Core eligibility requirements
To be granted a Subclass 500 Student Visa, you must: hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered education provider; satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement (demonstrating your primary purpose is study and you intend to return home); meet English language proficiency standards; demonstrate sufficient financial capacity; maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa; and meet character and health requirements.
The Genuine Temporary Entrant criterion is assessed holistically — the Department of Home Affairs considers your ties to Australia and home country, circumstances in your home country, immigration history, and the value of the course to your future career. A well-written GTE statement (personal statement) is a critical part of a strong application.
English language requirements
Minimum IELTS requirements vary by course level: vocational education (ELICOS/VET) — IELTS 5.0 overall; bachelor's degree programs — IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5); master's — IELTS 6.0–6.5; PhD — IELTS 6.5. Accepted tests also include TOEFL iBT (minimum 46), PTE Academic (42–50), Cambridge English (169–176), and OET. Students from certain English-speaking countries or who completed prior study in English may be exempt.
Financial requirements and work rights
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of: tuition fees for the first year (as stated in your CoE) plus living costs of approximately A$24,505 per year (2024 Streamlined Visa Processing minimum). If bringing a spouse/partner, add A$8,574 per year; per child, add A$3,670. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, education loans, sponsor letters, or scholarship documentation.
As of January 2024, student visa holders can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions (previously 40 hours). During scheduled course breaks, there is no cap on work hours. This applies to the student and any secondary visa holders (family members).
Related Questions
Can I apply for a Subclass 500 from within Australia?
Yes. If you are already in Australia on another valid visa, you can usually apply to change to a student visa onshore, provided you meet all requirements and your current visa allows it.
What is CRICOS and why does the school need to be registered?
CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian government register of all education providers legally approved to enroll international students. Only CRICOS-registered courses qualify for a student visa.
Can I bring my family on an Australian student visa?
Yes. Your partner and dependents can be listed as secondary applicants on your student visa application. Secondary applicants are subject to the same health, character, and financial requirements.
What post-study work options are available?
After graduating from an eligible Australian university, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) for 2–4 years of work rights (regional graduates may get up to 6 years). This work experience can count toward the points test for a permanent skilled visa.
Does a student visa lead to permanent residency in Australia?
Not directly. However, completing studies in Australia awards CRS-equivalent points for Australian permanent residence pathways (189, 190, 491 visas) and opens access to the Subclass 485 post-study work visa, building a pathway toward PR through skilled migration.
Official Sources
- Australian Home Affairs – Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- CRICOS – Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; always confirm with the official government source before acting.