Last Updated on September 5, 2026 by Ozlinks Education
Study in Australia
Every year, numerous international students select Australia as their top choice for higher education. These students significantly enhance our social and economic structures while promoting Australian education and cultural values on a global scale.
The presence of international students enhances local communities by bringing in diverse perspectives and encouraging vibrant cultural exchanges that benefit both residents and newcomers. As these students engage with Australian society, they frequently establish enduring connections that help create a more inclusive environment.
What Is Subclass 500 Student Visas?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is a temporary visa that enables international students to travel, live and study full-time in a registered course in Australia. Individuals who wish to study in Australia can apply for this visa to pursue their education in one of the seven designated sectors.
- Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) sector
- Schools Sector
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector
- Higher Education sector
- Postgraduate Research Sector
- Non-Award sector
- Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector.
Key Features and Rights
With the subclass 500 student visa, you are allowed to:
- Work allowance: You may work up to 48 hours every two weeks while classes are in session, and you can work unlimited hours during scheduled school breaks. Students pursuing a master’s by research or a doctoral degree do not have any work restrictions.
- Family inclusion: You can include eligible family members, such as a partner or dependent children.
- Travel freedom: You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish while your visa remains valid.
- Length of stay: Valid for the duration of your study plan, which is typically up to 5 years.
What are the requirements for a student visa?
To obtain an Australian Subclass 500 Student Visa, you must have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time course registered with CRICOS, meet the English proficiency and genuine student criteria, provide evidence of your financial capacity to cover living expenses and tuition fees, and possess overseas student health cover for the duration of your stay in Australia. Below are the basic requirements:
- Valid Enrolment: Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) on a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- English Requirement: You must meet the English language requirements unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Financial capacity: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance and travel costs.
- Genuine Student: Provide evidence that your main purpose for being in Australia is for temporary study.
- Character requirements: Meet and comply with character test requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Health insurance: Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
- Welfare arrangements: If you are under 18 years old, ensure you have appropriate welfare arrangements in place during your stay in Australia.
English language requirement for student visa.
Primary student vis applicants are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by submitting their test scores as evidence. Below is the minimum test scores needed for the registered course program.
The English test results must be included with the visa application and should have been obtained within the 24 months prior to the visa application date.
Lower English test scores are permitted if you are enrolling in packaged courses that include English and registered course program.
Minimum Scores for Approved Tests
|
|
Test name |
Minimum test score |
|
1 |
Cambridge Advanced Test (C1 Advance) |
Overall band score of 161. |
|
2 |
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General) |
Overall band score of 7. |
|
3 |
International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic (IELTS Academic) |
Average band score of 6.0. |
|
4 |
International English Language Test System (IELTS) General Training |
Average band score of 6.0. |
|
5 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test |
Overall band score of 61. |
|
6 |
Michigan English Test (MET) |
Overall band score of 53. |
|
7 |
Occupational English Test (OET) |
Overall band score of 1210. |
|
8 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
Overall band score of 47. |
|
9 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) |
Total band score of 67. |
English Language Test Exemptions for Student Visa
You do not need to provide an English test score when applying for a subclass 500 student visa if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
- Are enrolled in a standalone ELICOS course, a school sector course, or a postgraduate research course.
- Have completed at least 5 years of study in English in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or Ireland.
- In the two years before applying for a Subclass 500 Student visa, you must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or a Certificate IV (or higher) qualification that was conducted in English and in Australia.
- You are applying for a student visa categorized under Foreign Affairs or Defence, sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence.
Aged Requirement for Student Visa
There is no maximum age limit or specific minimum age restriction for a higher education course, such as a bachelor’s degree, when applying for a subclass 500 student visa (cl 500.216)).
However, if you are a school student, excluding those participating in a secondary exchange program, you must meet the appropriate age requirements for the entry level of your school course, as outlined below:
- at least six years old at time of application
- less than 17 when commencing Year 9
- less than 18 when commencing Year 10
- less than 19 when commencing Year 11
- less than 20 when commencing Year 12
If you are under 18 years old, you must obtain approved accommodation and welfare arrangements.
