The Student Visa Subclass 500 opens the door to studying full-time in Australia, but the rules around who qualifies and what it costs keep shifting. If you're planning to study Down Under, here's everything you need to know before you lodge — straight from the current Home Affairs framework.
What Is the Student Visa Subclass 500?
The Student Visa Subclass 500 lets international students study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course in Australia for the length of their course, generally up to five years. It also allows limited work rights and lets eligible family members join as dependants.
Also known simply as the 500 Visa or Visa 500, this subclass replaced the old streamed student visa system back in 2016 and now covers every education sector — schools, ELICOS, vocational training, and higher education — under one visa type.
Who Is Eligible for the Student Visa Subclass 500?
You're eligible for Visa Subclass 500 if you hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a CRICOS-registered course, meet the Genuine Student requirement, have adequate funds, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and meet English and health/character checks.
Here's the full breakdown:
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Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by your Australian education provider after you accept your course offer.
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Genuine Student (GS) requirement: Since March 2024, this replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test. You'll answer structured questions (around 150 words each) about your study and career plans.
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Financial capacity: You must show access to at least AUD $29,710 per year for living costs, on top of tuition and return airfare. Dependants need extra funds — roughly AUD $10,394 for a partner and AUD $4,449 per child, per year.
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English proficiency: Typically an IELTS score of 6.0 overall (or equivalent), unless you're exempt.
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OSHC: Mandatory health cover for the full length of your visa.
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Health and character: Health examinations and police checks may be requested depending on your country and course length.
Student Visa 500 Checklist
Use this Student Visa Subclass 500 checklist before you lodge:
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Valid passport (with at least 6 months' validity)
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Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
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Genuine Student (GS) responses
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Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, loan letters, or scholarship evidence)
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
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English test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, if required)
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Passport-size photographs
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Evidence for any accompanying family members
How Much Does the Student Visa Subclass 500 Cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the base visa application charge for the Student Visa Subclass 500 is AUD $2,500 for the primary applicant, paid online through ImmiAccount. Additional applicants pay a separate charge.
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Cost Item
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Approximate Amount (AUD)
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Visa application charge (primary applicant)
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$2,500 (from 1 July 2026)
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Secondary applicant (18+)
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Separate charge — check Visa Pricing Estimator
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Secondary applicant (under 18)
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Reduced charge — check Visa Pricing Estimator
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Living costs (per year, single applicant)
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$29,710
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OSHC (per year, single applicant)
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$500 – $700
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Health examination
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$300 – $500
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Biometrics (if applicable)
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Around $45
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Fees are indexed and reviewed regularly, so always confirm the exact figure on the official Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay — this table is a planning guide, not a locked-in quote.
What Are the Student Visa Subclass 500 Conditions?
Subclass 500 Conditions generally include staying enrolled in your registered course, maintaining OSHC, meeting course progress and attendance rules, and limiting paid work to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
Common visa conditions attached to a 500 Visa include:
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8202 – Maintain enrolment and satisfactory course progress
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8501 – Maintain OSHC for the full visa period
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8104/8105 – Work limits (up to 48 hours per fortnight while course is in session; unlimited during scheduled breaks)
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8532 – School-age dependants must be enrolled in study, if applicable
Breaching these conditions can put your visa — and future applications — at risk, so it's worth double-checking exactly which conditions apply to your grant letter.
How Long Does the Student Subclass 500 Take to Process?
Processing times for the student subclass 500 vary widely by applicant risk level, course provider, and time of year, and Home Affairs does not guarantee a fixed turnaround — always check the current published range before planning your travel.
Applying early, submitting a complete document set, and giving a strong Genuine Student response all help avoid unnecessary delays.
How to Apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500 – Step by Step
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Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider
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Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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Complete your Genuine Student responses
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Gather your Student Visa 500 checklist documents
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Pay the visa application charge and lodge online
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Complete biometrics or a health exam if requested
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Track your application and await your grant
Ready to Apply for Your Student Visa Subclass 500?
Getting your Genuine Student response and financial evidence right the first time saves you weeks of back-and-forth with Home Affairs. Book a consultation with a trusted immigration agent in Perth today and apply for your Student Visa 500 with confidence.
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