Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500): The Complete 2026 Guide
The Student Visa Australia (subclass 500) is the primary visa for international students who want to study full-time in Australia. Whether you are enrolling in a short English language course, a vocational diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or a PhD, this single visa subclass covers almost every study pathway available to overseas students.
This guide covers everything you need to know for 2026 — including the updated visa fee, work rights, eligibility requirements, course packaging rules, and what to do after you graduate.
Quick answer: The subclass 500 Student Visa allows you to study full-time at any CRICOS-registered institution in Australia, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms, and stay for the duration of your course (up to five years). From 1 July 2026, the application fee is AUD $2,500.
What Is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
Since 1 July 2016, Australia consolidated all previous sector-specific student visas — including the old subclasses 570 (ELICOS), 571 (Schools), 572 (VET), and 573 (Higher Education) — into one unified visa: the subclass 500. There is no longer a separate visa for each education sector.
The subclass 500 is managed by the Department of Home Affairs and is the correct visa for virtually all international students planning to study in Australia for more than three months.
Types of Study Covered by Subclass 500
One of the most important things to understand about the subclass 500 is how broad it is. It covers all of the following study types:
- Primary and secondary school (including exchange programs)
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Certificates, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas
- Pathway, Foundation, and Bridging courses
- Higher education — Bachelor’s degrees, Graduate Certificates and Diplomas, Master’s (coursework)
- Postgraduate research — Master’s by Research and PhD
- Non-award courses — Study Abroad and Exchange semesters
- Courses sponsored by the Australian Government (DFAT or Defence)
Student Visa Australia: Key Requirements
To be granted a subclass 500 visa, you must meet the following core requirements. Each requirement is assessed at the time of application.
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider before you apply. Submitting an application without a CoE makes it invalid. Your provider will issue the CoE once you have accepted an offer and paid any required fees.
2. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
As of March 2024, the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. You must demonstrate that your primary purpose for coming to Australia is to study. The Department of Home Affairs assesses this based on your circumstances, study plans, and immigration history. You can read more about this on the official Genuine Student requirement page.
3. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must arrange and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia. OSHC must be in place from the date you arrive until your visa expires.
4. Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. The level of evidence required depends on your country of passport and your education provider’s risk rating.
5. English Language Proficiency
Most applicants must provide evidence of English language ability. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Minimum score requirements vary by course level and provider.
Student Visa Australia Fee (2026)
From 1 July 2026, the application fee for the Student Visa (subclass 500) is AUD $2,500 per application. Some applicants — including certain Pacific, ASEAN, and ELICOS students — may be eligible for a concession. Always check the current fee schedule on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying, as fees are subject to change.
Work Rights on a Student Visa
Understanding your work rights is critical. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Situation | Work Hours Allowed |
|---|---|
| During study terms, semesters, and exam periods | Up to 48 hours per fortnight |
| During scheduled course breaks | Unlimited hours |
| After completing your course | Unlimited hours |
| Enrolled in a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree (once course has commenced) | Unlimited hours |
The 48-hour fortnightly limit is strictly enforced. Breaching your work conditions can result in visa cancellation. Research degree students (Master’s by Research and PhD) are exempt from this cap once their course has commenced — a significant benefit for postgraduate researchers.
How Long Can You Stay? Visa Duration
The subclass 500 visa is granted for the duration of your enrolled course, with a typical maximum of five years. If you are doing course packaging (see below), your visa duration will cover the entire package of courses.
Course Packaging: Studying Multiple Courses on One Visa
You can study two or more courses on a single subclass 500 visa, provided there is clear academic progression between them. Common examples include:
- ELICOS + Bachelor’s degree
- Diploma + Bachelor’s degree (pathway program)
- Bachelor’s degree + Master’s degree
For course packaging to be accepted, any gap between courses within the package must generally be less than two calendar months. Gaps longer than this may require a separate visa application or further explanation.
Can You Apply for a Student Visa While in Australia?
In most cases, yes — but there are important exceptions. Holders of the following visa types cannot apply for a Student visa while they are inside Australia:
- Visitor visa
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Maritime Crew visa
If you hold one of these visas and wish to study in Australia, you will generally need to apply from outside the country. Always verify your eligibility before lodging an application.
Australia’s Student Visa Crackdown: What You Need to Know
In recent years, Australia has significantly tightened its student visa approval process. Record-high refusal rates have been reported as authorities strengthen the Genuine Student requirement and increase scrutiny of applications. Key areas of focus include:
- The authenticity of your study intentions
- The credibility of your financial evidence
- Your previous immigration and visa compliance history
- The risk rating of your education provider
This means that a strong, well-documented application is more important than ever. Incomplete or inconsistent applications are far more likely to be refused in the current environment.
