Australia is a popular choice for international students because of its globally recognised education system, multicultural society, and post-study opportunities. The student visa subclass 500 is for those students who are eligible for full-time study at an Australian educational institution while enjoying limited work rights during their course. This visa can also allow certain family members to accompany the student to Australia.
Applicants will have to meet a few requirements for enrolment, including financial, English language, health insurance, and genuine study intentions to get approval. Understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, visa conditions, and application process can help students prepare a stronger application and avoid unnecessary delays during the assessment process.
What Is A Student Visa Subclass 500 and Who Is It For?
The student visa 500 is for those international students who would like to avail of full-time study in Australia at a registered education provider. This visa is applicable to several categories, such as higher education, vocational education and training, English language program, post-graduate research, and school program.
- Enrol in and complete a qualifying course of study in Australia.
- Travel freely within and outside of Australia during the validity period of your visa.
- Undertake work up to 48 hours each fortnight when your course is in session.
- Stay in Australia throughout your period of study, normally not exceeding six years.
- If the CoE is cancelled or the course is finished, then the CoE is not valid anymore.
- The substantive visa becomes invalid when a new one is applied for.
- Applications will be accepted based on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) (or Australian Eastern Daylight Standard Time (AEDST) where applicable).
Student Subsequent Entrant Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Subsequent Entrant stream enables eligible relatives of an existing visa holder to migrate to Australia in order to join their loved one who already holds a valid visa in Australia. This usually includes a spouse, de facto partner, and dependents. They must prove that they are in the required relationships and have adequate finances for the duration of their stay.
Student Visa 500 Requirements You Must Meet
Satisfying the student visa 500 requirements prior to making the application is very important. The Department of Home Affairs considers multiple criteria when deciding whether an applicant qualifies for a student visa.
Enrolment in a Registered Course
Applicants must get admission to a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Normally, a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) needs to be provided before the visa can be granted.
Students are required to show sufficient financial resources for the cost of their education, travel, living, and any family members who accompany them to Australia.
The proof of English language competence should be submitted wherever necessary. Failure to satisfy this requirement may result in visa refusal.
Welfare Arrangements for Students Under 18
Applicants who are under 18 years of age must prove that proper arrangements have been made for accommodation, support, and welfare during their time in Australia.
Accompanying Family Members
Family members may be included in the initial application or apply later to join the student. Applicants must show they can financially support accompanying dependants during their stay in Australia.
Genuine Student Requirement
The Department evaluates whether the applicant indeed wants to study in Australia and meets the visa requirements during their period of stay.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants may need to complete health examinations and provide information relating to their character. Police clearance certificates may also be requested, depending on individual circumstances.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All international students are supposed to keep Overseas Student Health Cover throughout the duration of their stay, unless they belong to an exempt category.
English Language Requirements For The Subclass 500
Candidates need to be proficient in English. Some of the valid exams are IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. The minimum scores currently accepted include:
| Test |
Required Score |
| IELTS Academic |
Overall band score of 6.0 |
| IELTS General Training |
Overall band score of 6.0 |
| PTE Academic |
Overall score of 47 |
Student Visa 500 Checklist: Documents You’ll Need
Preparing a complete student visa 500 checklist can help minimise delays and additional information requests. Documents commonly required include:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Visa application form
- Proof of financial capacity
- English language test results
- Overseas Student Health Cover evidence
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Genuine Student supporting documents
- Birth certificates for dependent children
- Marriage certificate or relationship evidence, where applicable
- Health examination records, if requested
- Character documents and police clearances, if required
- Passport-sized photographs
What is the processing time of a Student Visa 500?
The processing time for a student subclass 500 visa application usually varies because of the education sector, completeness of applications, individual circumstances, and assessment requirements.
| Stream |
50% Application |
90% Application |
| Foreign Affairs and Defence Sector |
3 Days |
15 Days |
| Higher Education Sector |
28 Days |
3 Months |
| Independent ELICOS Sector |
19 Days |
50 Days |
| Non-Award Sector |
Less Than 1 Day |
10 Days |
| Postgraduate Research Sector |
31 Days |
83 Days |
| School Sector |
28 Days |
77 Days |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector |
50 Days |
8 Months |
Students should apply immediately after they receive their Confirmation of Enrolment in order to avoid any delay affecting course commencement.
The cost of a subclass 500 visa is an important factor when planning your studies in Australia. Other than the cost of applying for the visa, you must also consider health insurance and medical tests.
| Visa |
Cost |
| Subclass 500 |
From AUD2,000.00 (unless exempt) |
From 22nd March 2025, a lower visa fee will be applied to qualified citizens of the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste lodging an application for a valid Student or Student Guardian visa. To estimate how much your visa will cost, you need to refer to the visa pricing estimator. But it will not include the other costs involved.
What Are The Student Visa Subclass 500 Conditions?
All holders of subclass 500 must comply with specific visa conditions throughout their stay in Australia. These conditions help to ensure that students continue to meet the purpose of their visa.
- Lodge your application online, whether you are inside or outside Australia.
- Remain enrolled in an approved course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when a visa decision is made.
- Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover unless exempt.
- Be at least six years of age.
- Demonstrate suitable welfare arrangements if you are under 18 years old.
Application Process For Visa Subclass 500
Applying for a student visa subclass 500 involves several important stages. By proper planning, you boost your chances of success as well as speed up the process.
How To Apply For A Visa Subclass 500 Successfully
- Select a CRICOS-registered course and obtain admission.
- Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
- Gather financial, academic, and identity documents.
- Complete the online visa application through ImmiAccount.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable visa application charge.
- Complete biometrics and health examinations if requested.
- Monitor your application and respond promptly to any requests from the Department.
- Wait for the final visa decision.
Why Choose Migration Agent Perth, WA?
Navigating visa requirements can be challenging, particularly when regulations change. Working with experienced professionals may help streamline the process.
Benefits of working with us include:
- Personalised visa strategy based on your circumstances.
- Assistance with document preparation and review.
- Support with Genuine Student submissions.
- Help address complex visa issues.
- Ongoing communication throughout the application process.
- Connections with reputable education agents.
Start Your Australian Study Journey With Confidence
We work closely with students to understand their goals, prepare strong applications, and navigate every stage of the process. Our team of education consultants in Perth provides practical advice and tailored support to help make your transition to Australia smoother and less stressful. Speak with our registered migration agent in Perth today and receive personalised guidance for your Student Visa Subclass 500 application.