Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 lets you study full-time in Australia for up to 5 years, work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and apply again if you need more time.
If you are planning to study in Australia in 2026, this guide is for you.
I wrote this because one of my YouTube subscribers asked me about the real financial requirement and whether student visas are getting stricter. I checked official information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and combined it with feedback from students who recently applied.
This article is for international students who want clear, practical information before applying.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE STUDENT VISA SUBCLASS 500
The Student Visa Subclass 500 allows you to:
- Study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution
- Stay in Australia for the duration of your course, up to 5 years in most cases
- Work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks
- Include your partner and dependent children
- Travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid
You must study at an approved provider listed on CRICOS. If your course is not registered, you cannot apply under this visa.
STUDENT VISA SUBCLASS 500 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
CONFIRMATION OF ENROLMENT COE
You must have a valid CoE from an Australian institution before you apply. You cannot apply without it.
GENUINE STUDENT REQUIREMENT
You must show that you genuinely intend to study in Australia. This includes explaining:
- Why did you choose this course
- Why did you choose Australia
- How does this course support your career plans
Visa officers look at your past education, work history, and immigration history.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
Most universities require IELTS 6.0 overall for undergraduate programs. Some courses require higher scores. You can also submit PTE or TOEFL scores if accepted by your institution.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT
As of recent updates, you must show funds to cover:
- Living costs around AUD 29,710 per year
- Tuition fees for at least 12 months
- Travel costs
If you bring your partner or children, you need additional funds.
For example, if your tuition is AUD 25,000 per year, you may need to show over AUD 55,000 total funds for the first year.
OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER OSHC
You must have OSHC for your entire stay. Without valid health cover, your visa can be refused or cancelled.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER CHECKS
You may need a medical exam and police clearance, depending on your country and length of stay.
STUDENT VISA CONDITIONS YOU MUST FOLLOW
Once your visa is granted, you must follow these rules carefully.
WORK LIMIT
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During official breaks, you can work unlimited hours.
If you exceed the limit, you risk visa cancellation.
COURSE PROGRESS AND ATTENDANCE
You must stay enrolled and maintain satisfactory academic progress. If your university reports poor attendance or failure, your visa can be affected.
MAINTAIN OSHC
You must keep your health insurance active for your entire stay.
ADDRESS UPDATES
You must inform your education provider of your residential address within 7 days of arrival and if it changes.
HOW TO EXTEND A STUDENT VISA IN AUSTRALIA
Australia does not technically extend a Subclass 500 visa. You apply for a new Student Visa before your current one expires.
You may need a new visa if:
- Your course duration increases
- You change to a new course
- You fail units and need extra time
- Your research thesis takes longer
STEPS TO APPLY AGAIN
- Get a new CoE from your institution
- Extend your OSHC to match the new period
- Apply online through ImmiAccount
- Apply at least 2 to 3 months before your current visa expires
If you apply on time, you usually receive a Bridging Visa A. This allows you to stay legally in Australia while your new visa is processed.
CURRENT VISA FEE
The base application fee is around AUD 2,000. Additional charges apply if you include family members.
Fees can change, so always check the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
RECENT CHANGES STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW
Australia has tightened scrutiny on student visas. Authorities now focus more on genuine study intent.
If your academic history does not match your chosen course, or if your financial documents are weak, the risk increases.
I have seen cases where students were refused because their course did not align with their previous education. So be clear and logical in your application.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR SUBCLASS 500
This visa is suitable for:
- Students enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, or PhD programs
- Students planning to later apply for Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
- Students who can show strong financial capacity and genuine intent
If your main goal is migration without a clear study purpose, this visa may not be suitable.
FAQs
CAN I WORK FULL TIME ON A STUDENT VISA 500
Yes, but only during official course breaks. During study periods, you are limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE ON STUDENT VISA 500
Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner. They may also have work rights, depending on your course level.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VISA EXPIRES BEFORE I APPLY AGAIN
If your visa expires and you have not applied for a new visa, you become unlawful. This can affect future visa applications. Always apply before expiry.
If you are serious about studying in Australia, take the financial proof and the Genuine Student requirement seriously. Most refusals happen because students underestimate these two areas.
