Subclass 500
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Australia
Study in Australia for up to 6 years, work up to 48 hours a fortnight and travel in and out of Australia. Get the new 2026 rules, English scores, funds and requirements right with a MARA registered migration agent and QEAC certified counsellor.
About the Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study an eligible course in Australia for up to 6 years, depending on the type and length of your course. You can travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session (master's by research and doctoral students have no work limit). The visa costs from AUD2,500 for the main applicant.
With this visa you can
- Participate in an eligible course of study in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- Work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during course breaks
- Have no work limit if you study a master's by research or doctoral degree
Good to know
- You cannot work before your course starts
- Your visa is digitally linked to your passport (no label)
- Time spent outside Australia does not extend your visa
- You cannot extend a Student visa; you must apply for a new one
New Student Visa Rules from 2 October 2026
The Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 changed who can apply for a Student visa in Australia and whether family members can be included. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the old rules, including those that included family members. Read our full guide to the October 2026 changes.
What has changed
- Most Student visa applications must now be lodged outside Australia
- Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa in Australia
- Current Student visa holders can only apply in Australia if an exemption applies
- Dependent (secondary) Student visa holders cannot apply as the primary applicant in Australia
- Most applicants can no longer include family members in their application
- Nobody can add family members after a Student visa is granted
What you need to do
- Check whether you must be outside Australia to apply, or whether an exemption applies
- Leave Australia before lodging if you cannot apply onshore
- If you must apply from outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted
- You may return on another valid visa while your application is processed, but no Bridging visa is granted for offshore applications
- An invalid application can affect your visa status and cannot be reviewed at the ART
Students Under 18: Welfare Arrangements
If you are under 18, you must have adequate welfare arrangements for your stay. You can show this in one of four ways:
Welfare options
- A Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) from your education provider
- An Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form, if you are an exchange student
- Ministerial approval, if you are a Foreign Affairs or Defence student
- Nominate a guardian using Form 157N (a parent, custodian or relative aged 21 or older)
Avoid costly mistakes
- Use the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool for your passport country and provider
- Provide accurate information: false or misleading information can mean no visa for 10 years
- Translate documents not in English (translators in Australia must be NAATI accredited)
- A nominated guardian on a Student Guardian visa should apply at the same time as you
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (last updated October 2026) and the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026, which commenced on 2 October 2026. Fees, requirements and processing times can change. Always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Apply in Australia: The 6 Exemptions
If you hold a Student visa as the primary applicant, you may still apply for another Student visa in Australia if one of these applies.
Up to 12 more months to finish
You need up to 12 additional months from the original end date of your main course, with the same education provider (same AQF level or higher).
DFAT or Defence sponsored
You are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence.
Applying for a PhD
You are applying to study a Doctoral Degree (PhD). Master's by Research does not qualify.
Primary or secondary school
You are applying to undertake primary or secondary school studies.
Progressing to a higher AQF level
You have completed your main course and are progressing to a course at a higher AQF level. After a higher education course, your next course must also be higher education.
Education provider defaulted
You cannot continue your course because your education provider has defaulted.
Visa holders who cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia
If you hold any of these visas as a primary or secondary holder, you must apply from outside Australia.
Student Visa Requirements
What every Student visa (subclass 500) applicant needs to show.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course and provide a CoE for every course when you apply.
Genuine Student requirement
Answer the genuine student questions (150 words each) and show that study is the primary reason for your visa.
English language
Meet the minimum English test score, unless an exemption applies. At-home or online tests are not accepted.
Overseas Student Health Cover
Hold OSHC from an approved provider for your whole stay, starting from the day you arrive.
Enough money for your stay
Show funds for travel, 12 months of course fees and living costs, or meet the annual income alternative.
Welfare if under 18
Have adequate welfare arrangements in place, such as a parent on a Student Guardian visa.
Health and character
Meet the health and character requirements, and read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement if 18 or over.
Immigration history
Have no unpaid debts to the Australian Government. Previous refusals or cancellations are considered.
English Scores & Funds for a Student Visa
Minimum English test scores (tests taken on or after 7 August 2025) and the money you must show.
Minimum English test scores
| Test | Minimum | With 10+ weeks ELICOS* | With 20+ weeks ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
| C1 Advanced | 161 | Excluded | Excluded |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 54 | 46 |
| MET | 53 | 49 | 44 |
| OET | 1210 | 1090 | 1020 |
*Or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program. At-home and online tests (such as IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition) are not accepted. From 21 January 2026, select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when registering.
