Student Visa · Subclass 500

Subclass 500 Visa: Conditions & Checklist

Everything to prepare and follow for the student visa: the document checklist, Genuine Student answers, financial evidence and the visa conditions you must keep.

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Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed

In short: The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time with a CRICOS-registered provider for up to five years. Once granted, you must stay enrolled, attend and progress in your course, keep health cover, work no more than 48 hours a fortnight during study periods and keep your address details up to date.

Who this visa suits

  • International students starting a course in Australia
  • Students changing to a new course or higher level
  • Families planning to study and live in Australia together
Key facts
Stay enrolledKeep a valid enrolment in a registered course
Attendance and progressMeet your provider’s attendance and course progress rules
Work limitUp to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session
Health coverKeep Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay
Tell your providerYour address and contact details, and any change of provider

Official information: Student visa (subclass 500). Part of our Student visa services.

Requirements

The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.

CoE

Confirmation of Enrolment for each course.

Genuine Student

Clear answers about your background, course choice and plans.

Funds

Tuition, travel and AUD 29,710 a year in living costs.

English

An accepted test result unless exempt.

OSHC

Health cover for you and family.

Under 18 welfare

Approved care arrangements.

Document checklist

Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.

  • Passport
  • Confirmation of Enrolment
  • Genuine Student answers with supporting documents
  • Bank statements, loan letters or sponsor evidence (with proof of the sponsor’s income and relationship)
  • English test results
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • OSHC policy
  • Gap explanations (study or work gaps)
  • Relationship documents for family members

Costs

Government visa charges (indicative range)*
VisaMain applicantNotes
Student (500)AUD 2,500–3,000*Main applicant; family members pay extra.

*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.

Step by step

  1. Choose your courseOne that fits your background and plans.
  2. Accept the offerPay the deposit, arrange OSHC and get your CoE.
  3. Prepare evidenceGenuine Student answers, funds and English results.
  4. Lodge in ImmiAccountInclude family members and pay the charge.
  5. Biometrics and healthComplete them quickly when asked.
  6. Keep your conditionsEnrolment, attendance, work limits and OSHC.

Common mistakes and refusal reasons

  • Genuine Student answers that do not match your history or documents
  • Funds that are new, unexplained or not accessible
  • A course that does not fit your previous study or work
  • Unexplained gaps in study or employment
  • Working more than the allowed hours after arrival

After study, see the Temporary Graduate visa (485); for workplace training, see the 407.

Recent changes

1 July 2026: Charge rose to AUD 2,500–3,000*.

2024: Living costs rose to AUD 29,710; the Genuine Student requirement replaced the GTE in March 2024.

Questions

Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.

Book a free consultation
Can I change my course or provider?
Sometimes, but changes can affect your visa. Talk to us before changing course, provider or level.
What if I can’t meet attendance requirements?
Speak to your provider early. Missing attendance or progress rules can lead to visa cancellation.
Can my partner work?
Partners of students generally have work rights, with limits that depend on the student’s course.
How early should I apply?
As soon as you have your CoE and evidence ready, well before your course start date.
Registered agent available

Talk to us about your visa.

Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).

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  • Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
  • Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
  • Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
  • Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges