Student visa
(subclass 500)
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in Australia, with options to include family members, work under specific conditions, and travel in and out of the country.
Types of Study Covered
This visa supports various study types, including:
- Higher Education: University degrees and advanced diplomas.
- Vocational and Education Training (VET): Certificates and diplomas in trades and technical fields.
- Pathway Courses: Programs leading to higher education or VET courses.
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS): English language courses.
- Primary and Secondary School: Education for school-age students.
- Secondary School Exchange Programs: Programs for high school students.
- Postgraduate Research: Master’s or Doctoral research degrees.
- Non-Award Courses: Study abroad and exchange programs.
- Government-Sponsored Students: Those sponsored by the Australian Government’s DFAT or Defence.
See related: Student visa (Subsequent Entrant) (500)
Steps to Apply: Student Visa Australia
- Choose a Course and Education Provider: Enroll in a registered course.
- Receive Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): Obtain a CoE from your provider.
- Gather Required Documents: Include CoE, proof of financial capacity, health insurance, passport, and evidence of being a Genuine Student.
- Lodge Your Visa Application: Apply online through ImmiAccount.
- Attend Health Checks: If required.
- Await Visa Decision: Processing times vary.
- Receive Visa Grant: Includes visa conditions.
- Make Travel Arrangements: Prepare for arrival and course commencement.
Visa Eligibility
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 6 years old; specific age criteria apply for different school levels.
- Enrolment: Must provide evidence of enrollment in a registered course.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for you and family members.
- English Language Requirements: Provide evidence that you have either obtained a minimum test score in an English language test or you fall into an exemption category.
- Financial Capacity: Sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- Genuine Student Requirement: Demonstrate genuine intent to study.
- Character and Health Checks: Required for all applicants aged 16 and over.
- Australian Values Statement: Required for those 18 and older.
- Outstanding Debts:Â You must pay any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
- Visa History: Past visa cancellations or refusals may impact eligibility
Visa Conditions and Work Rights
- Study: Full-time study in a registered course.
- Work During Study Terms: Up to 48 hours of work allowed per fortnight. No work allowed before course commencement.
- Work During Course Breaks: Unlimited hours of work.
- Master’s by Research or Doctoral Degree: No work hour limits.
- Travel: Can enter and leave Australia during the visa’s validity.
- Work: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during terms, unlimited during breaks.Â
- Notify Address: Inform your education provider of your residential address within 7 days of arrival.
- Maintain Enrollment: Meet course requirements, maintain satisfactory attendance and progression.
- Health Insurance: Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
- Visa Validity: Do not overstay your visa period.
Fees and Processing Time of Student Visa 500
- Visa Application Fee: Starts at AUD $1,600. Additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, etc.
- Processing Time: Typically 4 to 6 months, but can vary based on individual circumstances. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date processing times.
Course Packaging
You can study multiple courses on a single visa if they form a logical progression. Ensure:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Required for each course.
- Course Gaps: Less than two calendar months, except between academic years.
Changes to Onshore Applications
From 1 July 2024, you cannot apply for a Student visa while in Australia on certain visas (e.g., Visitor, Temporary Graduate). You must apply from outside Australia.
Detailed Eligibility
Be a certain age (school student)
If you’re a student attending school (excluding secondary school exchange programs), then you need to be at least 6 years old to apply for this visa. Additionally, specific age criteria apply for different stages of schooling:
- Starting Year 9: Must be under 17 years old
- Starting Year 10: Must be under 18 years old
- Starting Year 11: Must be under 19 years old
- Starting Year 12: Must be under 20 years old
Provide evidence of enrolment in a course of study
When applying for a student visa, it’s crucial to submit evidence of enrolment in your chosen course of study. This includes providing a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course you intend to undertake, ensuring they are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
If you’re applying from outside Australia, then attach a CoE for each intended course with your visa application. For applications made within Australia, you’ll need to provide a CoE or Letter of Offer for all planned courses before your visa can be granted.
