Student Visa Australia (500): How to Apply in 2025

The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows you to:

• - Study full-time at a registered Australian institution
• - Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during breaks)
• - Include family members in your application
• - Stay in Australia for the duration of your course (plus extra time)

Visa Cost: $710 (primary applicant) Processing Time: 25–35% within 15 days, 90% within 42 days (varies by country)

To qualify for a Student Visa, you need:

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course and have a valid CoE from your education provider.

2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) You must demonstrate genuine intention to study in Australia temporarily. Immigration will assess: - Your circumstances in your home country - Your potential circumstances in Australia - The value of the course to your future - Your immigration history

3. Financial Capacity You must show you can afford: - Course fees (first year or full course) - Living costs: $24,505 per year (2025 rates) - School costs for dependants: $8,296 per year - Return airfare

4. English Language Proficiency Minimum requirements vary by course level: - IELTS 5.5–6.5 (overall) depending on course - Equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge accepted

5. Health Insurance (OSHC) Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the duration of your visa.

6. Health & Character Medical examination and police clearances required.

Step 1: Choose Your Course Research CRICOS-registered courses at Australian universities, TAFEs, or colleges.

Step 2: Get Your CoE Apply to your chosen institution, accept the offer, and pay the deposit to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Step 3: Prepare Documents - Valid passport - CoE - English test results - Financial evidence - GTE statement - Health insurance - Police clearances

Step 4: Apply Online Submit your application through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Step 5: Health Examination Complete your medical examination at an approved clinic.

Step 6: Wait for Decision You may be asked for additional documents. Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks.

The Australian Government has made significant changes to student visas recently:

• - Higher financial requirements — Living cost threshold increased to $24,505/year
• - Stricter GTE assessment — Now called the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
• - Work hour changes — Limits adjusted post-COVID
• - Age limit — New restrictions on certain student visa categories
• - English requirements — Minimum scores increased for some pathways

These changes make it more important than ever to get your application right the first time.

Student visas are generally simpler than skilled or family visas, but an agent can help if:

• - You've had a previous visa refusal
• - Your GTE/GS case is complex
• - You're changing education providers
• - You're bringing family members
• - You want to plan a pathway to permanent residency

Many agents offer student visa services at lower rates ($1,000–$2,500). Some education agents provide visa assistance included in their service.

Find student visa agents near you →

Many students use their study as a stepping stone to permanent residency:

1. Student Visa (500) → Complete your studies
2. Graduate Visa (485) → Work in Australia post-study (2–6 years)
3. Skilled Visa (189/190/491) → Apply for permanent residency based on skills

Choosing the right course in a high-demand occupation can significantly improve your PR chances. A migration agent can help plan this pathway from the start.

Learn about the Graduate Visa →