What Is the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at a registered course provider in Australia. It replaced the former student visa system (subclasses 571–576) in July 2016 and is managed by the Department of Home Affairs (DFAT).
The subclass 500 covers:
- School sector (primary and secondary)
- English Language Intensive Courses (ELICOS)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET/TAFE)
- Higher Education (bachelor's, master's, PhD)
- Non-award courses
- Postgraduate research degrees
Key Requirements
### 1. Enrolment in a CRICOS-Registered Course
Your institution and course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). All Australian universities and most TAFEs are CRICOS-registered. Always verify before applying.
### 2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
The GTE requirement is the most important — and most frequently failed — element of an Australian student visa application. You must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that you are a genuine applicant who intends to:
- Study full-time
- Comply with your visa conditions
- Depart Australia when your visa expires (or transition lawfully)
What the GTE assessment considers:
- Your circumstances in your home country (ties, employment, family)
- Your immigration history (previous visas, refusals, compliance)
- Your study intentions and course relevance to your future career
- The potential financial gain from immigration compared to study
- Your value of the education course to your home country
A weak GTE statement is the most common reason for subclass 500 refusals — particularly for students from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China.
### 3. Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate you can cover:
- AUD $24,505 per year for living expenses (2024 rate — indexed annually)
- Tuition fees for your first year
- Travel costs
Evidence can include: bank statements, sponsorship letters, scholarship letters, or proof of income.
### 4. English Language Proficiency
Most Australian universities require:
- IELTS Academic: typically 6.0–7.0 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 60–100
- PTE Academic: 50–65
- Cambridge Advanced: 169–185
Some courses (particularly nursing, teaching, and engineering) have higher minimum requirements.
### 5. Health and Character Requirements
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the duration of your visa — costs approximately AUD $600–$700 per year
- Health examination: Required for applicants from certain countries or for courses involving health work
- Character clearance: Required — police check from home country if you have lived overseas for 12+ months
How to Apply
1. Receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from your institution
2. Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
3. Apply for the subclass 500 visa online through ImmiAccount
4. Pay the visa application charge: AUD $710 (2024 rate)
5. Submit all documents online — no in-person appointment required for most applicants
6. Await decision (processing times vary — see below)
Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly:
- 75% of applications: 29 days
- 90% of applications: 40 days
High-volume periods (November–March for Australian academic year starts) may be slower. Apply early.
Working While Studying
Subclass 500 visa holders can:
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
- Work unlimited hours in certain occupations (healthcare, aged care) — a recent policy change
After Study: Post-Study Work Options
After completing an Australian degree, you may be eligible for:
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485):
- Graduate Work stream: 18 months (for VET graduates whose course relates to a skills list occupation)
- Post-Study Work stream: 2–6 years depending on level and location of study
- Regional study bonus: Studying in a regional area adds additional post-study work time
Permanent Residency Pathways
Many international graduates transition to PR through:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) via a state or territory government
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 494)
Points for the skills assessment are affected by age, English proficiency, and years of experience — talk to a MARA-registered migration agent about your PR options.
Common Reasons for Subclass 500 Refusals
1. Weak GTE statement — not convincingly demonstrating genuine study intent
2. Insufficient financial evidence — funds not clearly documented or insufficient amount
3. Poor immigration history — previous visa refusals, overstays
4. Inconsistent documents — name, date, or financial information that doesn't match across documents
5. Course not aligned with background — no credible explanation for why you're studying the course
How a Consultant Can Help
A strong education consultant for Australian student visa applications will:
- Help you write a persuasive and truthful GTE statement
- Review your financial documentation before submission
- Select the right CRICOS-registered course for your background and goals
- Advise on potential red flags in your application and how to address them
Use ConsultancyCheck to find verified consultancies with proven subclass 500 success records.
- Australia Student Visa Document Checklist — interactive document checklist
- Find MARA-registered migration agents in Sydney for skilled visa advice
- Browse consultancies in Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane
- Best Consultancies for India → Australia
- Best Consultancies for Nepal → Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GTE requirement for the Australian student visa?
GTE stands for Genuine Temporary Entrant. You must demonstrate to the Home Affairs officer that you intend to study full-time, comply with visa conditions, and leave Australia after your course. It's assessed through a written statement and supporting documents.
Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?
Yes — your partner and children may be able to join you as secondary applicants on your subclass 500 visa application, subject to meeting financial and health requirements.
What happens if my Australian student visa is refused?
You can apply for a Ministerial Intervention or seek a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if the decision was made incorrectly. In many cases, reapplying with a stronger GTE statement and better documentation is the more practical route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GTE requirement for the Australian student visa?
GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requires you to demonstrate genuine study intent and intention to comply with visa conditions. It is assessed through a written statement and supporting documents. A weak GTE is the most common reason for subclass 500 refusals.
How much does the Australian student visa cost in 2026?
The visa application charge is AUD $710. You also need Overseas Student Health Cover (approximately AUD $600–$700/year) and must show living expense funds of AUD $24,505 per year plus tuition fees.
How long does the Australian student visa take to process?
75% of applications are processed within 29 days. 90% within 40 days. Apply well in advance of your course start date — at least 2–3 months.
Can I work while studying in Australia on a subclass 500 visa?
Yes — you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Some healthcare and aged care roles have unlimited work rights.
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