Australia · Subclass 500
Student Visa
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is Australia's primary visa for international students wishing to study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution for more than three months. This guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility and costs to work rights and post-study pathways.
CRICOS is the official Australian Government register, maintained by the Department of Education, that lists every education institution and course in Australia that is legally approved to enrol international students. Before an institution can accept a student on a Subclass 500 visa, both the institution itself and the specific course must appear on the CRICOS register with a valid CRICOS code.
The register serves several important purposes:
- Consumer protection — it ensures the institution meets the quality and regulatory standards required by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000, which protects the rights of international students in Australia.
- Visa compliance — a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) can only be issued for a CRICOS-registered course. Without a valid CRICOS registration, no CoE can be issued and no student visa application can proceed.
- Course integrity — CRICOS registration requires providers to maintain minimum standards for course content, teaching quality, student support services, and dispute resolution.
You can search the CRICOS register at cricos.education.gov.au to confirm that your chosen institution and course are currently registered before you enrol or pay any fees.
A Brief History — From Subclasses 570–576 to Subclass 500
Prior to 1 July 2016, Australia operated a suite of separate student visa subclasses, each tied to a specific type of course or education sector. International students had to identify and apply for the subclass that matched their intended study:
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students undertaken as a stand-alone program.
Primary school, secondary school, and authorised secondary student exchange programs.
Certificates I–IV, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas at TAFEs and registered training organisations.
Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Graduate Diplomas at universities.
Masters by Research and Doctoral (PhD) degrees focused on original research.
Foundation studies, bridging programs, and non-award courses preparing students for formal study.
Full-time coursework for students sponsored by the Australian Government (AusAID or Defence).
For the guardian of a minor international student, accompanying them during the course period.
While there is now only one visa subclass, Subclass 500 accommodates multiple education sectors (streams), which are determined by the type of course a student enrols in. The education sector recorded on your visa influences certain conditions — such as work rights, financial evidence requirements, and whether English language evidence is needed.
University-level programs: Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Masters by Coursework (AQF Levels 5–9).
Practical and trade-focused programs at TAFEs and RTOs: Certificates I–IV, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas (AQF Levels 1–6).
Research-focused Masters and Doctoral (PhD) programs involving significant independent research (AQF Levels 9–10).
English language courses (General English, IELTS/PTE preparation, EAP) for students who need to improve English before or during formal study. Not assigned an AQF level.
Primary and secondary schooling, foundation/pathway programs, and registered secondary student exchange programs.
Foundation studies, bridging programs, and non-award courses designed as a stepping stone to formal higher education or VET.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Levels
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is Australia's national system for recognising and regulating qualifications across schools, vocational training, and higher education. It comprises 10 levels, ranging from entry-level Certificates to Doctoral degrees. Understanding AQF levels matters for student visa holders because Visa Condition 8202 requires you to remain enrolled in a course at the same or higher AQF level as the course for which your visa was originally granted. Dropping to a lower AQF level generally requires a new visa application.
| AQF Level | Qualification | Education Sector / Stream | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Certificate I | VET | 0.5–1 year |
| Level 2 | Certificate II | VET | 0.5–1 year |
| Level 3 | Certificate III | VET | 1–2 years |
| Level 4 | Certificate IV | VET | 0.5–2 years |
| Level 5 | Diploma | VET / Higher Education | 1–2 years |
| Level 6 | Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree | VET / Higher Education | 1.5–2 years |
| Level 7 | Bachelor Degree | Higher Education | 3–4 years |
| Level 8 | Bachelor Honours / Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma | Higher Education | 0.5–1 year (post-degree) |
| Level 9 | Master's Degree (Coursework or Research) | Higher Education / PG Research | 1–2 years |
| Level 10 | Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Postgraduate Research | 3–4 years |
Eligibility Requirements Subclass 500
- 1Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)You must be enrolled at a CRICOS-registered institution and hold a valid CoE before lodging your application.
- 2Genuine Student (GS) RequirementIntroduced November 2024, replacing the former GTE test. You must demonstrate your primary purpose is to study, the course suits your circumstances, and you intend to comply with all conditions.
