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Student Visa(Subclass 500)

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The Subclass 500 visa allows international students to study full-time at a recognized Australian educational institution. It's your ticket to study, work, and live in Australia while undertaking a full-time course. Whether you are an undergraduate, a vocational course, or a postgraduate student, this visa offers an array of choices in Australia.

Whether you are an undergraduate, a vocation course or a postgraduate course student, a Subclass 500 visa allows you to have an array of choices in Australia.

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OVERVIEW


The Student Visa (Subclass 500) enables international students to undertake full‑time education in Australia at CRICOS‑registered institutions—including primary and secondary schools, vocational education and training providers, universities, and other higher education institutions. This visa also allows eligible family members (partner and dependent children) to accompany the student during their stay.

It is generally granted for the duration of your course plus additional time allowed for travel and graduation, up to a maximum of five years, with extensions possible if you pursue further studies.

As of 1 July 2025, the base application charge (VAC) for the primary applicant is AUD 2,000, reflecting a 25% increase from the previous AUD 1,600. Additional applicants aged 18 or over must pay AUD 1,225 each, while those under 18 are charged AUD 400 each. These fees do not include additional costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), English tests, or health and character assessments.

KEY FEATURES OF STUDENT VISA (SUBCLASS 500)


The Student Visa (Subclass 500) comes with a range of features and benefits tailored to meet the needs of international students:



Student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, giving them the opportunity to support themselves financially, gain local work experience, and develop new skills. During scheduled course breaks or holidays, students are allowed to work unlimited hours, offering the flexibility to earn more income and engage more fully in the Australian workforce.

Your spouse and dependent children can accompany you to Australia under the Subclass 500 Student Visa. While your partner may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your study period, if you are enrolled in a master's (coursework or research) or PhD program, they can work unlimited hours once your course has commenced. Meanwhile, your children are allowed to attend school, ensuring the whole family is supported and can thrive while you pursue your education in Australia.

Students on a Subclass 500 visa must comply with Australian tax laws. If staying over six months, they’re usually taxed as residents and can earn up to AUD 18,200 tax-free. A Tax File Number (TFN) is required, and tax returns must be filed annually. Students must also follow work limits and may claim superannuation refunds when leaving Australia, depending on their visa status.

All international students must hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their Subclass 500 visa, and this coverage must also extend to any accompanying dependants. OSHC guarantees access to Australia’s world‑class medical services without substantial out‑of‑pocket expenses, including treatments at hospitals, visits to GPs, ambulance services and essential pharmaceuticals

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS


Potential overseas students applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) have to meet certain requirements that prove intent and preparation towards the tenacious Australian study experience. These requirements include:



You must have an offer of admission plus Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) from an Australian registered educational institution.

As for English language proficiency, you must pass IELTS, TOEFL or PTE tests unless you are a permanent resident or a citizen of an English-speaking country or you studied in an English-speaking country.

An applicant must further show an intention to stay temporarily in Australia for education only. The GTE statement notes down your intentions after finishing the course that you have taken and proves that you have a strong bond with your home country.

Prove sufficient funds for tuition, fees, living expenses (minimum AUD 29,710/year), and travel costs.

It is compulsory to have a valid OSHC during your entire stay. This type of insurance guarantees the most basic human rights medical needs and offers much-needed cover.

Moreover applicants are required to clear character and health tests including certificates of police clearance and medical tests.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Student Visa


  • Step 1 - Check your eligibility

    • You must satisfy all conditions which include registration for the course you want to pursue, proving that you have the financial capacity, and English proficiency as well as other conditions as prescribed by the Department of Home Affairs.

  • Step 2 - Gather Required Documents

    • Prepare all the documents outlined in the 500 visa checklist, including:

      • Passport (valid for the duration of your stay).
      • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
      • English language test results.
      • Documents that would have supported adequate capital and financial resources.
      • OSHC policy certificate.

  • Step 3 - Submit your Visa Application Online

    • Go to the website of the Department of Home Affairs and register for an ImmiAccount, fill in an application form, provide documents and pay the fee.

  • Step 4 - Undergo Health and Character Checks

    • Take any health checkups if required and present Police Clearance Certificates wherever required by the Australian visa.

  • Step 5 - Wait for Processing Time

    • Processing takes 22 days to 7–9 months, with a median of 53 days (Higher Education: 34–75 days). Submit complete applications early with CoE, financial proof (AUD 29,710/year), and OSHC to avoid delays.

  • Step 6 - Receive your Visa and Start your Journey

    • You will be notified once the granting of your visa has been processed. So, get your luggage and your formal learning experience in Australia is now ready to start!

      Hire the services of Grace International for your visa application and we will help you through the whole process. Reach out to us today!

Overview of Costs

Applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) involves several significant costs. It is crucial for prospective students to be aware of the most current figures, as these are subject to change. Here is a breakdown of the updated costs:

  • Visa Application Fee: Starts at AUD 730.
  • Health Insurance (OSHC): They begin at AUD 500 to AUD 600 annually depending on the provider and the type of cover you want.
  • English Proficiency Tests: Tests that include funding fees are likely to cost between AUD 420 to AUD 520.
  • Living Expenses: Living costs amount to at least AUD 29,710 per year.
  • Other Expenses: These may include books, notes, fees from medical check-ups, and any other expenditure incurred while travelling.

Student Visa Application Processing Time

The decision time for the Student visa (Subclass 500) can take up to 5 weeks for Higher Education applications, while VET sector applications can take up to 17 weeks, not including the time you will take to collect your documents. The time taken can vary depending on factors such as:

  • The completeness of your application and the accuracy of the documents.
  • The education sector you are applying to, as VET sector applications generally take longer to process than Higher Education.
  • The volume of work of immigration services, especially with the high number of applications from regions like Nepal.
Since the process is time-sensitive, it’s important to ensure that all documents are tendered as and when they are needed. An incomplete application or weak responses to the Genuine Student (GS) questions may create problems that result in the processing authority calling for more information, which will, in the long run, take time to process.

Our competent migration agents at Grace International can also assist you in making the transition quicker without much waiting time.

Why Choose Grace International?

Today, Grace International has established itself as a reputable student migration service provider with the company’s significant experience and devotion to assisting every student to obtain the desired results.

Grace International’s education counsellors and certified migration agents along with the network of over 500 education providers ensure that students are informed of the complications in the student visa process in their region.

Education consultants in our team boast a 97% visa success rate and over 50,000 success stories from our clients all over the world, which explains why you should trust us to help you achieve your educational goals in Australia.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Australian Education Journey with Grace International Education and Migration


Your dream of studying in Australia is within reach. With Grace International’s expert support and guidance, the visa application process becomes simple and stress-free. Contact us today to take the first step toward your future in Australia!

Frequently Asked Questions




You can stay longer in the country by proceeding with further studies, or by applying for another category of visa.

You can apply for a visa with Grace International’s help in your home country or even from Australia.

Of course, as long as the visa is valid, the visa holder bears the unrestricted right of movement.

Although the visa does not grant PR, finishing the course in Australia can unlock doors, including the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Register for the course and complete the option to apply for an extension according to the guidelines stated by the Department of Home Affairs.

Possible sponsors are parents or legal guardians, or even certain financial organizations.

The process is the same as the new application however with updated documents.

Yes, but you must inform the immigration authorities and also follow the new course after this semester.

There are two legal options for you: either you can file an appeal against this decision, or you can submit a fresh application with the correct details.

Yes, as long as the visa is valid and conditions are met.

You can start from as early as six months before your course starts.

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