Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 lets you study full-time in Australia for up to 5 years, work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and bring eligible family members if you meet the Genuine Student, financial, OSHC, and enrolment requirements.
If you plan to study in Australia in 2026, this is the visa you will apply for. I have researched the official guidelines from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and education providers, and this guide breaks it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to prepare.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE STUDENT VISA SUBCLASS 500
The Student visa Subclass 500 allows you to:
- Study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course
- Stay in Australia for the duration of your course, up to 5 years
- Work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Work unlimited hours during official course breaks
- Include your spouse or children in the same application
This visa covers university degrees, VET courses, English language courses, and research programs.
STUDENT VISA SUBCLASS 500 REQUIREMENTS
You must meet all core requirements before you apply. Missing even one can delay or reject your visa.
Confirmation of Enrolment CoE
You need a valid CoE from an Australian institution registered on CRICOS. You cannot apply without this document.
Genuine Student Requirement
You must show that you genuinely intend to study and that your course makes sense for your background. Immigration looks at:
• Your academic history
• Your employment history
• Gaps in study
• Your future plans
If your course does not align with your past education or work, you must clearly justify it.
Financial Capacity
As of recent guidelines, you must show access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus:
- Full tuition fees
- Travel costs
- Extra funds for dependants
For example, if your annual tuition is AUD 25,000, you may need to show access to over AUD 55,000 for the first year.
Overseas Student Health Cover OSHC
You must hold OSHC for your entire stay in Australia. The policy must cover the full visa duration, not just your first semester.
English Language Requirement
Most applicants must submit IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent scores unless exempt.
Health and Character
You may need medical tests and a police clearance certificate.
STUDENT VISA WORK CONDITIONS
Your work rights are limited and strictly monitored.
During study periods:
You can work 48 hours per fortnight.
During official semester breaks:
You can work unlimited hours.
If you are a research based postgraduate student, such as a PhD candidate, you usually have no work hour limit.
Do not exceed work limits. Many visas get cancelled because students ignore this rule.
STUDENT VISA CONDITIONS YOU MUST FOLLOW
Once your visa is granted, you must:
- Maintain enrolment in a registered course
- Maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress
- Keep a valid OSHC at all times
- Inform your education provider of address changes
- Ensure school-age dependents attend school
If you fail subjects repeatedly or drop below the required attendance, your provider may report you. That can lead to visa cancellation.
HOW LONG IS THE SUBCLASS 500 VALID
Your visa is generally valid for the length of your course plus a short additional stay period.
Maximum validity is usually 5 years.
For example:
If your Bachelor’s degree runs for 3 years, your visa will normally cover that full period plus a small buffer after completion.
HOW TO EXTEND A STUDENT VISA SUBCLASS 500
There is no automatic extension.
If your course is extended or you start a new course, you must apply for a new Student visa Subclass 500 before your current visa expires.
Steps to extend:
- Get a new CoE from your institution
- Extend your OSHC policy
- Log in to ImmiAccount and submit a new visa application
- Upload updated financial and academic documents
Apply at least 2 to 3 months before expiry.
If you apply while your current visa is still valid, you will usually receive a Bridging Visa A. This lets you stay lawfully in Australia while waiting for a decision.
COMMON MISTAKES THAT CAUSE REFUSALS
Based on recent refusal patterns, common issues include:
- Weak Genuine Student statement
- Unclear career plans
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Large unexplained study gaps
- Inconsistent documents
You must make your application logical and consistent. Immigration officers check everything.
IS SUBCLASS 500 A PATHWAY TO PR
The Student visa itself is temporary. It does not guarantee permanent residency.
However, many students later apply for:
- Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485
- Skilled visas under Australia’s migration program
Your course choice matters. Fields like IT, nursing, engineering, and trades often align better with skilled migration pathways.
Think long-term before you select a course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring my spouse on a Student Visa Subclass 500?
Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner. In many cases, your partner can work full-time if you are enrolled in a postgraduate research program.
How much bank balance is required for Australia Student Visa?
You must show at least AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses plus tuition, travel, and dependent costs. The exact amount depends on your situation.
Can I change my course on Subclass 500?
Yes, but you must remain enrolled in a CRICOS registered course and may need to apply for a new visa if the course level changes significantly.
If you are serious about studying in Australia, treat this visa like a legal process, not just paperwork. Prepare your documents properly, align your course with your background, and apply early. That reduces risk and saves you stress later.
