Student visas
Subclass 500
Student visa
Study full-time in Australia with a visa application that's complete, consistent and genuine.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
View all Google reviews (opens in a new tab)“Had a great experience applying for my Australian student visa from India. Even though they're based in Australia, everything was smooth and easy. Super friendly, honest, and transparent throughout the process.”
About the Student visa
The subclass 500 visa lets you study a registered course in Australia and work part-time while you study. For applications made from 2 October 2026, most students can no longer include a partner or children.
Since March 2024 every application is assessed under the Genuine Student requirement. Your answers, evidence and course choice need to tell one clear, believable story.
Key requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a registered course
- Meet the Genuine Student requirement
- Enough money for tuition, travel and living costs
- English language ability, if required for your passport and course
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay
- Health and character requirements
- Welfare arrangements, if you're under 18
What this visa lets you do
- Study full-time at your registered provider
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session
- Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
- Include your partner and children only if an exemption applies, such as doctoral study
- Travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Choose a course and provider that fit your background and goals
- 02
Step 2
Accept your offer and receive your CoE
- 03
Step 3
Prepare financial, English and Genuine Student evidence
- 04
Step 4
Lodge online in ImmiAccount
- 05
Step 5
Complete health checks and biometrics if asked
- 06
Step 6
Respond to any Home Affairs requests and wait for a decision
Common reasons applications fail
- Genuine Student answers that don't match your study or work history
- Unexplained study gaps or a course that's a step down
- Financial evidence that's too new, unclear or can't be sourced
- Previous refusals or visa breaches not addressed
- Inconsistent information across documents
Download PDF
Student visa checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Student visa (subclass 500)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $2,500 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over Only where family members can be included. | $1,530 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 Only where family members can be included. | $500 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Genuine Student requirement for the Student visa (500)?
The Genuine Student requirement means you must show that studying is your main reason for coming to Australia. Home Affairs looks at your circumstances, study history, course choice and how the course will help your future. Clear, honest answers and supporting documents matter more than long essays.
How many hours can I work on a Student visa (500)?
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work rights start once your course starts. Check your exact conditions on VEVO, as breaching them can lead to cancellation.
Can I bring my partner and children on my Student visa?
For applications made from 2 October 2026, generally no. Most Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children, and family members can no longer be added after the visa is granted. Exemptions include doctoral students, Pacific and ASEAN passport holders, and students sponsored by DFAT, Defence or a fully funded foreign government scholarship. Family already on your Student visa may be included in a further Student visa application. Talk to us to check whether an exemption applies.
Can I apply for a Student visa (500) from inside Australia?
Usually not. From 2 October 2026, most people in Australia on a temporary visa, including Visitor, Working Holiday, Skills in Demand and current Student visa holders, can no longer apply for a Student visa onshore. They must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted. Limited exemptions apply, for example for doctoral students. Check with us before you lodge.
My student visa was refused. Can I apply again?
Often, yes. First we work out the exact reasons for the refusal. If you were refused in Australia, you may be able to seek review at the Administrative Review Tribunal within a strict deadline. If you were refused outside Australia, a stronger new application is usually the best option.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.