Student Guardian VisaWhy choose Ozlinks Education Agent?
Choosing the right course and applying for an Australian student visa are essential first steps in your study abroad journey. Working with an Ozlinks Education agent simplifies the process of studying in Australia.
We provide expert guidance on course selection and help you navigate the complex visa application process to enhance your chances of approval.
To save time, consider the experts at Ozlinks Education, who possess in-depth knowledge of the Australian education system and migration laws.
Key Benefits
- Course Selection: Advise on clear study pathways that align your budget, background, and career aspirations with the appropriate Australian school or university.
- Expert Advice: Provide guidance on clear educational pathways and how to choose the appropriate ANZSCO occupation that can lead to permanent residency.
- Error-Free Applications: We dedicate our time to carefully preparing your visa application to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Ongoing support: We help international students throughout their entire academic journey and help them adjust to the Australian environment, understand workplace rights, and explore local job opportunities during their stay in Australia.
Student Visa Subclass 500 Document Checklist
These are the documents you’ll need to prepare to support your student visa application.
1- Personal Identification
- Passport bio page
- Birth certificate, national identity card, or driver’s licence (if available)
2- Family Member Documents (if applicable)
- Family book, marriage certificate, or other proof of relationship.
- Evidence of dependents’ school enrolment (if children will be accompanying you).
3- Course Enrolment
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course you intend to study.
4- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
You must respond to the Genuine Student questions in your visa application form and provide supporting documents. Each answer is limited to a maximum of 150 words, which should include:
- Describe your current circumstances, including details about your family connections, community involvement, employment status, and economic situation.
- Describe your reasons for wanting to take this course in Australia with this specific educational provider.
- Explain how completing the course will benefit you.
- Provide any other relevant information you would like to include.
To support your Genuine Student answers, you must provide the necessary evidence.
- Proof of employment includes employment contracts, personal tax record, payslips, employment reference letters.
- Financial evidence and family ties include bank statements, property ownership, and a family book.
- A statement of purpose explaining your choice of this course and education provider.
- Any qualifications and academic transcripts from prior studies.
- Career plans, resume/CV, or documentation supporting future job opportunities
- Other supporting documents that illustrate your personal circumstances, including community involvement and immigration history
5- Financial Capacity
To demonstrate your financial capability for a student visa subclass 500, you must provide proof of genuine and accessible funds to cover the costs of studying in Australia. This financial evidence must cover 12 months of living expenses, which amount to AUD 29,710 for an individual applicant. It should also include your tuition fees for the first year, travel expenses estimated between AUD 2,000 and AUD 3,000, and additional funds for any dependent family members.
Financial Evidence
- 12-Month Funds Option: Provide bank statements, deposit certificates, rental income, business income or official loan documents that show the funds have been stable and maintained for a period of 3 to 6 months.
- Annual Income Option: Submit documentation demonstrating that your parent, spouse, or partner has a personal annual income within the 12 months preceding the application. For a single main applicant, this income must be AUD 87,856; if accompanied by a secondary applicant, the total must be at least AUD 102,500. This information should be supported by official employment records and personal tax returns.
6- Health Cover
- Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of your stay
Visa application fees
The visa application charge (VAC) for a student visa varies based on your field of study and, in certain cases, your nationality.
Standard Student Visa
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) for applicants enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET), higher education, schools, and other eligible sectors.
- Main applicant AUD $2,500.
- Adult dependent applicant AUD $1530
- Child dependent applicant AUD $500
ELICOS Student Visa
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) applies to applicants enrolled in ELICOS (English Language) or a non-award course who do not hold a passport from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
- Main applicant AUD $2,050
- Adult dependent applicant AUD $1,225
- Child dependent applicant AUD $410
ASEAN Student Visa
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) applies to applicants holding a passport from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
- Main applicant AUD $2,050
- Adult dependent applicant AUD $1,225
- Child dependent applicant AUD $410
Pacific‑Regional Countries Student Visa
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) applies to applicants holding a passport from Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu.
