The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in a registered Australian educational institution. It’s one of the most popular visas for students seeking world-class education — and it opens the door to post-study work rights and eventual permanent residency in Australia.

What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?

The 500 visa replaced the old student visa subclasses in 2016. It covers all levels of study — from English language courses and vocational training (TAFE) to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Australian universities. The visa is granted for the duration of your course plus extra time for completion and travel.

🎓All Study Levels

Schools, TAFE, universities, language centres

💼Work Rights

Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study

👨‍👩‍👧Bring Family

Spouse and children can accompany you

🏠PR Pathway

Leads to post-study work visa and PR

Eligibility Requirements

✅ Have an enrolment Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered CRICOS provider
✅ Be a genuine student (GS requirement — genuine intent to study)
✅ Have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs
✅ Meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.5–6.5+ depending on course level)
✅ Good health and character
✅ Meet Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) requirements
✅ School-age children enrolled in school (if accompanying)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Choose Your Course & Institution

Select a CRICOS-registered institution and course. Consider the institution’s ranking, location, course fees, post-study work rights duration, and career outcomes.

Apply & Receive Offer Letter

Apply to your chosen institution. Upon acceptance, pay the initial tuition fees and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Purchase OSHC

Buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your visa. This is mandatory and must be arranged before lodging your visa application.

Prepare Financial Evidence

Show you have enough funds: tuition fees paid + AUD $29,710/year for living expenses + AUD $10,394 for a partner + AUD $4,494 per child + AUD $13,502 per school-age child.

Lodge Visa Application via ImmiAccount

Apply online through ImmiAccount. Attach your CoE, financial evidence, English test results, GS statement, health insurance, and other documents.

Complete Health Examination

You may be required to complete a medical examination (common for students from certain countries or studying healthcare-related courses).

Visa Granted — Study in Australia

Once granted, travel to Australia before your course start date. You can usually arrive up to 90 days before your course commences.

Required Documents

📄 Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CRICOS institution
📄 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
📄 English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
📄 Bank statements showing sufficient funds (last 3–6 months)
📄 GS (genuine student) statement
📄 Academic transcripts and certificates
📄 Valid passport
📄 Employment history (helps with GS assessment)
📄 Evidence of ties to home country
📄 Police clearances (for applicants 16+)

Processing Time & Cost

Processing Time

75%: 4–6 weeks
90%: 10–12 weeks
Apply early — at least 2 months before course

Visa Fee (2025–26)

Primary applicant: AUD $2,500
Additional adult (family member): AUD $1,530
Child under 18: AUD $500

Post-Study Work Visa

2–4 years work rights after graduation via Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours can I work on a student visa in Australia?

You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) while your course is in session. During scheduled course breaks (semester holidays, vacation periods), there is no restriction on working hours. Your accompanying partner can work up to 48 hours per fortnight as well.

What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

The GS is an overall assessment of whether you are a genuine temporary student — someone who truly intends to study and then return home (or move to another visa), not use the student visa as a backdoor to permanent residency. Officers consider your study background, reasons for choosing Australia and the specific course, economic situation in your home country, and immigration history.

Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?

Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can accompany you. Your partner receives a work entitlement based on your course level — partners of students studying a Masters or PhD have unlimited work rights. School-age children must be enrolled in a registered Australian school.

What happens after I finish studying?

After completing an eligible degree in Australia, you can apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, which gives you 2–4 years of open work rights. During this time, many students gain skilled work experience, leading to employer sponsorship (482 visa) or a skilled migration pathway (189/190) to permanent residency.

Which English test is accepted for the student visa?

IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), and OET are all accepted. The minimum score depends on your course level — generally IELTS 5.5 for vocational courses and IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate/postgraduate degrees. Individual institutions may require higher scores.

Can I change courses or institutions while on a student visa?

Yes, you can change your course or institution, but there are rules. You must notify your current provider and ensure your new course is at the same or higher AQF level (you cannot transfer to a lower AQF level within the first 6 months without meeting specific conditions). Always notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your study arrangements.

Which Australian universities accept Indian students?

All Australian universities welcome international students, including Indian students. Top choices include University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of Sydney, UNSW, ANU, and University of Queensland. We can guide you on the right institution and course based on your academic background, budget, and PR goals.

Start Your Australian Study Journey

Choosing the right course, institution, and visa strategy can make all the difference for your future in Australia. Our agents help students from across Asia secure their student visas and plan their pathway to PR.

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Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 – Study in Australia from India