Student visa (subclass 500)
Study in Australia
Overview of Australia’s Student visa (subclass 500) for full-time study with a registered education provider. A student visa is not a visitor visa.
Who subclass 500 is for
The Student visa (subclass 500) is for full-time study with a registered Australian education provider. It is not a visitor visa and not a permanent skilled pathway by itself. Package courses, school-age dependants, and subsequent temporary graduate options have separate rules — read the grant letter and Home Affairs pages for your stream.
Genuine Student and enrolment evidence
You generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or equivalent evidence Home Affairs accepts, and you must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement: study is your primary purpose. Financial capacity and English evidence depend on your circumstances and any streamlined processes that apply — confirm the current instruction guide rather than informal checklists.
Insurance, work, and documents
Adequate health insurance (often OSHC) is central for the stay. Work hours while the course is in session are capped unless an exception applies — verify the live hour rules before you accept shifts. Typical documents include passport, CoE, insurance evidence, and financial/English proof when requested.
Fees, timing, and official next step
Visa application charges and OSHC premiums are separate. Processing times vary by nationality and completeness — use the Home Affairs tool. Secure a provider offer and CoE first, then lodge in ImmiAccount only with consistent answers across forms and evidence.
Eligibility snapshot
- Enrolment in a registered course with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or equivalent evidence Home Affairs accepts
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement — you must show study is your primary purpose
- Adequate health insurance (OSHC or another accepted product) for the stay
- Financial capacity and English language evidence when the stream requires them
Documents
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Passport and identity documents
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or accepted insurance evidence
- Financial and English language evidence if requested for your circumstances
Fees, stay, and work
| Fees | Visa application charges and OSHC premiums are separate. Confirm the current VAC on homeaffairs.gov.au before you apply. |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Provider offer and CoE first, then lodge in ImmiAccount. Processing times vary by nationality and completeness. Check the live Home Affairs tool. |
| Stay | Usually tied to the course end date on the CoE, subject to the visa grant notice. Package courses and secondary school rules differ — read the grant letter. |
| Work rights | Work hours are limited while your course is in session unless an exception applies. Confirm the current hour cap and vacation rules on Home Affairs before you work. |
| Path to PR | Not a permanent residence route on its own. |
Apply on the official site Document checklist Back to Australia