- Main applicant AUD $745
- Adult dependent applicant AUD $555
- Child dependent applicant AUD $185
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC)
If you currently hold a temporary visa, specifically one of the following: 407, 408, 411, 415, 416, 417, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 426, 427, 482, 602, or 676, and you are applying for a subclass 500 visa, there will be an additional fee of $700 apply for each applicant.
How to Study in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide
To study in Australia, you need to research a course that best suits you and enroll in it. Thereafter, accept your offer to receive a Confirmation of Enrolment, obtain health insurance, and apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa. The following are step-by-step instructions.
Choose a Course and School
Step 1: The first step in your plan to study in Australia is to select a course that aligns with your goals and interests. You can explore a wide variety of courses. If you are uncertain about which type of course to pursue, please reach out to Ozlinks Education. One of our education agents will guide you through the numerous course options available, at no cost to you. Here are some of course options:
- Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS): General to Advanced English course
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses: Hospitality, building Construction, Engineering Trade
- Higher Education Courses: Nursing, Commerce, Business Administration, Information Technology, Engineering, and Psychology
- Postgraduate Research: Business Administration, Information Technology, Engineering
Apply for admission
Step 2 involves applying for admission to confirm your eligibility for the intended course through Ozlinks Education Agent. You will need to submit the necessary documents to your chosen institution, which include the following:
- Your previous academic certificates and academic transcripts
- English test scores, if applicable
- A personal statement
- Waiting for a letter of offer.
Enrol and accept the offer
Once the education provider accepts your admission, you will need to do the following:
- Accept the offer and pay your tuition fees.
- Obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) document from the education provider.
- Arrange your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance.
Apply for Student Visa
Step 4 involves preparing and submitting the visa application. Ozlinks Education Agent is available to assist you throughout this process.
- Complete the visa application form and prepare the Genuine Student Statement.
- Upload your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), personal identification, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) details, and proof of funds.
- Complete any required health checks.
- Waiting for your student visa grant.
Plan your stay in Australia
- Book flights and arrange temporary student accommodation in advance.
- Organise airport pickup or transportation to your accommodation.
- Open a local bank account and purchase a mobile phone plan.
- Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to enable you to work part-time.
- Attend orientation week at your campus.
At Ozlinks Education, we provide comprehensive support for all our students upon their arrival in Australia. We can assist you in understanding your visa rights and conditions. Please contact us for a free consultation.
Subclass 500: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following frequently asked questions about the student visa subclass 500 and their answers aim to assist prospective students in better understanding the application process.
To apply for a student visa in Australia, you must hold a substantive temporary visa that is not one of the following:
- Subclass 403 Temporary Work International Relations Visa (Domestic Worker, Diplomatic or Consular stream only)
- Subclass 426 Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic or Consular
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
- Subclass 600 Visitor Visa
- Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority Visa
- Subclass 602 Medical Treatment Visa
- Subclass 651 eVisitor Visa
- Subclass 771 Transit Visa
- Subclass 988 Maritime Crew Visa
- Subclass 995 Diplomatic Temporary Visa (main visa holder only)
A substantive visa refers to any visa type that grants legal permission to reside in Australia. This includes student, visitor, work, and permanent residency visas, but excludes bridging visas, criminal justice visas, and enforcement visas.
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued by a registered Australian educational institution. It serves as proof of your enrolment in a specific course and confirms that you have been accepted, paid your tuition fees, and arranged your health insurance, all of which are necessary for applying for a student visa.
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is a provision that mandates student visa applicants to answer specific questions. These questions aim to demonstrate that the applicant’s primary intention for coming to Australia is to study. It is essential to prove a genuine intention to remain in Australia temporarily for study purposes.
Factors to consider include the duration of the course, the financial resources available to support oneself during the stay, and how the chosen study aligns with future career aspirations. Applicants must ensure they fully understand the visa requirements and comply with the conditions set forth by the Department.
Yes, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your student visa while you are studying.