Including Family Members on Your Student Visa
You can include eligible family members — such as a spouse or dependent children — in your student visa application. Family members included in your application may also be granted work rights, though conditions can vary. For students under 18 years old, a parent or guardian may need to apply for a separate Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590).
Other Visa Options Related to Studying in Australia
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
This visa is for a parent, legal guardian, or nominated relative (typically aged 21 or over) who wants to come to Australia to care for a student visa holder under 18. It can also be granted in exceptional circumstances for students aged 18 or over. The visa duration is generally aligned with the student’s visa, up to five years, and work rights are limited or not available.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
The Training Visa (subclass 407) is not a student visa. It is designed for workplace-based occupational training or professional development sponsored by an Australian employer or organisation. It requires a sponsor and nomination, and allows a maximum stay of up to two years.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
After completing your studies on a subclass 500 visa, the most popular next step is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This post-study work visa provides full, unrestricted work rights and is a key pathway toward permanent residency. It has two main streams:
- Post-Study Work stream — for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD graduates (typically 2–4 years, longer in regional areas)
- Graduate Work stream — for certain VET graduates with qualifications linked to the skilled occupation list
The subclass 485 is an excellent bridge toward skilled migration pathways. If you are planning your long-term future in Australia, you may also want to read about Australian skilled visa subclasses 189, 190, 491, and 482 compared and the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa guide.
Quick Comparison: Student and Related Visas
| Visa | Subclass | Main Purpose | Work Rights | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | 500 | Full-time study | 48 hrs/fortnight (unlimited for research degrees) | Course length (up to 5 years) |
| Student Guardian | 590 | Care for young student | Limited or none | Up to 5 years |
| Training Visa | 407 | Workplace training | As per training plan | Up to 2 years |
| Temporary Graduate | 485 | Post-study work | Unlimited | 2–4+ years |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Student Visa Australia
- Choose a CRICOS-registered course and provider — All institutions offering courses to international students must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- Accept your offer and obtain your CoE — Once you accept your offer and pay required fees, your provider will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — Purchase OSHC before lodging your application.
- Gather supporting documents — This includes financial evidence, English test results, identity documents, and any other documents required for your specific situation.
- Complete the Genuine Student statement — Prepare a clear and honest account of your study intentions and future plans.
- Lodge your application online — Applications are submitted through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Pay the application fee — AUD $2,500 from 1 July 2026 (subject to exemptions).
- Wait for a decision — Processing times vary significantly based on your nationality, education sector, and provider risk rating. Check the official processing time tool for current estimates.
Tips for a Strong Student Visa Application
- Apply well in advance of your course start date — processing times can vary widely.
- Ensure all documents are genuine, consistent, and up to date.
- Be honest and thorough in your Genuine Student statement.
- Choose a reputable, established CRICOS-registered provider where possible.
- Keep copies of all documents submitted with your application.
- Monitor your ImmiAccount for any requests for additional information.
If you are also considering bringing family members to Australia, you may find our complete guide to parent visas in Australia useful for understanding long-term family migration options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change courses while on a student visa?
Yes, but there are rules. You must notify your current provider and ensure any new course still meets the requirements of your visa. Transferring to a different provider within the first six months of your principal course is generally restricted.
What happens if my course finishes early?
If you complete your course before the visa expiry date, you may be able to work unlimited hours until your visa expires. However, you should check your visa conditions carefully and consider whether you need to apply for another visa.
Is the subclass 500 visa the same as a study visa?
Yes. In Australia, the terms “student visa,” “study visa,” and “subclass 500” all refer to the same visa. There is no separate “study visa” — the subclass 500 covers all study types.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement, introduced in March 2024, replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. It requires applicants to demonstrate that their primary reason for coming to Australia is to study. The assessment considers your study plans, personal circumstances, and immigration history.
Final Thoughts
The Student Visa Australia (subclass 500) is a flexible and comprehensive visa that opens the door to world-class education across every level of study. With the right preparation — a genuine study plan, strong documentation, and a thorough understanding of the requirements — most eligible applicants can navigate the process successfully.
Given the current tightening of approval rates, it is more important than ever to submit a complete, honest, and well-prepared application. Always refer to the official Study Australia visa guide and the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current requirements before you apply.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules change frequently. All information in this article should be verified against official Australian Government sources, particularly the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) and the relevant legislative instruments under the Migration Regulations 1994, before making any visa decisions.