Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500): Requirements and How to Apply

Australia is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, and its Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the main pathway for international students who want to study there full-time. It covers everything from English language courses to vocational training, undergraduate degrees, and PhDs, making it one of the most flexible study visas offered by any country.

This guide walks through who needs this visa, what the Genuine Student requirement actually involves, the documents and costs required, current work rights, and how the application process works from start to finish.

What Is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at an Australian institution registered under CRICOS (the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). It’s issued by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs and is the primary visa category for anyone coming to Australia specifically to study, whether that’s a short English course or a multi-year doctoral program.

This visa covers a wide range of education levels and program types, including:

• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
• Vocational education and training (VET) courses, such as diplomas and certificates
• Undergraduate degrees (bachelor’s level)
• Postgraduate degrees, including master’s and doctoral (PhD) programs
• Non-award foundation studies or other full-time courses that prepare students for further study
• Courses undertaken as part of a recognized exchange program

The visa is generally valid for the duration of your course, plus some additional time after your course ends, commonly a couple of months, though the exact period depends on your course length and level of study.

Who Needs This Visa?

Any international student who isn’t an Australian or New Zealand citizen and wants to undertake full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution generally needs the Subclass 500 visa. This applies regardless of nationality, as long as the course itself qualifies and the applicant meets the visa’s eligibility criteria.

If you’re only doing a short course of three months or less, some travelers may be able to study on a visitor visa instead, though this depends on individual circumstances and current visa conditions. For any structured, full-time enrollment beyond that, the Student Visa is the appropriate route.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To be granted a Subclass 500 visa, applicants generally need to satisfy the following core requirements:

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

You’ll need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), an official document issued electronically through the PRISMS system by your CRICOS-registered institution once you’ve accepted your offer and paid any required deposit. Your CoE confirms your course name, its Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level, start date, duration, and tuition details, and this information is verified directly by the Department of Home Affairs as part of your application. In most cases, you’ll need your CoE before submitting your visa application.

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

As of July 2024, Australia’s Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. Under the GS requirement, applicants must submit a personal statement demonstrating that studying in Australia genuinely fits their education and career goals. A strong statement typically addresses:

• Why you chose to study in Australia specifically
• Why you chose your particular CRICOS provider and course
• How your intended AQF-level qualification connects to your future career plans
• Your ties to your home country
• Your understanding of your visa conditions, including work-hour limits

Both offshore and onshore applicants must satisfy this requirement. Immigration assessors review a large volume of these statements, so generic or templated answers copied from the internet are generally easy to identify and can weaken an otherwise strong application.

English Language Proficiency

Most applicants need to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency, typically through a recognized test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The specific score required can vary depending on your course level and provider, and some applicants may qualify for an exemption based on prior study in English. Check the current requirements and accepted tests for your specific course on the Department of Home Affairs’ official guidance.

Financial Capacity

You’ll need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members. Home Affairs sets an official minimum living-cost benchmark that’s periodically updated, so it’s important to confirm the current figure on the official Department website before finalizing your financial documentation, since this amount changes over time and shouldn’t be assumed from outdated sources.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International students are generally required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa, arranged either through their institution or independently through an approved provider.

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants typically need to meet certain health requirements, which may include a medical examination depending on the course length and country of origin, along with character requirements, which can involve police clearance certificates in some cases.

Documents Required for the Subclass 500 Visa

While specific document requirements can vary by individual circumstances and nationality, a standard application generally includes:

• A valid passport
• Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Your Genuine Student personal statement
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Proof of financial capacity, such as bank statements, education loan documents, or scholarship confirmation
• Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Academic transcripts and qualifications relevant to your course
• Passport-style photographs
• Any required health examination results or police clearance certificates
• For applicants under 18, evidence of appropriate welfare and accommodation arrangements

Australia Student Visa Cost

Visa application charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs and reviewed periodically, so the exact fee can change from year to year. Because pricing is subject to official updates, it’s best to confirm the current visa application charge using the Department’s official Visa Pricing Estimator before applying, rather than relying on a figure that may already be outdated.

