The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live in Australia while undertaking full-time study at an approved education provider. This visa is designed for individuals who want to study in Australia and may also include eligible family members in their application.
It also provides the opportunity to stay in Australia for the duration of your enrolled course and travel in and out of the country during your visa validity.
What you can do on a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Study in Australia
With this visa, you can enrol in and study a wide range of courses at an Australian education provider. These may include:
- Higher education programs
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Primary and secondary school programs
- Secondary school exchange programs
- Postgraduate research courses
- Non-award and pathway programs
- Government-sponsored study programs
You must first obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen institution before applying.
Bring eligible family members
You may include eligible family members in your student visa application, such as:
- Your partner
- Your dependent child
- Your partner’s dependent child
Stay in Australia during your course
The visa generally allows you to remain in Australia for the duration of your study program, up to a maximum of five years. You can also travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.
Work while studying
Student visa holders can work:
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (where applicable)
- Unlimited hours if enrolled in a Master’s by research or Doctoral degree after course commencement
You must follow all work conditions attached to your visa.
Student Visa eligibility – Key requirements
To apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), you must:
- Be enrolled in a registered Australian course
- Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Meet the Genuine Student requirement
- Have sufficient financial capacity
- Meet English language requirements (if applicable)
You must ensure your application is complete before submission to avoid delays or refusal.
Course packaging on Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Studying multiple courses
You may apply for a student visa that covers more than one course if there is a clear academic progression between them. This is known as course packaging.
Each course requires a separate Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Principal course of study
When multiple courses are included, the final course in your study plan becomes your principal course. This is important because it is used to determine:
- Financial requirements
- English language evidence
- Visa grant conditions
Course gap rules
If you are packaging courses:
- The gap between courses must generally be less than two calendar months
- Longer gaps may be allowed in specific academic calendar situations, such as end-of-year transitions
Student Visa conditions you must follow
While holding a Subclass 500 visa, you must comply with important conditions, including:
- Informing your education provider of your Australian address within 7 days of arrival
- Remaining enrolled in your course
- Maintaining satisfactory attendance and course progress
- Maintaining adequate health insurance for the entire stay
- Not overstaying your visa duration
- Following permitted work hour limits
You can check your visa conditions anytime through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Applying for a Student Visa – Important notes
- You must apply after receiving your CoE
- Your application should be complete before submission
- Incomplete applications may be refused
- Visa processing times vary depending on individual circumstances
- You should ensure all required documents are provided at the time of application
Final Thoughts
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) provides international students with the opportunity to study in Australia, gain global education experience, and work part-time while studying. However, it is important to comply with all visa conditions, including study progress, health insurance, and work limitations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Student Visa (Subclass 500
It is a temporary visa that allows international students to live in Australia while studying full-time at a registered education provider.
You can stay for the duration of your course, up to a maximum of five years, depending on your enrolment.
Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and unlimited hours during course breaks (or if enrolled in eligible research degrees).
A CoE is an official document issued by your education provider confirming your enrolment in a registered course. It is required before applying for the student visa.