- 3English Language ProficiencyIn some cases, minimum IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), or equivalent in other accepted tests, is required. See the English Requirements section below.
- 4Financial CapacityIn some cases, evidence of AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition fees and return airfare must be provided. Additional amounts apply for accompanying family members. Please contact us to confirm.
- 5Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)Must be purchased from an approved Australian insurer before lodging and maintained for your entire stay.
- 6Health RequirementsMost applicants must undergo an immigration health examination by an approved panel physician.
- 7Character RequirementsValid passport required; police clearances where you have lived 12+ months may also be needed.
English Language Requirements
Costs to Budget For
How to Apply — Step by Step
We advise you on which CRICOS-registered institution and course best suits your background, budget, and migration goals. We verify the course appears on the CRICOS register at cricos.education.gov.au and guide you through accepting your offer.
Once your enrolment is confirmed, your institution issues an electronic CoE. We collect this document on your behalf and verify it is correct before using it in your visa application.
We advise you on approved OSHC providers — including Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, nib, and AHM — and ensure your Certificate of Insurance is obtained and meets the Department’s requirements before lodgement.
We check whether a health examination is required for your circumstances. If so, we obtain the referral through ImmiAccount and guide you to an approved panel physician to complete the examination.
We prepare and review your complete document package — CoE, passport, English test results (if required), financial evidence, OSHC certificate, and a Genuine Student statement tailored to your circumstances — ensuring nothing is missing before lodgement.
As your registered migration agent, we lodge your complete Subclass 500 application through ImmiAccount on your behalf, attach all supporting documents, and submit the AUD 2,000 government application charge. You receive a copy of everything we submit.
If the Department requests biometric data — fingerprints and a photograph — we advise you on the nearest Visa Application Centre and what to bring, and we notify you of any deadlines to meet.
We monitor your application, respond promptly to any requests for further information from the Department, and keep you informed throughout. Higher education processing typically takes 4–8 weeks; VET applications may take 4–7 months. We notify you the moment a decision is made.
Key Visa Conditions
Maintain Full-Time Enrolment
You must remain enrolled full-time. Part-time study is not permitted unless within a medical or other permitted exception.
Work Rights — 48 hrs/fortnight
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. Unlimited hours during official course breaks.
Maintain OSHC
Health cover must remain active for your entire stay. Extend it if your course is extended.
Report Address Changes
Notify your institution within 7 days of any change of address.
Satisfactory Course Progress
Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Failing too many units may be reported to the Department.
Multiple Entry Travel
Subclass 500 allows multiple entries. Ensure your visa is valid whenever you re-enter Australia.
Bringing Family Members
Eligible family members may be included in your application or apply separately, receiving secondary visa holder status with work and study rights.
| Family member | Additional visa fee | Extra living cost evidence/yr | Work rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse / de facto partner | AUD 2,100 | AUD 10,394 | Unlimited (postgrad primary); otherwise 48 hrs/fortnight |
| Dependent child (under 18) | AUD 500 | AUD 4,449 | May study full-time at an Australian school |
Pathways After You Graduate
Completing your studies in Australia opens several pathways to extended stay and permanent residency.
Temporary Graduate (485)
Live and work in Australia for 2–6 years after completing an eligible Australian degree.
Graduate StreamSkilled Independent (189)
Points-based permanent residency — no employer or state sponsor required.
Permanent ResidencyState Nominated (190 / 491)
State or territory nomination adds 5–15 bonus points to your skilled migration application.
State NominationEmployer Sponsored (482 / 186)
An Australian employer sponsors you; the 186 can lead to permanent residency after 2 years.
Employer PathwayPartner Visa (820 / 801)
If in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Family PathwayNeed Help With Your Student Visa?
Our MARA registered migration agent provides expert, personalised guidance — from assessing your eligibility to lodging a complete, accurate application.
admin@myskillsmigration.comInformation current as at August 2026 · Please contact us for up-to-date information · General guide only, not migration advice.