Student Visa Australia Subclass 500

The Student visa Subclass 500 allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia while enrolled in a registered full time course with an Australian education provider.

This visa is suitable for students pursuing school education, vocational training, higher education, postgraduate research, or English language programs.

Key Features

• Stay in Australia for the duration of your approved course

• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods

• Work unlimited hours during approved course breaks

• Include eligible family members in your application

• Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Student visa Subclass 500, you must:

• Be enrolled in a full time CRICOS registered course

• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment CoE

• Meet English language requirements unless exempt

• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover OSHC for your stay

• Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel

• Meet health and character requirements

• Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement

Genuine Student Requirement

You must demonstrate that you are a genuine student who intends to study in Australia temporarily.

This is assessed based on:

• Your academic background and study progression

• Relevance of the chosen course to your career goals

• Financial capacity and personal circumstances

• Immigration history and compliance

• Ties to your home country

Poor or generic statements are a common reason for refusal.

English Language Requirements

You must meet minimum English test scores unless exempt.

Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, and OET.

English results must usually be obtained within two years before applying.

Financial Capacity

You must show access to sufficient funds to cover:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses in Australia

• Travel costs

• Expenses for accompanying family members if applicable

Funds must be genuinely available and supported by clear evidence.

Work Rights

• Up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions

• Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks

• Research Masters and Doctoral students may work unlimited hours once enrolled

Breaching work conditions can lead to visa cancellation.

Course Packaging

You may package multiple courses under one Student visa if:

• Courses follow a logical academic progression

• All courses are listed in your CoE

• The principal course is clearly identified

English and financial requirements are assessed based on the principal course.

Family Members

Eligible family members include:

• Spouse or de facto partner

• Dependent children

Family members must meet health, character, and financial requirements.

Application Process

1. Choose an approved course and education provider

2. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment

3. Arrange OSHC

4. Prepare documents including GS statement

5. Lodge the visa application online

6. Attend biometrics or health checks if required

Processing times vary depending on risk assessment and application quality.

How Visa Aid Can Help

Visa Aid assists students with:

• Course and visa strategy planning

• Genuine Student statement preparation

• Financial evidence assessment

• Visa application lodgement

• Refusal risk mitigation

Incorrect applications cost time, money, and future visa opportunities.