STUDY IN AUSTRALIA
Student Visa
Subclass 500
For international students undertaking eligible study with an Australian education provider.
VISA TYPE
Temporary study visa
VISA LENGTH
Based on course duration
GOVERNMENT VISA CHARGE
From AUD $2,500*
ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME
19 - 71 days*
*Government charges and processing times are indicative and subject to change. Current at September 2026.
Who is the Student 500 visa for?
Study. Skills. Future goals. A temporary visa for genuine students.
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to undertake eligible study in Australia with a registered education provider.
Applicants generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, demonstrating that studying in Australia is the primary reason for the visa application. The assessment considers the applicant's circumstances, immigration history, course choice and how the proposed study fits their future plans.
A Student visa can cover different levels of study, from English language and vocational education through to university and postgraduate study. The course and education provider should make sense in the context of the applicant's previous education, employment and future objectives.
Key requirements for a Student 500 visa
01
Enrolment & CoE
The applicant generally needs a current Confirmation of Enrolment for the course or packaged courses included in the visa application.
02
Genuine Student requirement
The applicant must demonstrate that study is the primary reason for applying and explain the course choice, provider and benefit of the proposed study.
03
Financial capacity
Evidence may be required showing sufficient funds for travel, living costs, tuition and relevant costs for accompanying family members.
04
English language
Depending on the applicant and course, evidence of the required English language ability may need to be provided with the application
05
Overseas Student Health Cover
Appropriate OSHC generally needs to cover the relevant period of study and stay in Australia
06
Health, character & other requirements
Health, character and other requirements apply, with additional welfare arrangements required for some applicants under 18.
01
Plan the study pathway
Choose a course and provider that fit the applicant's education, experience and future objectives.
How the Student 500 visa process works
02
Enrol & obtain a CoE
Meet the provider's admission requirements and obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment.
03
Prepare the visa evidence
Address Genuine Student, finances, English, OSHC and the other evidence relevant to the application.
04
Lodge the Student visa
Submit the subclass 500 application through ImmiAccount with the required supporting documents.
05
Visa decision & study
If granted, comply with the Student visa conditions while undertaking the approved study in Australia.
Things to check before applying for a Student 500 visa
Genuine Student evidence
GS is not simply a statement of intention. Home Affairs gives greater weight to claims supported by evidence and considers circumstances including employment, finances, previous study, immigration history and reasons for choosing Australia and the particular provider.
Does the course make sense?
The proposed study should have a logical connection to the applicant's previous education, employment or future plans. A course choice that is difficult to explain can create problems under the Genuine Student assessment. Home Affairs specifically considers whether the course is consistent with previous education and relevant to future employment
Financial & English evidence
Use the Department's document checklist carefully. If English or financial-capacity evidence appears as required evidence when the application is lodged, Home Affairs warns that failing to attach it may result in a refusal.
Previous study & visa history
Course changes, study gaps, previous Australian study, visa refusals and other immigration history can all be relevant to the Genuine Student assessment
Not sure whether your proposed study pathway supports a strong Student 500 visa application?
A Student visa involves more than obtaining admission to a course. We can assess the proposed study pathway, Genuine Student requirements and supporting evidence before the visa application is prepared.