Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500): Requirements and Process
The Student visa — Subclass 500 — allows international students to study full-time at a registered Australian education provider (CRICOS-registered). It is one of the largest visa programs in Australia and serves as the starting point for many migrants who later transition to graduate, employer-sponsored, or skilled visas.
Who Can Apply
You can apply for the 500 visa if you have:
- An offer of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment, or CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
- Sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and return airfare
- Genuine intention to study (the "genuine student" requirement — see below)
- Satisfactory English language skills
- Adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover — OSHC)
- Met health and character requirements
Genuine Student Requirement
Since late 2023, the "Genuine Temporary Entrant" assessment was replaced with the Genuine Student requirement. You must satisfy a visa officer that your primary purpose in coming to Australia is to undertake a genuine course of study, not to use the student visa as a pathway to remain in Australia through other means.
Factors considered include:
- Your academic background and whether the proposed course is consistent with your study history
- Your employment history and career goals
- Whether the course offers a credible progression in your stated field
- Your ties to your home country
- Your immigration history
There is no blanket rule — each application is assessed on its own merits. A well-prepared application that clearly articulates your study plan is important.
English Language Requirements
Most applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Common accepted tests and minimum scores:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall (5.0 in each band for most courses; higher for some university programs)
- TOEFL iBT: 46 overall
- PTE Academic: 42 overall
Some providers accept internal English tests or offer foundation or English language programs for students who do not yet meet the level required for their main course.
Health Insurance: OSHC
All student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. This covers basic medical and hospital expenses. Your education provider may arrange OSHC on your behalf as part of enrollment, or you can purchase it independently from approved providers (Medibank, Bupa, AHM, CBHS, NIB).
OSHC does not cover dental, optical, or ambulance in full — consider supplementary cover for those.
Work Rights
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (such as semester holidays). This was changed from the previous 40-hour cap in 2023.
Your family members (partner and dependent children) accompanying you on a secondary student visa also have work rights, which vary depending on your course level.
Duration
The visa is granted for the duration of your course plus:
- 1 month at the end of a course less than 10 months
- 2 months at the end of a longer course
If you complete multiple sequential courses at the same provider, the visa duration covers all of them.
Course Requirements
You must:
- Remain enrolled at your nominated institution (notify if you intend to change providers)
- Maintain satisfactory course progress (failing too many subjects or extending your course significantly can lead to visa cancellation by your provider)
- Maintain OSHC
- Inform the Department of Home Affairs of changes in contact details and address
After Studying: Graduate Visa Options
Completing an eligible qualification in Australia opens the door to the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to stay and gain work experience after graduation. The duration depends on the level and location of your study.
From the 485 visa, many graduates progress to employer-sponsored visas (482/186), skilled independent visas (189/190), or state-nominated visas.
Planning your pathway from student to permanent resident? See the PR Pathway guide for an overview of all routes from temporary to permanent residence.