Student Visa 500 Australia (2025): Ultimate Guide to Requirements, Documents & FAQs

Student Visa 500 Australia lets eligible international students study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. To qualify for the Student Visa 500 you typically need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), evidence of funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), English language evidence where required, and to satisfy the current genuine student criteria. The visa length generally matches your course(s) and may allow multiple entry.

Official resources:
Student visa (subclass 500) •
CRICOS course search •
OSHC overview

New to our site? Explore the Visa Information Hub, compare visitor options at Visitor Visa 600, or see our guide to Visa Appeals Australia if you’ve had a refusal.

Student Visa 500 Australia: Who it’s for

• Higher Education – bachelor, graduate entry programs, coursework masters.
• VET – certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas.
• ELICOS – intensive English study (stand-alone or packaged).
• Schools – primary/secondary (with welfare arrangements if under 18).
• Postgraduate Research – research masters and PhD.
• Non-award – foundation/bridging or non-AQF study.
• Foreign Affairs/Defence – sponsored students.

Student Visa 500 Requirements

• CoE for each CRICOS-listed course (add all packaged courses).
• Genuine student intent to study and comply with visa conditions.
• Financial capacity to cover travel, tuition and living costs (and family if included).
• English language evidence where required by sector/provider or country settings.
• OSHC for the entire visa period (partner/children covered if included).
• Health & character – health exam/biometrics/police checks may be requested.

Student Visa 500 Documents Checklist

• Identity & travel: passport, photos, travel history.
• CoE(s) and packaged course plan if applicable.
• OSHC policy certificate for the full period.
• Funds: bank statements, loan letters, sponsor income/employment, scholarship letters.
• English: test results or exemption evidence.
• Genuine student statement: study purpose, academic background, ties, future plans.
• Welfare arrangements (CAA/CAAW) and parental consent if under 18.

How to Apply for the Student Visa 500

1. Receive your CoE(s) from a CRICOS-registered provider.
2. Arrange OSHC to cover the full intended visa period.
3. Create/Log in to ImmiAccount and start the Student Visa 500 application.
4. Upload evidence for English, funds, identity, OSHC and the genuine student requirement.
5. Pay the visa charge; complete biometrics/health if asked; monitor ImmiAccount for requests and your decision.

Work Conditions on a Student Visa 500

Work rights apply but are limited and may vary by sector and policy settings—your grant letter explains the exact conditions. Always maintain enrolment, attendance and academic progress. If family members are included, their work rights are also listed on the grant notice.

Costs & Processing Times for the Student Visa 500

Government charges and timelines change over time and depend on your sector, country of passport, peak periods and the completeness of your file. Provide decision-ready documents and respond quickly to any requests to help avoid delays.

When to get professional help

You may benefit from advice if you have limited travel/education history, prior refusals or cancellations, complex funding, packaged courses with tight dates, or you’re unsure how to address the Student Visa 500 genuine student requirement. A structured submission that clearly maps evidence to requirements can make a real difference.

FAQs — Student Visa 500

How long is a Student Visa 500 valid?

Usually for the length of your course(s). Check your grant letter for exact dates and entries allowed.

Can I work on a Student Visa 500?

Yes, within the limits on your visa grant notice. Breaching work limits or study obligations can affect your visa.

Can my partner or children come with me?

Many applicants can include a partner and dependent children. Additional evidence and OSHC are required for family members.

What if I want to change course or provider?

Follow the correct process before changing provider or course level and keep your CoE and OSHC valid. Update ImmiAccount if details change.

Note: Requirements, fees and policy settings can change. Always read the latest official guidance and your visa grant letter.