Student Visa — Subclass 500
Student Visa for Australia
The student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of an enrolled course at a CRICOS-registered institution. Visa conditions, work hour limits, and enrolment obligations apply for the full duration of the visa.
Student visa — who it covers
The subclass 500 covers all levels of study in Australia, from school through to postgraduate research. The institution must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The visa is granted for the duration of the enrolled course, plus a period beyond the course end date.
As at April 2026, the minimum financial requirement for a student visa is AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, with additional amounts required for a partner and each dependent child. The visa application fee is AUD 2,000. Evidence of these funds must be provided at the time of application.
From 1 July 2024, holders of a subclass 600 visitor visa or a subclass 485 temporary graduate visa are not permitted to apply for a student visa onshore. This change applies to all applications lodged on or after that date.
Key visa conditions
Enrolment obligation
The holder must remain enrolled in a registered full-time course at a CRICOS provider. Cancellation of enrolment triggers a visa compliance issue.
Work hour limits
Student visa holders may work in Australia. Work conditions are attached to the visa and must be verified via VEVO. Exceeding permitted work hours is a condition breach.
Genuine temporary entrant
Applicants must satisfy the genuine temporary entrant criterion, demonstrating they intend to complete their studies and depart Australia unless another visa is granted.
Post-study pathway
Graduates of eligible courses may apply for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their qualification, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements as at the date of application.
500
Visa subclass
AUD 2,000
Application fee (2026)
AUD 29,710
Min. annual living cost evidence
485
Post-study pathway
Why instruct Visa Plan?
GTE assessment
The genuine temporary entrant criterion is the most scrutinised element of a student visa application. We assess the strength of the GTE case before the application is lodged.
Condition compliance advice
Student visa conditions are technical and breaches have serious consequences. We advise on work hour limits, course change rules, and what to do if enrolment is at risk.
Post-study pathway planning
The subclass 485 application must be lodged within six months of course completion. We advise on eligibility, timing, and the correct stream well before the deadline.
Student visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Fees, financial requirements, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.