Student visa (subclass 500)

The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you live in Australia to undertake full-time study in a course registered on CRICOS, the official register of courses for overseas students. It covers everything from English language courses and vocational training to bachelor, master and doctoral degrees, and it is the starting point for hundreds of thousands of international students each year. Beyond study, it offers limited work rights and, for many, the first step on a longer journey toward post-study work and skilled migration.

To be eligible you must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course and hold a Confirmation of Enrolment, meet the Genuine Student requirement, demonstrate adequate financial capacity to cover tuition, living and travel costs, have the required level of English for your course, hold Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay, and meet health and character requirements. Younger applicants and certain courses may have additional welfare or guardianship requirements.

Australia replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test with the Genuine Student requirement, which assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. You answer targeted questions about your circumstances, your choice of course and institution, your ties to your home country, and how the course fits your future plans. Honest, specific and well-evidenced answers are essential, as vague or inconsistent responses are a common cause of refusal.

Financial capacity is equally important: you must show you can cover course fees, living costs and travel. The living-cost benchmark has risen in recent years, so you should check the current required amount and provide genuine evidence such as savings, income or a sponsor's support. Demonstrating that the funds are genuinely available, and that your study plan makes sense for your career, are the two factors that most influence whether a student visa is granted.

First, apply to and receive an offer from a CRICOS-registered institution, then accept it and obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment. Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover for the full duration of your stay, sit an approved English test if required, and gather evidence of your financial capacity. You then lodge the visa application online, addressing the Genuine Student requirement and uploading all supporting documents.

Your application requires identity documents, the Confirmation of Enrolment, health insurance evidence, financial documents, English results, and health and character checks. Applying well before your course start date is important, as processing can take time. Because the Genuine Student answers and financial evidence carry so much weight, preparing these carefully, and ensuring every document is consistent, gives you the best chance of a smooth approval.

The visa application charge has increased significantly in recent years and is now well over a thousand Australian dollars for the primary applicant, with additional charges for family members, on top of tuition fees, health cover and living costs. While studying, you can work a capped number of hours during your course (limited per fortnight when classes are in session) and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, helping to support your stay.

The student visa is also the gateway to longer-term options in Australia. After completing an eligible qualification, many graduates move onto the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for post-study work, and the Australian study and experience they gain can support later skilled (189, 190, 491) or employer-sponsored (482, 186) applications. Choosing a CRICOS course with your long-term goals in mind makes the subclass 500 not just an education visa but the first step in a wider migration plan.

Planning around the real numbers makes the Student visa far less stressful. On cost, From AUD 2,000 application fee (plus OSHC and living-cost evidence). On timing, Varies by course and provider; often weeks to a few months. Budget a little extra for document translation, certified or notarised copies, any required medical examination, photos to specification, and travel to a consulate or biometrics appointment. These smaller costs add up and are easy to overlook. Start gathering your documents early. Enrolment in a registered course (a Confirmation of Enrolment), proof of sufficient funds, genuine student requirement, English language ability, and health insurance (OSHC). Beyond those specifics, almost every applicant needs a passport valid well beyond the intended stay, recent photographs, and proof of funds or income. Where papers are issued in another language, official translations and sometimes an apostille or legalisation are expected, so confirm the exact format before booking your appointment.

Approval hinges on three things: a genuine place at an approved institution, money to cover tuition and living costs, and credible study intent. Keep your acceptance or enrolment confirmation, proof of fees paid, and bank statements organised and recent. Be ready to explain how your course fits your goals. Know the work-hour limits attached to the visa and never breach them, and remember you must remain enrolled and maintain attendance to keep your status. Apply as early as your offer allows, because consular appointments and processing can be slow in peak intake seasons.