The Student Visa Subclass 500 is the gateway for international students to study in Australia at a registered provider (CRICOS). It allows you to study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters, and bring eligible family members as dependents.

Key Requirements

•  Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution

•  Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement demonstrating intent to remain temporarily

•  English proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.5+ (varies by course and institution)

•  Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa

•  Financial capacity: sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs (~AUD 24,505/year), and travel

•  Character requirements: police clearance if requested

• Health requirements: medical examination may be required

Who is This Visa For?

International students aged 6 and above accepted into a CRICOS-registered course in Australia, including a vocational course (Certificate III–IV, Diploma), a bachelor's degree, a master's, or a doctoral program. Also available for students transferring between providers.

Visa Conditions and Key Details

•  Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study; unlimited during scheduled course breaks

•  Must maintain enrolment and satisfactory course progress

•  Dependents may be granted a corresponding visa with work rights

•  Visa is usually granted for 2 months after your course end date

•  Can apply for a 485 Graduate Visa after completing an eligible qualification

Processing Time and Cost

•  Processing Time: 75% of applications decided within 29 days; 90% within 69 days

•  Visa Application Charge: AUD 1,600 (2024–25); additional AUD 400 per dependent aged 18+

How We Help

We assist with GTE statement drafting (the #1 reason for refusals), OSHC sourcing, structuring financial documentation, and CoE verification. We also advise on choosing a course and institution that optimise your post-study work rights under the 485 visa.