged via ImmiAccount) |
| Police clearance | From each country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years |
| Passport-size photographs | Recent, meeting Australian visa photo specifications |
| Welfare arrangements (if under 18) | CAAW letter from your education provider or evidence of approved guardian |
Step 1: Receive your offer and CoE. Apply to your chosen CRICOS-registered institution. Once you accept your offer and pay the initial tuition deposit, the institution issues your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Step 2: Arrange OSHC. Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover from one of the five approved providers. Ensure the cover starts from your course commencement date (or your arrival in Australia, whichever is earlier) and covers the full visa duration.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount. Go to the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) and create an ImmiAccount. This is where you will lodge your application, upload documents, and track progress.
Step 4: Complete the online application. Log into ImmiAccount, select the Subclass 500 Student visa, and complete all sections including personal details, education history, employment history, and the Genuine Student questions.
Step 5: Upload supporting documents. Attach certified copies of all required documents (passport, CoE, financial evidence, English test scores, academic transcripts, OSHC certificate, police clearances).
Step 6: Pay the visa application fee. Pay AUD 2,500 (from 1 July 2026) via credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods through ImmiAccount. The fee is non-refundable. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Pricing Schedule)
Step 7: Complete biometrics and health checks. You may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated collection centre. Arrange your medical examination through the panel physician system linked to your ImmiAccount.
Step 8: Wait for a decision. You can track your application status through ImmiAccount. A case officer may request additional information. Most applications are processed within approximately four weeks if all documents are complete. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Processing Times)
Step 9: Receive your visa grant. If approved, you will receive an electronic visa grant notification via email. Print a copy and save it digitally. Your visa is linked to your passport number electronically — there is no visa sticker or label.
Most Subclass 500 applications are processed within approximately four weeks, according to the Department of Home Affairs. However, processing times vary based on several factors:
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Processing Times and Visa Processing Priorities (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
Tip: Apply at least 8–12 weeks before your course start date to allow adequate time for processing, especially during peak intake seasons.
The Subclass 500 visa includes work rights, allowing you to gain practical experience and supplement your living costs while studying:
| Period | Maximum Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| During course session | 48 hours per fortnight | A fortnight = any consecutive 14-day period starting on a Monday |
| During semester breaks | Unlimited | Must be an official scheduled break in your course |
| Postgraduate research students (Masters by Research/PhD) | Unlimited | No work-hour cap applies |
| Before course commences | Not permitted | Work rights begin on your course start date |
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Conditions 8104/8105 (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Note: A proposal to increase the cap to 60 hours per fortnight has been discussed but is not yet legislated as of July 2026.
Australia’s national minimum wage is reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. International students are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections as Australian workers under the Fair Work Act.
Your Subclass 500 visa comes with mandatory conditions that you must comply with throughout your stay:
Breaching any visa condition can result in visa cancellation. Check your specific conditions using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) tool on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Yes. You can include your spouse/de facto partner and dependent children (under 18) in your Subclass 500 application. Key considerations:
Upon completing your course, you have several options:
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): If you studied a qualifying course for at least two academic years, you may be eligible for the Subclass 485 visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily after graduation. The duration depends on your qualification level and field of study. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Subclass 485 visa page)
Skilled Migration: If your occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL/MLTSSL), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the skilled migration program (Subclass 189, 190, or 491). (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled Migration)
Further study: You can apply for a new Subclass 500 visa to continue studying at a higher level.
Return home: Your visa typically remains valid for a short period after your course ends, giving you time to prepare for departure.
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From 1 July 2026, the visa application fee is AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant. A partner aged 18 or older pays AUD 2,000, and each dependent child under 18 pays AUD 500. The fee is non-refundable. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Pricing Schedule, July 2026)
The Genuine Student requirement replaced the former GTE test from 23 March 2024 under Ministerial Direction 106. You must answer specific questions in English (each response limited to 150 words) within the visa application. These questions assess your study motivation, course relevance to your career, and future plans. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
You must demonstrate AUD 29,710 per year in living costs for the primary applicant, plus your first year of tuition fees and return airfare. If you are bringing a spouse/partner, add approximately AUD 10,394, and for each dependent child, add approximately AUD 4,449. Funds should show a consistent history of 3–6 months. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Financial Capacity Requirements, 2026)
Students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during official semester breaks. Postgraduate research students (Masters by Research or PhD) have no work-hour limit. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Condition 8104/8105)
Most applications are processed within approximately four weeks, depending on completeness of documentation and applicant nationality. Processing priorities are outlined in Ministerial Direction 115 for applications lodged from 14 November 2025. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Visa Processing Times)
Yes. All student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa duration. OSHC must be from one of five approved providers: ahm, nib, Bupa, Medibank, or Allianz Care. A single-student policy costs approximately AUD 634–804 per year. (Source: Private Health Insurance Ombudsman, privatehealth.gov.au)
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your Subclass 500 application. You must demonstrate additional financial capacity for each family member. Your partner will receive unlimited work rights (not subject to the 48-hour fortnight cap). (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Subclass 500 — Including Family Members)
Official Sources Referenced:
Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 500: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
Genuine Student Requirement: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Genuine Student
Visa Fees: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Visa Pricing
Processing Times: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Processing Times
Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (OSHC): privatehealth.gov.au
