The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia. In 2026, key changes mean earlier preparation, higher fees and tighter integrity checks. Below you’ll find all you need to apply successfully.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Student Visa (subclass 500)
The student visa, also known as the Subclass 500 Visa, is intended for foreign students wishing to study in Australia for more than three months. It has no age limit or nationality restriction, making it accessible to everyone.
Who can apply & eligibility
- Course: You must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time CRICOS course (EOI letters no longer accepted onshore).
- Genuine Student (GS): Since March 2024, the Genuine Student requirement replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). You must demonstrate real intent to study through your previous study record, statement of purpose, and post-study plans.
- Health & Character: Provide medical exam results (eHealth) and police clearances from all countries lived in 12+ months.
- English: Minimum IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent PTE 50, TOEFL iBT 60) unless exempt under an education provider’s policy.
The application is made exclusively on the Australian immigration website.
What can I study with a Student Visa?
You can apply for the Student Visa – subclass 500 for all courses:
- University to graduate with a Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree, Graduate Certificate, Higher Education Diploma and Master Degree (undergraduate or postgraduate).
- TAFE (Technical And Further Education) for Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I, II, III or IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Vocational Graduate Certificate or Diploma).
- English language courses
- Postgraduate Research to graduate with a Master’s Degree by research, Doctoral Degree
- Secondary school exchange programme.
- In a primary school, high school. If you are under 18, a parent can accompany you on the Student Guardian Visa (see below).
What a Student visa allows you to do
A student visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies and 90 days after the end of your studies. You can travel in and out of Australia as you wish for the duration of your visa.
The advantage of a student visa is that it allows you to work during your studies for up to 48 hours per fortnight and unlimited hours during school breaks.
2026 integrity measures
- CoE mandatory onshore: Offshore Letters of Offer no longer accepted once you switch to onshore.
- Provider compliance: Stricter checks on education providers — ghost colleges being shut down.
- Enrollment cap: The Federal Government continues to regulate international student numbers with an annual cap system implemented since 2025.
- Genuine Student requirement in force (replaced GTE in March 2024).
Fees & financial requirements
| Item | Amount (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | 2,500 | Latest fee increase (up from 1,600 AUD) |
| Family members | 1,255 (18+) / 305 (under 18) | Applies if adding dependants |
| Living cost proof | 29,710 / year | Must show funds to cover your stay |
| Tuition fees | Prepaid (at least 1 term) | Providers now require up-front payment |
| OSHC (Overseas Student Health) | 600–800 / year (one person) | Mandatory for the entire visa duration |
You’ll need bank statements, scholarship letters or a guarantor to prove access to these funds.
If you are applying for a student visa from within Australia and your previous visa (the one you are currently on) was also applied for from Australia, a subsequent temporary application charge of AUD 700 will apply.
Good to know: A student visa usually allows you to bring your partner as dependent on your visa. You will need to prove you have been living with him/her for at least 12 months. The work rights granted for your partner will depend on the course of study you are enrolled in. Therefore, it can be up to 48 hours per fortnight or full and unlimited work rights depending on the course.
Visa options to study in Australia
If you want to study in Australia, you have different options:
- Student Visa – you can study for a minimum of 3 months;
- Tourist Visa – you are allowed to study for a maximum of 3 months;
- Working Holiday Visa– allows you to study for a maximum of 4 months.
If you only want to study for a few weeks, you have the option of doing so while you are on a different type of visa (WHV, tourist). However, for all studies lasting longer than 90 days, you must obtain a student visa. This applies to all studies (universities or TAFE, high school, college, etc.).
Application process & timing
Before you apply for a subclass 500, you must have:
- been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia. As an international student on a student visa, you must be enrolled in a course of study that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- Organised appropriate welfare arrangements for the duration of your stay in Australia. The average cost of OSHC is AUD 600-800 for 12 months.
Step 1 – Enrol in a course of study
Before applying for a subclass 500 you need to choose a course and an institution and apply for it. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an ‘Overseas Student Confirmation-of-Enrolment (CoE)’. The number in this letter is necessary to apply for your student visa.
Step 2 – Apply for your student Visa
Gather documents: CoE, passport, health checks, English scores, financial evidence, Genuine Student declaration. Visa Application must be done on the government immigration website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au. Go on Student Visa – Subclass 500 and fill in the form. Once completed you will receive a Transaction Reference Number that will allow you to track and manage your application.
You can apply IN or OUT of Australia. Which means that you can go on a student visa after a WHV for example. The processing time varies depending on your situation. However, most applications will take about four weeks to be processed. Once your visa has been approved, you will receive a Notification of Grant Letter via email. This is actually your visa, so make sure you print a copy, just in case!
Processing times
- 75% of visas: 4 weeks
- 90%: 11 weeks
Budget for a Student Visa
Before coming to Australia
For a student visa, already count several expenses before even leaving your home country! Indeed, first of all, it will be necessary to pay the first semester fees of the chosen school/university. To this also add the registration fees. If you want to study at a university, you will need to show that you’ve got a working knowledge of the English language. You will have to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (around AUD 450).
Australia’s universities are world renowned and tuition fees are very high. If you want to enter one of the most reputable universities (Group of 8) the registration fee is generally around AUD 35,000-50,000 per year in 2026. For some universities, the first courses start from AUD 22,000-30,000 per year. If you want to do vocational training (TAFE) the fees will typically range from AUD 8,000-20,000 per school year. Finally for language courses (ELICOS), prices range from AUD 400-650 per week. You will find all the registration fees on the websites of the schools and universities.
Also consider the cost of compulsory student health insurance (OSHC) (around AUD 600-800/year) as well as the cost of a private health insurance on top. OSHC only offers minimum coverage so full student insurance is highly recommended. Finally, add the cost of the visa (AUD 2,500).
Expenses once in Australia
Once landed, some expenses will be inevitable! We are talking about expenses for accommodation, food, public transports etc.
For accommodation, you can choose to share an apartment, get a room in a student residence or even a host family. The rates vary according to the city, the type of accommodation but on average count AUD 350-500 per week in Sydney/Melbourne, and AUD 220-350 in smaller cities.
For food, budget around AUD 100-150 per week. This is of course an estimate and may be higher depending on your meals.
Public transport in cities is affordable but adds up. You will need to allocate a budget of AUD 30-60 per week for public transportation (Opal in Sydney, myki in Melbourne, Go Card in Brisbane).
To this add the costs related to your studies such as books, copies, supplies etc. To reduce your costs, borrow books from your uni’s library, or buy them second-hand. Count around AUD 300-500 per semester. Finally, even if you are there to study, you must still enjoy your stay! So plan a small budget for nights out, visits, excursions etc.
In summary, you will need an average budget of AUD 600-800 per week once in Australia (2026 figures).
National minimum wage: earn while you study
Australia’s national minimum wage now sits at AUD 26.44/hr or AUD 1,004.90/week (38 hrs) as of 1 July 2026. Working 24 hours per week (48h/fortnight in term time), students can earn approximately AUD 634/week to help cover living costs.
Updated on 02.07.2026
Source : Australian Immigration Website
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