If you have chosen a study program in Australia, you are required to apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500. This visa allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of their course.

About the Student Visa Subclass 500

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is a temporary visa that allows students to stay in Australia for up to five years, depending on the type and length of the course. In some cases, additional time may be granted.

For primary school students, the maximum visa duration is generally three years.

What This Visa Allows You to Do

With the Student Visa Subclass 500, you can:

• Enroll in an eligible full-time course of study in Australia
• Travel in and out of Australia during the visa period
• Work up to 40 hours per fortnight during your study sessions
• Work additional hours in certain approved sectors

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this visa, you must meet several eligibility conditions, including but not limited to:

Age Requirements

• Students not participating in a school exchange program must be at least 6 years old
• Other age-specific conditions include:
  • Under 17 when starting Year 9
  • Under 18 when starting Year 10
  • Under 19 when starting Year 11
  • Under 20 when starting Year 12

Enrollment in a Registered Course

You must provide evidence of enrollment in a full-time course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

• Outside Australia: Provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course
• Inside Australia: Provide a CoE or Letter of Offer, and submit the CoE before visa approval

Financial and Health Requirements

• Depending on your home country, you may need to show evidence of financial capacity
• You must maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members
• You must meet the health requirements set by Australian immigration authorities
• Additional time may be provided for health check-ups if delays occurred due to COVID-19

English Language Proficiency

Applicants are required to demonstrate English language skills through recognized tests such as PTE. We also assist students in preparing for their English proficiency exams.

Welfare Arrangements

Applicants under the age of 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements while residing in Australia.

Current Visa Status (for onshore applicants)

If applying from within Australia, you must either:

• Hold an eligible substantive visa, or
• Apply within 28 days of holding a student visa, a Special Purpose visa, or a dependent Diplomatic (Temporary) visa, or
• Apply within 28 days of a Tribunal decision that reinstates your visa

Visa Application Fee

The fee for the primary applicant is AUD 1,600. Additional applicants incur separate charges:

• Applicants over 18 years: AUD 1,190 per person
• Applicants under 18 years: AUD 1,190 per person

In certain cases, such as COVID-19-related course disruptions, students may be eligible for an additional student visa and a possible fee waiver.

Applying for a Longer Stay

If your course is extended or you wish to continue your studies, you can apply for a new student visa.

If your current visa is expiring before graduation, you may apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) with a letter from your education provider confirming your graduation date.

You may also be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) if you have recently completed an eligible course in Australia within the past six months.

Need Assistance?

Our team of experienced education and immigration consultants is here to guide you through the entire application process. Contact us today to receive expert support in preparing your application and meeting all visa requirements.