Student Visa Subclass 500: Requirements and How to Apply

Who is eligible for subclass 500?

You can apply for a student visa if you have an offer of enrolment from a CRICOS-registered course, are genuinely intending to study, have the financial capacity to support yourself and pay course fees, meet English language requirements, and pass health and character checks.

Age is not a barrier — students of any age can apply. However, the Department assesses whether you are a genuine student (the Genuine Student requirement, explained below). Your reason for studying must be credible, such as career progression, further education, or skill development.

You are usually outside Australia when you apply for your first student visa, though you can apply for a further student visa while already in Australia on a valid visa.

Required documents and evidence

Before applying you need: an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), issued by your course provider once you've paid your fees and confirmed enrolment; proof of financial capacity (AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus your course fees and travel) shown through your own savings, a parent's bank statements, a loan, or a financial sponsor, with funds that are genuine and legally sourced; Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covering your entire stay; English language evidence (typically IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent — some courses accept lower scores if paired with an English course); a Genuine Student response explaining your background, why you've chosen this course, your study goals, and your intentions after graduating; your passport and identity documents; and health checks and character clearances (you may be asked to complete health examinations and provide police certificates from countries you've lived in).

The application process

You apply online via ImmiAccount. Create an account, complete the visa application form, upload your supporting documents, and pay the application charge (around AUD 2,500 as at 1 July 2026 — confirm the current amount on the Home Affairs fee schedule). The form asks for your personal details, course details, financial information, health history, and character history.

After submission, the Department reviews your application and may ask for more documents or clarification. Processing times vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your circumstances and the Department's workload.

While your application is processing, if you need to start your course, you may hold a bridging visa that lets you study while your student visa is being decided. Once approved, you receive a digital visa grant notice by email — there is no physical visa label.

Work rights and visa conditions

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and unlimited hours during official course breaks. You don't need a separate work permit — your visa includes work rights. To work, you need an Australian tax file number (TFN), available from the Australian Taxation Office.

Your visa carries conditions you must follow. Condition 8202 requires you to maintain enrolment in a registered full-time course and to make satisfactory course progress and attendance. If you don't meet condition 8202 — for example, by not enrolling in enough units or falling below the required attendance — your visa can be cancelled. Condition 8105 is the one that limits your work hours, and condition 8501 requires you to keep adequate health cover (OSHC).

If your main course ends, you must either apply for a new student visa, leave Australia, or move to another visa such as a post-study work visa.

Financial capacity and living costs

The Department uses a set amount to assess financial capacity: AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus your tuition fees and international travel. This is a benchmark — individual costs vary by state and city.

You can meet this requirement through personal savings, family financial support (documented via bank statements), loans, or scholarships. The funds must be verifiable and genuinely available to you, not borrowed just for the visa application.

If you have a scholarship covering tuition and living costs, this may reduce the personal funds you need to demonstrate. Keep recent bank statements and evidence of your financial sponsor ready for your application.

The Genuine Student requirement and the decision

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement was introduced on 23 March 2024, replacing the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. The Department assesses whether you are genuinely intending to study by looking at your circumstances, study choice, and intentions.

Your Genuine Student response should explain your educational background and why you've chosen this course and provider; your study goals; your circumstances (employment, family, finances); and your intentions after graduating. Be honest and specific — vague or generic responses raise questions.

If the Department is not satisfied you're a genuine student, your application may be refused. Common reasons include no clear link between your background and your chosen course, unexplained gaps in your education or employment, or indications you intend mainly to work rather than study. If you applied onshore and are refused, you can generally apply for merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within the deadline in your refusal letter; offshore applicants usually have no review right and would need to reapply.

What is condition 8202 and what happens if I breach it?

Condition 8202 requires you to stay enrolled in a registered full-time course and to maintain satisfactory attendance and course progress. If you don't, your provider must report you to the Department and your visa can be cancelled. Always check your course's minimum attendance and unit-load requirements.

Can I change my course or provider on a student visa?

Yes, but there are rules. You usually need your current provider's release before transferring, and a major change to a lower-level course or a different qualification can require a new student visa. Seek advice from your provider or a migration agent before changing to avoid breaching your conditions.

How long does a student visa last?

A student visa is generally granted for the length of your course plus a short additional period (often a few months) so you can finish assessment and prepare to leave or move to another visa. The exact length depends on your course end date and when you apply.

What is OSHC and can I use my home country's health insurance?

OSHC is mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover that covers hospital care, doctor visits, and some medicines. A home-country policy is generally not accepted — you must arrange OSHC for your whole stay before applying. Compare providers to find a suitable policy for your needs and budget.

If my student visa is refused, can I reapply?

Yes. If you applied onshore you can apply for merits review at the ART within the deadline, or you can lodge a fresh application once your circumstances change — for example, with a clearer Genuine Student response, stronger financial evidence, or a better English result. A migration agent can advise on your best option.