Are you planning to study in Australia on a Student Visa Subclass 500? This visa allows international students to enroll in full-time, CRICOS-registered courses and stay in Australia for the duration of their studies. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know — eligibility, application steps, costs, conditions, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s, a vocational course, or English language training, this page will help you navigate the process with confidence. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, and we always recommend consulting the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA migration agent for personalised advice. Over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offer 26,433 courses across Australia, so there’s a path for every student.
The Student Visa Subclass 500 is the primary visa for international students who wish to study in Australia at a registered institution. Issued by the Department of Home Affairs, it allows you to remain in Australia for the duration of your enrolled course, plus any additional time for travel or course transition. Unlike some other countries, Australia’s student visa is tied to your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider. This ensures that your course meets national quality standards under the ESOS Act. The visa permits full-time study, limited work rights, and in some cases, the ability to include family members. Importantly, it is a temporary visa — it does not lead directly to permanent residency, though it can be a stepping stone.
To be eligible, you must have been accepted into a full-time CRICOS-registered course and obtained a CoE. You must meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, demonstrating that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial evidence is required: you must show you can cover tuition fees, living costs (currently AUD $29,710 per year for a single student, plus accompanying family), travel costs, and OSHC. English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) are mandatory unless exempt. You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa duration. Health and character checks are required. There is no strict age limit, but students under 18 must have welfare arrangements. Accompanying family members must be declared and meet their own eligibility criteria.
The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Step 1: Secure your CoE by applying to and receiving an offer from a CRICOS-registered provider. You can explore over 26,000 courses on HeadStart Academy. Step 2: Gather all required documents: your passport, CoE, OSHC policy, financial evidence (bank statements, loan approval, or scholarship letter), English test results (if applicable), overseas health insurance, and character documents (police clearance). Step 3: Lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Pay the application fee (currently AUD $1,600 as at April 2026) and any associated costs. Step 4: Await a decision — typical processing times range from 4 to 8 weeks, though some applications are processed faster. You may be asked to attend a health check or interview. Once granted, you will receive a visa grant letter with conditions.
The visa application charge is AUD $1,600 as at April 2026. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory — indicative costs: single student ~AUD $600–700 per year, a couple ~AUD $1,200–1,400, and a family ~AUD $1,800–2,200. Other costs include health checks (approximately AUD $300–500 per person), biometrics (AUD $85), English tests (AUD $300–$400), and police clearance certificates (varies by country). Living costs in Australia vary by city — for example, weekly rent in Sydney averages AUD $600–$800, while Melbourne is slightly lower at AUD $500–$700. These are indicative only; you should budget accordingly. Remember, course fees are set by institutions and are separate — always confirm directly with your chosen provider.
Your student visa comes with several conditions. The most important: you must maintain enrolment in a full-time CRICOS-registered course and make satisfactory course progress. Work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain OSHC for the entire stay. You must notify your provider of any changes in address or contact details. There are strict rules about changing providers — you generally must complete the first 6 months of your principal course before transferring to another provider, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Failure to meet these conditions can result in visa cancellation. Always refer to your visa grant letter for the exact conditions.
Many visa refusals occur due to incomplete or weak Genuine Student statements — ensure your statement clearly explains why Australia, why this course, and your genuine intention to return home. Insufficient financial evidence is another common pitfall — provide bank statements or loans that clearly show the required funds. Avoid late lodgement: apply well before your course start date to allow for processing. English test results expire after 2 years — use a valid test. Do not submit fraudulent documents; they will lead to refusal and a ban. Also, ensure you declare all dependents upfront to avoid issues later. Finally, do not assume you can work immediately upon arrival — wait until your visa is granted and you have started your course.
The Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) is the authoritative source for all visa information. You can also consult a registered MARA migration agent (search the MARA register) for professional advice tailored to your situation. Your education provider’s international student support office can assist with CoE and enrolment questions. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. We provide this guide for informational purposes only. For application-specific guidance, always seek professional help.
Ready to start your Australian journey? Explore CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy and take the first step toward your Student Visa Subclass 500 application.