Understanding Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Subclass 500 visa allows international students to stay in Australia for the duration of their enrolled course.
Key Features
- Duration: Up to 5 years
- Work Rights: 48 hours per fortnight during studies
- Family: Can include dependents
- Post-Study: Eligible for Temporary Graduate visa (485)
Visa Requirements
Essential Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| CoE | Confirmation of Enrolment |
| Genuine Student answers | Completed inside the visa application form |
| OSHC | Overseas Student Health Cover |
| Financial Proof | See below |
| English Score | IELTS/PTE |
| Passport | Valid for travel |
Financial Requirements 2025 (Updated May 2024)
| Component | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Living Costs | 29,710/year |
| Tuition | First year amount |
| Travel | Return airfare |
| Dependent (adult) | 10,394/year |
| Dependent (child) | 4,449/year |
Alternative: Show your parents' or partner's personal annual income for the 12 months before applying — AUD 87,856 if no family accompanies you, or AUD 102,500 if they do.
Visa Application Fee (July 2025)
From 1 July 2026, the student visa application charge starts at AUD 2,500.
Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The GTE statement was replaced by the Genuine Student requirement for applications lodged from 23 March 2024. There is no separate statement to attach — you answer targeted questions inside the online application form, 150 words maximum each.
What the questions cover
- Current circumstances: Education, work, family ties
- Why Australia: Why this course and this provider over options at home
- Course relevance: How it fits your career plans
- Benefit: What you gain from the course
What changed from GTE
| Old GTE thinking | Under GS |
|---|---|
| Prove you will return home | Intending to apply for permanent residence later does not count against you |
| Write a long separate statement | Answer the form questions directly, 150 words each |
| Vague statements | Still fatal — be specific with evidence |
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Approved Providers
| Provider | Coverage Level |
|---|---|
| Medibank | Standard to Premium |
| Allianz | Standard to Premium |
| Bupa | Standard to Premium |
| CBHS | Standard to Premium |
Coverage Period
- Must cover entire study duration
- Add buffer for potential extensions
- Purchase before visa lodgment
Application Timeline
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Receive CoE | 2-4 weeks |
| Gather documents | 2-3 weeks |
| Submit application | 1-2 days |
| Processing | Allocation under Ministerial Direction 115: 1-4 weeks (Priority 1), 5-8 (P2), 9-12 (P3) |
| Decision | 1-2 days |
Last reviewed: August 2026
