The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the standard visa for international students studying full-time in Australia. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the Genuine Student (GS) requirement to IELTS scores, costs, and work rights.
What Is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to:
- Study full-time at a registered education provider in Australia (CRICOS-registered)
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term
- Bring family members to Australia as secondary visa holders
- Travel in and out of Australia for the visa duration
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Subclass 500, you must:
- Enrolment: Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider
- Financial capacity: Demonstrate you can pay tuition, living costs, and travel expenses
- Genuine Student (GS): Satisfy the immigration officer that your primary purpose is genuine study, under the GS requirement that replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test in March 2024
- Health: Meet health requirements (chest X-ray and medical exam if required)
- Character: No serious criminal history
- English proficiency: Meet the language requirement for your course (via IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
- OSHC: Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover for the visa period
The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement - The Most Important Test
Since March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement has been the most scrutinised element of Australian student visa applications, replacing the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. Immigration officers assess whether your primary purpose is genuine study; unlike under the old GTE test, wanting to stay in Australia afterward through a lawful pathway (such as the Subclass 485 visa) is no longer treated as a negative factor on its own.
Factors that support a strong GS case:
- Strong ties to your home country (family, property, job offer after graduation)
- Clear study plan that makes sense given your background
- Choosing a course relevant to your career goals
- History of complying with Australian or other country visa conditions
Factors that raise GS concerns:
- Large gaps between your previous education and the proposed course
- Prior visa refusals
- Applying to study at a much lower level than your existing qualifications
- No clear reason for choosing Australia over your home country
GS Statement: Most applicants must write a GS statement explaining their situation. This is read carefully by immigration officers.
Financial Requirements
You must show you can cover:
| Expense | Annual Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | First year's fees |
| Living costs | AUD 29,710/year |
| Living costs for partner | AUD 10,400/year |
| Living costs per child | AUD 4,449/year |
| Return airfare | Approximately AUD 2,000 - AUD 4,000 |
Evidence of funds: bank statements, financial guarantees, scholarship letters.
IELTS Requirements for Subclass 500
The student visa itself does not have a universal IELTS minimum, instead, your IELTS score must meet the requirement of your CRICOS-registered course:
| Study Level | Typical IELTS Min |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (most disciplines) | 6.0 - 6.5 |
| Postgraduate taught | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| PhD | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| Medicine, Nursing (AHPRA/NMBA) | 7.5 (all skills 7.0) |
| Teaching (AITSL) | 7.5 (all skills 7.0) |
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) also has its own minimum English evidence requirements for visas:
| DHA English Requirement | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Standard (most courses) | Overall 5.0 or all components 5.0 |
| Higher (specified courses) | Overall 7.5 or all components 7.0 |
The DHA's minimum is lower than university admissions requirements, your university's language requirement is the binding threshold.
Subclass 500 Application Process
Step 1: Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
After paying your first-year tuition to your university, you receive a CoE, this is mandatory before applying for the visa.
Step 2: Arrange OSHC
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa:
| Provider | Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Medibank | AUD 580 - AUD 650 (single) |
| Bupa | AUD 600 - AUD 680 |
| AHM | AUD 560 - AUD 620 |
Your university may arrange OSHC for you as part of enrolment.
Step 3: Create ImmiAccount and Apply Online
All Subclass 500 applications are submitted through DIBP's ImmiAccount portal.
Application fee: AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant (current as of mid-2026, after two increases during the year from a previous AUD 710; confirm the exact current charge before applying)
Step 4: Prepare and Submit Documents
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) | From your CRICOS provider |
| Passport | Valid for your study period |
| Financial evidence | Bank statements, scholarships, sponsorship |
| IELTS/TOEFL scores | For your course requirements |
| OSHC | Proof of purchase or arrangement |
| Health examination results | If required by DHA |
| GS statement | Written explanation of your genuine study intent |
| Police clearance | If required |
Step 5: Biometrics (If Required)
Some applicants must provide biometric information at an Australian Visa Application Centre.
Step 6: Processing
| Applicant Profile | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Most applicants | 4-8 weeks |
| Complex applications | 8-16 weeks |
| During peak periods | Up to 12 weeks |
Work Rights on the Subclass 500
| Period | Hours Permitted |
|---|---|
| During term | 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours/week) |
| During vacation / official breaks | Unlimited |
Australian minimum wage (2026): AUD 26.44/hour (effective July 1, 2026), the highest of any major study destination for international students.
Bringing Family to Australia
| Family Member | Visa | Work Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / de facto partner | Student Dependant Visa (Subclass 500) | Unlimited if enrolled in Master's or PhD; 48 hrs/fortnight otherwise |
| Dependent children | Student Dependant Visa | Can attend school |
After Graduation - Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa)
The most important thing to know about the Subclass 500 visa is what comes next, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa:
| Degree Level | 485 Duration (commonly cited, confirm current figure) | Regional Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 2 years | Confirm current status |
| Master's (coursework) | 2-3 years | Confirm current status |
| PhD | 3-4 years | Confirm current status |
The Subclass 485 was restructured from 1 July 2024 (streams renamed, age cap lowered from 50 to 35, English requirement raised and revised more than once since), and its application fee has risen sharply during 2026. Confirm the current structure directly with Home Affairs or see our dedicated Subclass 485 guide. Apply for the 485 within 6 months of completing your degree.
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