Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

24 August 2025 • Updated regularly

Start here: what you need before applying for the Subclass 500 Student Visa.

Studying in Australia opens doors to world-class education and diverse careers. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the entry point. This guide shows each step to apply in 2025, including required documents, new rules, costs, timelines, and success tips.

1. What is the Subclass 500?
2. Eligibility and key rules
3. Documents checklist
4. Application process: step by step
5. Fees, processing times, and work rights
6. After visa grant
7. FAQs

What Is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?

The Subclass 500 allows you to stay in Australia for the length of your course (generally up to five years), travel in and out of Australia, and bring eligible family members. You must remain enrolled and meet your visa conditions.

Enroll in a CRICOS-registered course before you apply.

Eligibility and Key Rules (2025)

• CoE: You need a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider.
• Genuine Student (GS): Applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024 are assessed under the Genuine Student requirement. Explain your study purpose, course relevance, and future plans.
• Financial capacity: Show enough funds to cover living costs, tuition, and travel for you and any dependants. The living-cost benchmark was raised in 2024.
• English proficiency: Provide valid IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores as required for your sector and provider.
• Health insurance: Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay.
• Character and health: Police certificate and medical exam may be required.

Documents Checklist

Prepare high-quality scans in color before starting the form:

• Passport bio page and prior visas
• CoE for each course (and OSHC policy confirmation)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Evidence of funds (bank statements, loan approval, scholarship letters)
• Statement addressing the Genuine Student requirement
• Police certificate and medical exam results (if requested)
• Passport-size photographs meeting Home Affairs specs

Use ImmiAccount to complete, upload, and track your application.

Application Process: Step by Step

1. Enroll and get your CoE: Pay the deposit to your CRICOS provider and receive your CoE(s).
2. Create an ImmiAccount: Register at the official Home Affairs portal and select Student visa (subclass 500).
3. Complete the form carefully: Enter personal details, course information, CoE codes, and OSHC policy number. Be consistent with your documents.
4. Upload evidence: Attach PDFs for funds, English, transcripts, and your GS statement. Name files clearly (e.g., Bank-Statements-YourName.pdf).
5. Pay the visa application charge (VAC): As of 1 July 2025 the base VAC for primary applicants is AUD 2,000 (exemptions apply to specific cohorts).
6. Biometrics and health: If you receive a request, book biometrics at the nearest VAC and schedule the medical exam with an approved panel physician.
7. Monitor your ImmiAccount: Respond promptly to any additional information requests.
8. Receive the visa grant letter: Check conditions and keep a digital copy accessible when you travel.

Fees, Processing Times, and Work Rights

Fees

From 1 July 2025, the Student visa VAC starts at AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for dependants and certain services. Always confirm current pricing on the official site before payment.

Processing times

Processing varies by sector and completeness. Use the official Global visa processing times tool for current estimates. Apply early to meet orientation dates.

Financial capacity

You must show sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The living-cost benchmark for students was increased in 2024 and is reviewed periodically. Provide recent bank statements, loan letters, or scholarship evidence.

Work rights during study

Most Student visa holders are limited to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. When your course is not in session, you can usually work unlimited hours. Breaches can lead to visa cancellation.

Tip: Keep enrollment active, maintain OSHC, and update your address in your ImmiAccount within the required timeframe after arrival.

After Visa Grant: What to Do Next

• Book flights that arrive before orientation
• Arrange short-term accommodation and begin rental applications
• Open an Australian bank account and set up a mobile plan
• Attend orientation and understand academic integrity rules
• Save your visa grant letter and know your visa conditions

FAQs

Do I apply under Genuine Student or GTE?

Applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024 are assessed under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Prepare a clear, personal statement aligned to your course and career plans.

How much money do I need to show?

Provide enough funds for tuition, living costs, and travel per the latest Home Affairs benchmark. Banks statements, loans, and scholarships are common evidence. Check the current figure before applying.

Can I work full-time?

During study periods the cap is generally 48 hours per fortnight. During breaks you can usually work full-time. Always check your individual visa conditions.