The Subclass 500 is the visa international students need to study full-time in Australia. It covers the length of your course and lets you work limited hours. Here is what you need and how to apply.
Who needs the Subclass 500 visa
Anyone enrolling in a registered full-time course in Australia — university, vocational (VET), English language (ELICOS), or school — applies under this single student visa subclass.
Core requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered Australian institution
- Genuine Student requirement — evidence you intend to study, not just migrate
- Financial capacity — proof you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel
- English proficiency — an accepted test score (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay
- Health and character requirements (medical exam, police checks where required)
The Genuine Student requirement
Australia replaced the old "Genuine Temporary Entrant" test with a Genuine Student framework. You need to show your primary purpose is study through your background, course choice, and a clear statement. Vague or copied statements are a common cause of refusal.
Tip: Tie your course directly to your career goals back home. A clear narrative — "this specific course advances this specific career path" — is far more convincing than generic statements about wanting to study abroad.
Financial requirements
You must show funds covering one year of tuition, living expenses, and travel. The living-cost benchmark is updated periodically, so always confirm the current figure before applying. Show genuine, well-documented savings rather than recently borrowed funds.
Working rights on a student visa
Subclass 500 holders can usually work a capped number of hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and more during scheduled breaks. The exact cap changes with policy, so verify the current limit.
Step-by-step application
- 1. Get accepted and receive your CoE
- 2. Arrange OSHC health cover
- 3. Prepare financial, English, and Genuine Student evidence
- 4. Create an ImmiAccount and lodge online
- 5. Complete health checks and biometrics if requested
- 6. Receive your decision and plan your travel
Maintaining your student visa conditions
Receiving your Australian student visa is the beginning, not the end, of your visa compliance obligations. Student visa holders must maintain enrolment in a registered course with an approved CRICOS provider, maintain satisfactory course attendance (generally 80% minimum), and make satisfactory academic progress. Falling below these standards can trigger a breach notice from your provider, which can lead to visa cancellation.
You are also required to notify your education provider of changes to your address within seven days. If you change courses, transfer between providers, or take a leave of absence, different rules apply depending on how far into your course you are and whether your new provider accepts the transfer. Understanding these conditions before any change is critical — breaches can have serious long-term immigration consequences.
Work rights on an Australian student visa
Australian student visas come with automatic work rights — you do not need to apply separately. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic semesters, and unlimited hours during official course breaks. Masters and PhD students have had unlimited work rights since 2023. These work rights extend to your spouse or de facto partner if they hold a dependent visa linked to your student visa.
Understanding your work rights and using them effectively can significantly offset the cost of studying in Australia. Many international students secure part-time work in hospitality, retail, or their field of study — gaining Australian work experience that will later strengthen any post-study visa application.
How ApproveMyVisa AI helps with Australian student visas
- ✓ Confirms your GTE statement strategy
- ✓ Builds your financial evidence for the 12-month living cost requirement
- ✓ Advises on Overseas Student Health Cover requirements
- ✓ Explains work rights during study and the post-study visa pathway
- ✓ Guides you through the Temporary Graduate visa after graduation
"Nguyen from Vietnam was worried about the GTE requirement after not completing a previous course. The AI helped craft a genuine GTE statement that honestly explained his circumstances and showed clear intention to complete his studies. Visa approved."
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Ask the AI Assistant — Free →Frequently Asked Questions
You must show funds covering one year of tuition, living costs, and travel. The living-cost benchmark is set by the government and updated periodically, so confirm the current figure before you apply.
Yes, student visa holders can work a limited number of hours while their course is in session and more during breaks. The exact cap is set by policy and can change, so verify the current limit.
It is the framework Australia uses to confirm you genuinely intend to study. You demonstrate it through your academic background, course choice, financial situation, and a clear personal statement.