Subclass 500 Student Visa: In-Depth Guide for 2026
Published 2026-02-14
Key Facts — Subclass 500 at a Glance
Visa type: Temporary (duration matches your course plus a short period after). Application cost (2025–26): $710 (main applicant). Processing time: 2–8 weeks for most straightforward applications. Work rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks. Financial requirement: Must show $24,505/year for living costs plus tuition fees. Age limit: No age limit (but age may affect GTE assessment). English requirement: Varies by course — typically IELTS 5.5–6.5 depending on education level. Must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution.
What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is the single visa subclass for all international students studying in Australia. Whether you are enrolling in an English language course (ELICOS), vocational training (VET/TAFE), a bachelor's degree, a master's, or a PhD, you apply for the same visa subclass. The visa allows you to live in Australia for the duration of your enrolled course, work part-time during your studies, and bring eligible family members. Australia hosts over 600,000 international students, making it one of the world's most popular study destinations. The education sector is Australia's fourth-largest export, and the government is generally supportive of genuine students.
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
The GTE requirement is one of the most important and most misunderstood aspects of the student visa. You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes. The Department assesses several factors. Your circumstances in your home country: Do you have reasons to return? Employment, family ties, assets, and economic conditions in your home country all matter. Your potential circumstances in Australia: The Department considers whether your course and study plans make sense in the context of your overall career. Value of the course to your future: Does the course logically lead to better career outcomes in your home country? If you are studying a lower-level qualification than you already hold, you need a good explanation. Your immigration history: Previous visa applications, refusals, or compliance issues in any country are considered. Any other relevant matters: Including your age, financial situation, and English proficiency. You will typically need to write a personal statement (often called a GTE statement) explaining your study plans, career goals, reasons for choosing Australia and your specific course, and your plans after completing your studies. This statement is critically important — it is often the first thing a case officer reads. A migration agent can help you craft a compelling and genuine GTE statement.
Financial Capacity Requirements
You must demonstrate that you have genuine access to sufficient funds to cover your time in Australia. The Department requires evidence of funds for: Tuition fees (at least the first year, or the full course if shorter), Living costs of $24,505 per year for the main applicant, School-aged dependent children's school fees ($8,296 per child per year), Annual living costs for a partner accompanying you ($8,574 per year), and Travel costs to and from Australia. You can demonstrate financial capacity through: personal bank statements showing the required funds have been held for a reasonable period (typically 3+ months), evidence of a loan from a financial institution, evidence of a scholarship covering tuition and/or living costs, or a signed declaration from a parent or other family member providing financial support (with their bank statements). The Department also considers your country risk level — applicants from lower-risk countries may face fewer scrutiny requirements. If you are from a higher-risk country, ensure your financial evidence is thorough and clearly documented.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements vary by course level. Foundation/pathway programs: IELTS 5.0–5.5. VET/TAFE courses: IELTS 5.5. University undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5. University postgraduate: IELTS 6.5–7.0. Some universities accept packaged courses, where you enrol in an English language course followed by your main course, and the English requirement may be lower for the initial entry. Accepted English tests include IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and OET (for healthcare). Some students are exempt from English testing if they are from an English-speaking country, completed at least 5 years of study in English, or meet other exemption criteria. Check your institution's specific requirements as they may be higher than the visa minimum.
Work Rights on a Student Visa
One of the major benefits of studying in Australia is the ability to work while studying. Current work rights allow you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time (this increased from 40 hours in 2023). During scheduled course breaks, you can work unlimited hours. Your partner (if on a dependent visa) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight if you are studying a bachelor's or master's coursework degree, or unlimited hours if you are studying a master's by research or PhD. Work experience in Australia is valuable — it helps you build professional networks, gain local experience that employers value, and can contribute to skilled migration pathways after graduation. Many students find part-time work in hospitality, retail, administration, tutoring, and their field of study. Volunteer work does not count towards the 48-hour limit.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Research and choose your course and institution. Ensure the course is CRICOS-registered. Step 2: Apply to the institution and receive an offer letter. Step 3: Accept the offer and pay the initial tuition deposit to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Step 4: Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa — this is mandatory. Step 5: Prepare your GTE statement, financial evidence, English test results, and other supporting documents. Step 6: Lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount. Step 7: Complete biometrics if requested, and undertake a medical examination if required. Step 8: Wait for a decision (2–8 weeks for most applications). Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date to allow for processing time. If you are already in Australia on another visa, you may be able to apply onshore.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Refusal
Understanding why applications are refused can help you avoid the same pitfalls. Failing the GTE requirement: This is the most common reason. If the Department is not convinced you are a genuine temporary entrant, your visa will be refused. Study choices that do not logically progress from your previous qualifications or align with your career goals raise red flags. Insufficient financial evidence: Providing bank statements that show sudden large deposits (suggesting borrowed funds), or not meeting the minimum financial thresholds. Inconsistent or false information: Any discrepancy between your application, supporting documents, and interview responses. Previous visa breaches: If you have overstayed a visa or breached visa conditions in any country. Inadequate English proficiency: Not meeting the minimum English requirement for your course. Health or character issues: Failing medical requirements or having significant criminal history.
Pathways After Graduation
Completing a qualification in Australia opens several migration pathways. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Available to graduates who have completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia. The Graduate Work stream (for occupations on the MLTSSL) allows 18 months of work. The Post-Study Work stream allows 2–4 years depending on your qualification level (2 years for bachelor's, 3 years for master's, 4 years for PhD), with additional time available for graduates who studied in regional areas. Skilled migration (189/190/491): Australian qualifications give you points on the skilled migration points test — 15 points for a bachelor's degree and 20 for a PhD. Two years of Australian study adds 5 bonus points. Regional study adds another 5. Employer sponsorship (482/186): Australian work experience and local qualifications make you attractive to employers who may sponsor you. Read our guides on the Subclass 189 (/guides/subclass-189-skilled-independent-visa) and Subclass 482 (/guides/subclass-482-temporary-skill-shortage-visa) visas for more on these pathways.
Find a Migration Agent for Your Student Visa
While many student visa applications are straightforward, a migration agent is particularly valuable if you are from a higher-risk country, changing study levels (e.g. postgraduate to VET), have previous visa refusals, or have complex personal circumstances. An agent can help you craft a strong GTE statement, ensure your financial evidence meets requirements, and navigate any complications. Search our directory at /migration-agents for agents specialising in student visas, or learn more about student visa costs at /visa/student-visa. Verify any agent's registration at /tools/mara-check.
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