Beyond the visa fee itself, students should budget for OSHC premiums, English test fees, document translation costs where applicable, and the tuition deposit required to obtain your CoE.

Work Rights on a Student Visa

Student visa holders are generally permitted to work part-time while their course is in session, with unlimited work hours during official course breaks. The specific fortnightly work-hour limit during study periods has been adjusted by the Australian Government in recent years, so it’s important to confirm the current limit on the official Department of Home Affairs website, since this figure has changed and may be updated again.

Work rights are tied to maintaining your enrollment and complying with your visa conditions; exceeding permitted work hours during study periods can put your visa at risk, so students should keep track of their hours carefully and consult their institution’s international student office if they’re ever unsure.

How to Apply for the Australia Student Visa

Step 1: Receive Your Offer and Pay Your Deposit

Apply to and receive an offer from a CRICOS-registered institution, then pay any required tuition deposit to move forward.

Step 2: Receive Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Once your deposit is processed, your institution issues your CoE electronically through PRISMS. This typically takes a few weeks after payment, so factor this timeline into your planning.

Step 3: Prepare Your Genuine Student Statement

Write a clear, honest, and specific personal statement addressing why you chose your course, provider, and Australia, along with your career goals and understanding of your visa conditions.

Step 4: Gather Your Supporting Documents

Collect your passport, financial evidence, English test results, OSHC confirmation, academic records, and any other required documentation.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Online

Apply through an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs’ official website, uploading your CoE and all supporting documents, and pay the applicable visa application charge.

Step 6: Complete Any Health or Character Checks

If required, complete your medical examination and provide any requested police clearance certificates as part of the assessment process.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary significantly depending on your nationality, individual risk profile, and the completeness of your application. Applying well ahead of your course start date, generally several weeks in advance, gives you the best chance of receiving a decision in time.

Step 8: Travel to Australia and Begin Your Course

Once granted, check your visa grant notice for your visa’s validity period, entry conditions, and work-hour rights before finalizing your travel plans.

Applying From Within Australia

In many cases, if you’re already in Australia on another visa, such as a visitor or working holiday visa, you may be able to apply for a Subclass 500 visa onshore. While your application is being processed, you’ll generally be granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows you to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made on your student visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement?

As of July 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the GTE test. It still requires a personal statement, but the focus has shifted to demonstrating that studying in Australia is consistent with your genuine education and career goals, rather than solely proving temporary intent.

Do I need a Confirmation of Enrolment before applying?

Yes, in almost all cases. A CoE issued through PRISMS by a CRICOS-registered institution is required before you can submit your Subclass 500 visa application, with very limited exceptions.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

Student visa holders can generally work part-time during study periods, with unlimited hours during official course breaks. Because the specific fortnightly limit during term time has changed in recent years, confirm the current limit on the official Department of Home Affairs website before relying on any specific number.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa?

Home Affairs sets an official minimum living-cost benchmark that’s updated periodically. Always check the current financial requirement on the Department’s official website rather than relying on outdated figures, since this amount is subject to change.

Can I apply for a student visa while already in Australia?

Yes, in many cases. If you’re already in Australia on another visa, you may be able to apply for the Subclass 500 visa onshore and receive a Bridging Visa A to remain lawfully in the country while your application is processed.

How long is the Australia Student Visa valid for?

Validity is generally tied to your course duration, plus some additional time after completion, often a couple of months, though this depends on your specific course length and education level.

Do I need health insurance for my student visa?

Yes. International students generally need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa, arranged either through their institution or an approved independent provider.

How long does it take to process a student visa application?

Processing times vary considerably depending on your nationality, individual application risk profile, and how complete your documentation is. Applying several weeks before your intended course start date is generally advisable to allow sufficient processing time.