Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the essential gateway for international students planning to study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia. If you are pursuing a vocational certificate, bachelor's degree, or postgraduate qualification, this visa allows you to live, study, and work part-time while building a life-changing academic experience in one of the world's most student-friendly countries.
At Gemini Education & Migration, our registered migration agents guide you through every step from choosing the right course to lodging a visa application that gives you the best chance of approval.
What Is the Student Visa Subclass 500?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It is the primary visa for anyone who wants to study a full-time course of more than three months at a CRICOS-registered school, TAFE, college, or university in Australia.
Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Visa Type Visa Duration Application Fee (2026) Work Rights Dependants Allowed Health Cover Required Pathway to 485 Visa | Temporary – Student For the length of your course + 1–2 months AUD 2,000 (primary applicant) Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study; unlimited during holiday breaks Yes – partner and/or children Yes – OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) Yes – after course completion |
Eligibility Requirements
Be enrolled in a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered provider and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, demonstrating that your primary purpose is education
Show sufficient funds: minimum AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses (2026), plus tuition fees and return airfare
Meet English language requirements (typically IELTS 6.0 overall or PTE Academic 50+)
Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your visa
Satisfy health and character requirements, including relevant medical examinations
Be under 36 years of age at the time of application for most streams (exceptions apply for some research degrees)
Required Documents Checklist
Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond intended study period)
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your CRICOS-registered institution
Genuine Student (GS) statement answers (4 targeted questions, 150 words each)
Bank statements or financial evidence showing a minimum of AUD 29,710 per year
Academic transcripts and qualifications
English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent, not older than 3 years)
OSHC policy documents
Health examination results (HAP ID from an approved panel physician)
Police clearance certificate (if required for your country)
Passport-size photographs
Student Visa 500 Application Process
1. Choose your CRICOS-registered course and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
2. Gather all required documents (see checklist above).
3. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
4. Complete the Genuine Student (GS) questionnaire as part of your application.
5. Pay the AUD 2,000 visa application fee.
6. Undergo a health examination at an approved panel physician (HAP-linked clinic).
7. Submit your application and await the decision. Processing times vary by nationality and time of year.
8. Upon approval, receive your visa grant notification containing your conditions, start date, and work entitlements.
Visa Fees and Costs (2026)
Applicant | Fee (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Primary Student Adult Dependant Child Dependant OSHC (approx.) Health Exam | $2,000 $1,225 $630 $600–$800/year $300–$500 | Effective from 1 July 2025 Partner/spouse Under 18 Varies by provider Varies by location |
Work Rights on a Student Visa
International students holding a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday breaks. If you are enrolled in a Master's or PhD program, your partner may be entitled to unrestricted work rights as a dependent.
From Student Visa to Permanent Residency
Many international students use the Subclass 500 as the first step on a longer Australian journey. After graduating, you may be eligible for:
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), work in Australia for 2–4 years post-study
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482/186)
Gemini's integrated Study + Migration model means you don't need to switch providers when you're ready to take the next step.
Why Choose Gemini Education & Migration?
Registered migration agents, not just education consultants
End-to-end support: course selection → CoE → GS statement → visa lodgement
Melbourne office and Mumbai BKC office serving Indian students directly
Specialists in VET, undergraduate, and postgraduate pathways
Post-arrival support: accommodation, banking, OSHC, and settlement guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process a Student Visa (500)?
Processing times vary by country and time of year. Apply at least 3 months before your course start date.
Can I apply for a Student Visa while in Australia?
Yes, you must submit your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with any onshore application. Letters of Offer are no longer accepted.
Can I bring family on my student visa?
Yes. Your partner and/or children may be included as dependants on your Subclass 500 application, subject to their own health, character, and financial requirements.
Next step
Start your Australia journey with GEMINI Education