For applicants seeking to pursue multiple courses, known as packaged courses, all CoE codes must be included in the application form. Failure to do so may result in the visa period being based solely on the duration of the provided CoE.
It’s possible to apply for multiple courses on a student visa if one course logically follows another, with gaps between courses typically no longer than two calendar months, except between the end and start of standard academic years. Be sure to include all relevant CoE codes to ensure comprehensive visa coverage.
Other evidence of enrolment
If you fall under certain categories, you may not be required to furnish a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your student visa application. These exemptions apply if you are:
- Enrolled in a full-time course or training endorsed by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of a scholarship scheme: In this case, provide a letter of support.
- Sponsored by the Australian Department of Defence: Provide a letter of support.
- Participating in a secondary school exchange program: Provide an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form.
- A postgraduate research student needing to remain in Australia while your thesis is assessed: Provide a letter from your education provider confirming your circumstances.
Make Welfare arrangements if you are under 18 years
If you’re under 18 and applying for a student visa, it’s crucial to have suitable welfare arrangements during your stay in Australia. However, if you’ll turn 18 upon arrival, certain requirements may not apply to you. For detailed information, refer to the Welfare arrangements for students under 18 section.
Meet English language requirements
You may be required to submit evidence of your English language proficiency when applying for your visa. The specific requirements and accepted tests can be found using the ‘Document Checklist tool’. Keep in mind that although the tool may initially indicate that English language evidence is not needed, it may still be requested during the application processing. If requested, you must provide proof of achieving a specified test score in an approved English language test or meet exemption criteria outlined below.
English language tests
If required, submit evidence of your English language proficiency when applying for your visa. Check the Document Checklist Tool to know if English is required. The Department can still request English language evidence, despite if the Checklist Tool does not list English as required.
If you need to provide evidence of your English language skill, then you must provide evidence that you:
- have obtained a certain test score in an English language test that the Department has approved, or
- fall into an exemption category.
English language exemption category
You do not need to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:
- you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of IrelandÂ
- you are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored student, or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES)
- enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course
- enrolled in a principal course of study that is a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- enrolled in a principal course of study registered and delivered in a language other than English
- enrolled in a registered post-graduate research course
- you have completed at least 5 years’ study in English in Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- in the 2 years before applying for the student visa you completed the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in Australia in English while you held a student visa
- in the 2 years before applying for the student visa you completed a substantial component of a course that would qualify you under the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a student visa.
Have adequate health insurance
It is mandatory for you and your family members to possess and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance throughout your stay in Australia.
For Applicants outside Australia:
- OSHC coverage must commence from the day you and your family arrive in Australia, not from the course start date.
- If you intend to arrive in Australia before your course begins, the OSHC start date should align with your arrival date, typically 1 week to 1 month before the course starts.
- Ensure OSHC is in place before entering Australia and maintain it until departure, as entry may be denied without proof of health insurance.
For Applicants in Australia:
- Continuous health cover is necessary, with no gaps between previous health insurance and OSHC if your previous visa mandated health insurance.
Exceptions to OSHC:
- Norwegian students covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme
- Swedish students covered by Kammarkollegiet
- Belgian students covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia
Acquiring Overseas Student Health Cover:
- Find an approved provider and purchase the policy.
- Your education provider or agent may assist in arranging OSHC, in which case, ensure you have the necessary information.
- If arranging OSHC independently, obtain the policy number for visa application inclusion.
Failure to provide health insurance information during the visa application process will result in visa refusal.
Insurance for Family Members:
- Consider obtaining a family policy if you have family members, including children born in Australia after your arrival.
- Every family member must possess health insurance.
- New family members joining you in Australia must demonstrate OSHC coverage for their stay duration.
Have this visa if applying while in Australia
If you are currently in Australia:
- You must possess an eligible substantive visa. Note: A bridging visa does not qualify as a substantive visa.
- If you lack an eligible substantive visa, then you must apply within 28 days of:
- Holding a Student visa, Special Purpose visa, or dependent Diplomatic (temporary) visa
- Are notified by the Tribunal that your visa cancellation has been overturned.