Money you must show (financial capacity)
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living costs: student | AUD29,710 | per 12 months |
| Living costs: partner | AUD10,394 | per 12 months |
| Living costs: child | AUD4,449 | per 12 months |
| Schooling: each school-age child | AUD13,502 | per year (minimum) |
| Course fees | First 12 months | or total if 12 months or less |
| Travel: from outside Australia | AUD2,000 | AUD2,500 East/Southern Africa, AUD3,000 West Africa |
| Travel: applying in Australia | AUD1,000 | add AUD1,500 if returning to Africa |
Alternatively, show your parents or partner earned at least AUD87,856 in the 12 months before you apply (AUD102,500 if bringing family), using official government documents such as tax assessments.
Student Visa (Subclass 500): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Study in Australia at a registered education provider.
- Take part in an eligible course of study in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- Work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
Up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment. The grant period depends on your course type and length.
From AUD2,500 for the main applicant. Concessions apply in limited circumstances, including a lower cost for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
Most Student visa applications must now be lodged outside Australia. You can only apply in Australia if you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption, and new rules also affect whether family members can be included. Read our guide to the changes.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You must be enrolled in a registered course and include the right evidence of enrolment, usually a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), or your application will not be valid.
You must be a genuine student and show that studying in Australia is the main reason for your visa.
From 2 October 2026, most applicants must apply from outside Australia. You can only apply in Australia if you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption category.
You may need to provide evidence of your English skills, such as an approved test score, depending on your circumstances.
You must have enough money to cover your living costs, course fees, travel and the costs of any family members, and provide evidence if asked.
You and your family members must hold and maintain adequate health insurance, usually Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), for your whole stay.
Applicants under 18 must have adequate welfare arrangements in place for their stay in Australia.
School students must be at least 6 years old, and must also meet maximum age limits for the year level they will start.
Family members can only be included if you meet an exemption, and they must apply at the same time and from the same location as you.
You and family members must meet the health requirement, those aged 16 and over the character requirement, and those 18 and over must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Any debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or arranged, and previous visa refusals or cancellations are considered.
Step by step
How to apply for a Student visa.
Before you apply
Apply with enough time before your course starts. Check the current processing times, and if you are eligible to apply in Australia, apply well before your current visa ends.
Gather your documents
Use the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool for your country of passport and education provider, and re-check it just before you lodge.
Apply online
Lodge a complete, decision-ready application in ImmiAccount. Most applicants must apply from outside Australia.
After you apply
Respond promptly to any requests for information and check your ImmiAccount regularly. Avoid booking travel until your visa is decided.
Visa outcome
You will be told the decision in writing, including your grant number, expiry date and conditions. If refused, you will be told why and whether you have review rights.
When you have this visa
Your rights and responsibilities.
You and your family members must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Check your conditions in VEVO.
You cannot work before your course starts. Once it starts, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
You cannot extend this visa. To keep studying you must apply for a new Student visa, and most applicants must apply from outside Australia.
Report changes such as a new address, passport, relationship status, welfare arrangements or the birth of a child, and get advice before changing courses.
You may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (485) to stay and work after you finish.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
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From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applications must be lodged outside Australia. Most temporary visa holders, and most current Student visa holders, can no longer apply for a Student visa in Australia unless an exemption applies. Most applicants can no longer include family members, and nobody can add family members after a Student visa is granted.
The visa costs from AUD2,500 for the main applicant (concessions apply in limited circumstances), plus a charge for each family member who applies. You might also pay for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours when your course is not in session. Students studying a master's by research or doctoral degree have no work limit. You cannot work before your course starts.
You must show enough money for travel, 12 months of course fees and 12 months of living costs (AUD29,710 for a student), plus costs for any family members. Alternatively, you can show your parents or partner earned at least AUD87,856 in the 12 months before you apply (AUD102,500 if bringing family).
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the minimum is IELTS 6.0 or PTE Academic 47, or lower scores if your course is packaged with ELICOS or an eligible pathway program. Some applicants are exempt from providing English test evidence.
Only if you meet one of six exemptions: you need up to 12 more months to finish, you are DFAT or Defence sponsored, you are applying for a PhD, you are a school student, you are progressing to a higher AQF level, or your education provider defaulted. Otherwise you must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Up to 6 years. Your course type and length determine your stay. Primary school children starting in years 1 to 4 are generally granted a maximum of 3 years.
If you completed specific qualifications in Australia in the last six months, you might be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). If your visa expires before graduation, a Visitor visa (subclass 600) may suit you. See our PR Pathway page for longer-term options.
Planning to Study in Australia?
Get the 2026 rules, your course, funds and Genuine Student statement right with registered professionals.
