Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Planning to study in Australia? The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) is your key to enrolling in world‑class universities and vocational institutions. This comprehensive guide covers visa requirements, application process, costs, processing times, work rights, and post‑graduation Gala Paths—everything international students need to know.

What Is the Australian Student Visa?

The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows eligible international students to:

Study full‑time at a CRICOS‑registered institution (university, college, vocational training).
Enter Australia up to 90 days before their course start date.
Work part‑time during study and full‑time during scheduled breaks.
Include dependent family members in their application.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a student visa in Australia, you must:

Enrol in a CRICOS‑registered Course
Hold Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course you intend to study
Demonstrate English Proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Show Sufficient Funds to cover tuition, living costs (AUD 21,041/year), travel, and health insurance
Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for you and any dependents
Meet Health & Character Requirements (medical exams, police certificates)
Be 6 years or older when commencing your primary or secondary studies

Required Documents

Prepare these core documents to support your Subclass 500 application:

Valid passport
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution
Academic transcripts and certificates
English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
Evidence of financial capacity (bank statements, scholarship letters)
OSHC policy documents
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Health examination reports
Police clearance certificates

Step-by-Step Application Process

Enroll & Obtain CoE

Apply to a CRICOS‑registered institution.
Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Create an ImmiAccount

Register at the Department of Home Affairs portal.
Complete the online Subclass 500 form.

Upload Documents

Scan and upload all supporting documents in the required formats.

Pay the Visa Fee

Current fee: AUD 650 (subject to change).
Receive your transaction reference number.

Health & Character Checks

Schedule any required medical examinations and police checks.

Submit & Track

Submit your application online and track its progress via ImmiAccount.

Visa Grant Notification

If approved, you’ll receive a Visa Grant Letter with visa conditions and validity dates.

Processing Times & Fees

The Subclass 500 (Primary) visa has a fee of AUD 650, with 75% of applications processed in 4 weeks and 90% in 9 weeks. The Subsequent Entrant Visa also has a fee of AUD 650, with 75% of applications processed in 7 weeks and 90% in 13 weeks. (Source: Department of Home Affairs)

Work Rights on a Student Visa

During study term: Up to 48 hours per fortnight.
During scheduled breaks: Unlimited work hours.
Post‑graduation: Eligible for 485 Temporary Graduate Visa to work full‑time for 18 months – 4 years, depending on qualification.

Post‑Study Gala Paths

After completing your studies, consider these visa options:

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Gain work experience in Australia.
Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190/491): Points‑tested visas for in‑demand occupations.
Employer‑Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482/186): If a company is willing to sponsor you.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Securing your Australian Student Visa is your first step toward world‑class education and global career opportunities. To maximize your approval chances, start your application at least 3 months before your course begins and maintain clear, consistent documentation.

Ready to apply?

Enroll in your chosen program and get your CoE.
Create your ImmiAccount and gather your documents.
Submit your Subclass 500 application and prepare for arrival.

Good luck on your journey to study in Australia—a land of innovation, culture, and unparalleled academic excellence!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I include family members on my student visa?

A1: Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included in the primary applicant’s Subclass 500 application.

Q2: Do I need to sit in‑person biometrics?

A2: Depending on your location, you may need to visit a local visa application center for biometrics.

Q3: How soon can I work after arrival?

A3: You can start work as soon as your course begins, respecting the 48‑hour fortnight limit.

Australian Student Visa