- It’s important to note that you can only do this once. You cannot validly apply for a student visa if you previously obtained a visa based on an application made while you lacked a substantive visa.
- If you’ve ever held a substantive visa applied for within Australia while being unlawful, there is a risk if you apply for a student visa.
Have enough money for your stay
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Australia. It’s important to note that living costs can vary widely across the country and may exceed the minimum requirement specified for your visa application.
At a minimum, you must have enough money to pay for:
- your travel
- 12 months of your course fees (or pro rata fees, if your course is less than 12 months)
- 12 months of living costs for you and any family members who come with you to Australia (or pro rata fees, if you are staying less than 12 months)
- school fees for any school-age children who accompany you (or pro rata fees, if the child will be at school for less than 12 months).
The declared living costs required for your visa application represent the minimum amount necessary for visa purposes. However, actual living expenses can differ significantly across different regions of Australia and may surpass the visa requirement. Thus, we strongly advise you to conduct thorough research on the specific area where you plan to reside, taking into account the local cost of living.
It’s not advisable to rely solely on employment to sustain yourself or your family during your time in Australia. Moreover, the Study Australia website, maintained by the Australian Government, offers valuable information on various accommodation options and includes a cost of living calculator to help you estimate additional expenses beyond the visa application requirement.
Be a Genuine Student (GS)
On 23 March 2024, the Government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
As part of your visa application, it is crucial to demonstrate that you are a Genuine Student (GS) coming into Australia and that your intention is to return to your home country after completing your studies.
Meet the character requirement
Applicants aged 16 years and over, including family members, must meet the character requirement as part of the visa application process.
Meet the health requirement
You and any accompanying family members must meet the health requirement as part of the visa application process.
Sign the Australian values statement
If you are 18 years old or older, then you must have familiarized yourself with the Life in Australia booklet and accordingly acknowledge, through signing the Australian Values Statement, your commitment to uphold the Australian way of life and adhere to Australian laws.
Have paid back your debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members, even those not included in your visa application, have outstanding debts to the Australian government, then you must have either settled the debts or arranged a suitable repayment plan.
Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused
While a history of visa cancellations or refusals can affect your eligibility, still there are pathways and exceptions that might allow you to proceed with your application for a Student visa or other permanent visas. Therefore, thoroughly addressing past issues, demonstrating compliance, and seeking professional guidance can improve your chances of a successful application.
Best interests of the child
The issuance of this visa may be contingent upon whether it is deemed to be in the best interests of any applicant under the age of 18.
Possible Conditions
8104 - Work limitation
This condition stipulates that individuals holding this visa cannot work for more than 48 hours per fortnight, even if they are a family member of a student visa holder.
Family members of a student visa holder have specific guidelines regarding work rights:
- They cannot work before the student’s course starts unless they, or the student visa holder, held another visa that permitted work in Australia at the time of applying for the visa.
- They cannot work more than 48 hours per fortnight, except for those accompanying a student studying a masters or doctorate degree, who can work beyond this limit.
- A fortnight refers to a 14-day period starting on a Monday.
It’s important to understand these work rights, and resources such as the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) are available to help individuals and employers navigate Australian workplace laws. The Fair Work Ombudsman website provides comprehensive information on workplace rights and entitlements for visa holders and migrant workers.
8105 - Work limitation
This condition restricts you from working in Australia before your course begins, unless you held another visa allowing work at the time of applying for this visa. During your course, you must not exceed 48 hours of work per fortnight, except in certain circumstances.
When your course is in session, defined as during school semesters or when undertaking another course that contributes to your main course during term breaks, the 48-hour limit applies. However, exceptions exist:
- If you hold a student visa for a masters by research or doctorate degree and the course has commenced.
- If work is a registered part of your course and specified as a requirement in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
When your course is not in session, such as during scheduled breaks or if your enrollment has been deferred or suspended, you’re not bound by the 48-hour limit.