You are allowed to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while your course is in session, and you can work unlimited hours during scheduled school breaks.
Students pursuing a master’s by research or a doctoral degree do not have any work restrictions.
Yes, you can apply for a student visa subclass 500 in Australia, provided that you meet other requirements. You must submit your application for the student visa within a 28-day grace period following the expiration of your Subclass 462 visa.
Yes, you can apply for a student visa subclass 500 in Australia, provided that you meet other requirements. You must submit your application for the student visa within a 28-day grace period following the expiration of your Subclass 417 visa.
No, a student visa applicant who is sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) does not need to provide evidence of an English language test score when applying for a Subclass 500 Student visa.
The minimum IELTS Academic test score required is an average band score of 6.0 (or equivalent) for a subclass 500 student visa for applicants who are enrolled in a registered course program.
Lower English test scores are permitted if you are enrolling in packaged courses that include English and registered course program.
Baseline Courses Requirements
- Registered course program: IETLS average band score of 6.0.
- University foundation or pathway programs: IETLS average band score of 5.5.
- Packaged at least 10 weeks ELICOS + registered course: IETLS average band score of 5.5.
- Packaged at least 20 weeks ELICOS + registered course: IETLS average band score of 5.0.
The minimum PTE Academic test score required is an overall score of 47 (or equivalent) for a subclass 500 student visa for applicants who are enrolled in a registered course program.
Lower English test scores are permitted if you are enrolling in packaged courses that include English and registered course program.
Baseline Courses Requirements
- Registered course program: PTE overall band score of 47.
- University foundation or pathway programs: PTE overall band score of 39.
- Packaged at least 10 weeks ELICOS + registered course: PTE overall band score of 39.
- Packaged at least 20 weeks ELICOS + registered course: PTE overall band score of 31.
If you have received a visa application refusal since your last entry to Australia and do not currently hold a valid substantive visa, you are ineligible to apply for a student visa. You are subject to Section 48, which prohibits you from submitting a valid student visa application while in Australia.
Student visas are frequently refused for several reasons.
Common issues include failing to demonstrate a genuine intent to study in Australia, a lack of ties to the applicant’s home country, and inadequate financial support requirements.
Other contributing factors may include failure to meet academic requirements or inconsistencies in the application or supporting documents, which can result in a refusal.
If your student visa application is refused while you are in Australia, you have the option to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). It is important to submit your review application within 28 days from the date of the refusal decision letter.
By lodging a valid review application, you will typically be granted a bridging visa, allowing you to remain in Australia while you await the outcome of the review.
If you hold a general primary student visa, the following conditions apply: 8105, 8202, 8501, 8516, 8517, 8532, and 8533. For more information about these student visa conditions, please visit this link.
Core Student Visa Conditions
- 8202 (Course Requirements): Stay enrolled in a registered full-time course, ensure satisfactory progress in your studies, and maintain the required attendance.
- 8105 (Work Limitations): Work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. However, unlimited hours are allowed during school holiday breaks.
- 8501 (Health Insurance): maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- 8533 (Notify Address): Inform your education provider of your current residential address within 7 days of your arrival or whenever your address changes.
- 8516 (Ongoing Eligibility): Continue to meet the criteria of being a genuine student, as well as the financial and enrollment requirements needed to obtain the visa.
Yes, a 17-year-old can obtain a Subclass 500 Student Visa for Australia. Since 17 is under 18, the applicant must adhere to strict welfare, accommodation, and parental consent guidelines established by the Department of Home Affairs.
Key Requirements for Under-18 Students:
- Parental Consent: Both parents or legal guardians must sign Form 1229 or provide a clear statutory declaration granting permission for the minor to travel and study in Australia.
- Welfare Arrangements: You must demonstrate that you have a safe place to live and appropriate support. The arrangement must be organized through one of three approved methods:
- CAAW Letter: Your school or university issues Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare, assuming responsibility for you.
- AASES Form: This is for secondary school exchange students.
- Student Guardian Visa: A parent or relative (aged 21 or older) applies for a Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa to reside with you in Australia.