Student Visa – Subclass 500 (Australia)
If you have selected a study program in Australia, you may need to apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This temporary visa allows eligible international students to study in Australia, travel during their stay, and work limited hours while enrolled in an approved course.
The Subclass 500 is a temporary visa that may allow you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years, depending on your course duration and visa conditions. In some cases, students may be granted additional time beyond five years based on the type and length of their chosen course.
With the Student Visa (Subclass 500), you may be able to:
- Study in an eligible course in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia during your visa validity
- Work up to 40 hours per fortnight (two-week period)
- Work additional hours in certain sectors (where applicable)
- Maintain enrolment and attendance (as required)
- Follow student visa conditions and Australian laws
- Ensure valid health cover throughout your stay
Eligibility depends on factors such as your age, the course you choose, financial capacity, health insurance, and other student visa requirements.
- You may need to provide evidence of your financial capacity (depends on your country)
- School students (not in a secondary school exchange program) must be aged 6 years or older
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Age requirements for school students:
- Less than 17 years old when starting Year 9
- Less than 18 years old when starting Year 10
- Less than 19 years old when starting Year 11
- Less than 20 years old when starting Year 12
- You must be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course
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Evidence of enrolment:
- If applying outside Australia: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course
- If applying inside Australia: CoE or Letter of Offer (CoE must be provided before visa grant)
- Applicants under 18 must have adequate welfare arrangements in Australia
- You must provide English language test results (as required)
- You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your stay (including family members, if included)
- You must meet health requirements (additional time may be allowed in special cases)
- If applying inside Australia, you must hold an eligible substantive visa or meet relevant timeframes/conditions
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee is AUD $1,600 for the primary applicant. Additional charges may apply for family members included in the application.
- 18 years and above: AUD $1,190 per person
- Under 18 years: AUD $1,190 per person
- Some students may be eligible to apply for an additional student visa
- In certain cases, a fee waiver may apply (based on eligibility)
If you wish to continue studying in Australia, you may apply for a new student visa (if eligible). If your visa is expiring before graduation, you may be eligible for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), and you may need a letter from your education provider confirming your graduation date.
If you currently hold or previously held a student visa in Australia and completed eligible qualifications recently, you may also be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Need help with your Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
Contact Zen Migration for course guidance, document preparation and complete visa application support.