It’s crucial to understand the definition of work and your rights:
- Any work that involves attending a place of work, being ‘clocked on,’ or receiving remuneration counts towards your work limitation.
- Work experience, whether paid or unpaid, is subject to the 48-hour limit, unless it’s a mandatory part of your course.
- You can hold multiple jobs as long as the total hours worked do not exceed 48 hours in a fortnight.
Employers should verify that student employees have commenced their course and adhere to visa conditions. Resources like the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) provide valuable information on workplace rights and entitlements
8201 - Maximum 3 months study
While residing in Australia, you’re prohibited from engaging in studies or training for more than 3 months, except under specific circumstances.
Exceptions to this restriction apply to certain visa subclasses:
- Holders of subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visas are allowed to participate in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for up to 20 hours per week.
- Visa holders of subclass 602 (Medical Treatment), subclass 675 (Medical Treatment (Short Stay)), and subclass 685 (Medical Treatment (Long Stay)) can undertake studies exceeding 3 months if they are under 18, experience changed circumstances while in Australia, or have obtained written permission due to their circumstances.
For other visa categories, the total duration of studies or training must not exceed 3 months.
It’s essential to adhere to these regulations to ensure compliance with your visa conditions. For a comprehensive list of conditions pertaining to your visa, refer to the Federal Register of Legislation.
8202 - Meet course requirements
As a student visa holder, it’s imperative to:
- Remain enrolled in a registered course, ensuring full-time enrollment if sponsored by Foreign Affairs or Defence, or participating in a secondary exchange program.
- Maintain enrollment in a registered course that aligns with or exceeds the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level specified in your visa, with exceptions for transitioning between AQF levels 10 and 9.
- Uphold satisfactory attendance and course progress throughout each study period as stipulated by your education provider.
Note: A registered course is one listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Course gaps typically should not exceed 2 months, except in specific situations such as end-of-year academic breaks, education provider default, or transitioning between courses. For further guidance on changes in your study situation, refer to the relevant information provided.
8203 - Limited study change
Changing your course of study, thesis, or research topic requires approval from the Minister. This approval is contingent upon an assessment from Australian authorities confirming that such a change poses no risk to Australian national security, either directly or indirectly.
Should you contemplate altering your thesis, major, or research topic, follow these steps:
- Complete Form 1221 – Additional Personal Particulars Information (PDF).
- Submit a 8203/8204 Change of Study Assessment Request.
For detailed regulations regarding this matter, please refer to the appropriate documentation.
8204 - Study limitations
Approval from the Minister is required before undertaking or changing your course of study, thesis, or research topic for:
- A graduate certificate
- A graduate diploma
- A master’s degree
- A doctorate
- Any bridging course necessary as a prerequisite to a master’s degree or doctorate program
The Minister’s approval is contingent upon an assessment by Australian authorities to ensure that the proposed changes do not pose a direct or indirect risk to Australian national security.
Should you contemplate altering your thesis, major, or research topic, follow these steps:
- Complete Form 1221 – Additional Personal Particulars Information (PDF).
- Submit a 8203/8204 Change of Study Assessment Request.
For detailed regulations on this matter, please refer to the appropriate documentation.
8208 - No study change related to critical technology without approval
Please note: At present, no specific technologies have been designated as critical for condition 8208 and its associated purposes. Therefore, if your visa is subject to condition 8208, there is no immediate action required from you to comply with this condition.
We will keep you updated on any developments regarding the identification of critical technologies for condition 8208. Once your obligations under this condition commence, this page will provide a link for requesting approval to change your course of study.
Under condition 8208, you are prohibited from undertaking critical technology-related study without prior approval from the Minister for Home Affairs. Such study includes:
- Postgraduate research courses related to critical technology, leading to a Masters degree (research) or doctoral degree
- Theses or research topics focusing on critical technology at the Masters degree (research) or doctoral degree level
- Bridging courses serving as prerequisites to postgraduate research courses related to critical technology.
