Student Visa 500: Complete Guide for 2025
Everything international students need to know about applying for and maintaining a Student Visa 500 in Australia, including eligibility requirements, application process, and post-study opportunities.
Student Visa 500 Guide 2025
- Complete eligibility requirements for Student Visa 500
- Step-by-step application process and required documents
- Financial requirements and evidence needed
- Post-study work opportunities and pathways to permanent residence
What is Student Visa 500?
The Student Visa (subclass 500) is Australia's primary student visa that allows international students to study full-time in Australia. This visa covers all education sectors, from primary school to university and vocational education. It's designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain a quality education while experiencing life in Australia.
The visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, with some additional time before and after your studies. It also provides work rights, allowing you to work part-time during your studies and full-time during scheduled course breaks.
Eligibility Requirements
Enrollment Requirements
- • Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian education provider
- • Meet the academic and English language requirements for your course
- • Course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
Financial Requirements
- • Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees, living costs, and travel
- • Annual living cost requirement: AUD $29,710 for students
- • Additional AUD $10,394 for partner and AUD $4,449 per child
- • Evidence can include bank statements, loan letters, or financial guarantee
Health and Character Requirements
- • Health examinations may be required depending on your country and course duration
- • Police certificates from countries where you've lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years
- • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa
Application Process
Research and apply to CRICOS-registered courses. Receive your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your chosen institution.
Collect all required documents including CoE, financial evidence, English test results, and academic transcripts.
Apply online through ImmiAccount, pay the visa application fee, and submit all supporting documents.
Processing times vary by country. You may be asked for additional information or to attend an interview.
Work Rights and Restrictions
Work Entitlements
During Studies
- • 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- • Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
- • Work can begin after course commencement
Research Students
- • Masters by research and PhD students: unlimited work hours
- • Must be enrolled in eligible research programs
- • Same conditions apply to family members
Post-Study Opportunities
After completing your studies, you may be eligible for post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after you finish your studies.
For graduates with skills and qualifications in demand
- • 18 months validity
- • Must have eligible qualification
- • Skills assessment required
For international students who graduate with higher qualifications
- • 2-4 years depending on qualification
- • Bachelor degree: 2 years
- • Masters/PhD: 3-4 years
- • Apply early - processing times can vary significantly
- • Ensure all documents are certified and translated if necessary
- • Maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay
- • Keep your enrollment active and maintain satisfactory academic progress
- • Inform your education provider of any address changes
- • Consider your post-study options early in your program
Common Challenges and Solutions
Financial Evidence
Many applications are refused due to insufficient financial evidence. Ensure your financial documents clearly show you have access to the required funds.
Solution: Provide bank statements covering 3+ months, loan approval letters, or scholarship documentation.
English Requirements
Different courses have different English language requirements. Not meeting these requirements is a common cause of visa refusal.
Solution: Check specific requirements with your institution and take approved English tests well in advance.