Approval for critical technology-related study will only be granted by the Minister for Home Affairs after ensuring that there is no unreasonable risk of an unwanted transfer of critical technology by the visa holder.
Please note that this condition does not apply to your intended course of study or related activities as evidenced in your student visa application.
For additional information, refer to the Critical Technology—Enhanced Visa Screening Measures page.
8303 - Not be disruptive
It is imperative that you refrain from engaging in any activities that may disrupt or incite violence against the Australian community or any group within it.
Examples of such activities include promoting extremist ideologies or causing disruptions to the functioning of the Australian community
8501 - Maintain adequate health insurance
You are required to possess and sustain adequate health insurance for the entirety of your time in Australia.
For specific details regarding the application of this condition to your situation, please refer to your visa details.
8516 - Continue to satisfy the criteria for the grant of the visa
You are obligated to consistently meet the requirements for the issuance of the visa.
8517 - Maintain adequate arrangements for the education of your school-age dependants
You are required to ensure suitable educational provisions for your school-age dependents residing in Australia for over 3 months under your visa sponsorship.
8532 - Maintaining welfare arrangements for minors
If you’re under 18 years old, ensuring your accommodation and support are in place is crucial, and your overall welfare must be sustained throughout your time in Australia.
To maintain your welfare, you have several options:
- Reside with your parent or legal custodian.
- Stay with a relative over the age of 21, nominated by your parents or custodians, who demonstrates good character.
- Have approved accommodation, support, and general welfare arrangements endorsed by your education provider.
Any alterations to these arrangements require written consent from your education provider. Additionally, if your welfare arrangements are sanctioned by your education provider, refrain from traveling to Australia until these arrangements are established.
For specific conditions applicable to current and past visa holders (570-576) and 500 visa holders, please refer to the relevant regulations.
8533 - Inform provider of address
If you were outside Australia when your visa was granted, it’s essential to inform your education provider about your residential address within 7 days of arriving in the country.
Moreover, if there’s any change in your residential address while you’re in Australia, you must notify your education provider within 7 days of the change.
Additionally, if you decide to change your education provider, you must inform your current provider within 7 days of receiving either a confirmation of enrolment or evidence of enrollment from your new education provider.
It’s crucial to keep your contact details updated, as we will communicate with you through your school. Failure to update your contact information may result in missed communications from us.
For further details, please refer to the Regulation.
8534 - No further stay
While you’re in Australia, there are limitations on the types of substantive visas we can grant you, except under specific circumstances:
You may be granted a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa, a Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa, or a Protection visa.
Condition 8534 may be imposed on subclass 500 Student visa holders and their family members at our discretion. The decision to apply this condition will be made by the assessing case officer.
If you’re applying for a graduate visa and condition 8534 applies to your current visa, you must use the paper form to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa. You don’t need to request a waiver of this condition before submitting your application. Complete Form 1409 Application for a Temporary Graduate visa and ensure you indicate your desire to waive this condition.
However, if you’ve completed the course for which your visa was granted, you don’t need to request a waiver of condition 8534 to apply for certain other visas, such as General Skilled Migration visas, Subclass 132 (Business Talent) visa, Subclass 186 (Employee Nomination Scheme) visa, Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa, Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)) visa, or Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa.
If you wish to apply for any other visa, including another Student visa, and want to request a waiver of this condition, you may do so in limited circumstances.
8535 - No further stay
While you’re in Australia, you’ll generally not be granted a new substantive visa, except for:
- A Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa granted due to support from the Commonwealth or a foreign government.
- A protection visa.
Condition 8535 is mandatory for subclass 500 Student visas sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Department of Defence.
If you’re applying for a student visa and condition 8535 applies to your current visa, include a letter of support from the Australian Government or a foreign government with your new application. You don’t need to request a waiver of the condition before submitting your application.
For other visa types, if condition 8535 applies to your current student visa and you wish to apply for a different visa, you may request a waiver of this condition under limited circumstances.
Please note that while in Australia, you can’t apply for any other visa except for a Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa with the support of the Commonwealth or a foreign government, or a protection visa.