Studying in Australia offers access to world-class education, valuable international experience and potential future career opportunities. However, holding an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) comes with important responsibilities.

Understanding your visa conditions is essential to maintaining your lawful status in Australia and avoiding complications that may affect your studies or future visa applications.

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows eligible international students to undertake full-time study in Australia for the duration of their enrolled course, generally for up to five years, provided they continue to meet all visa requirements and conditions.

This guide explains the key eligibility requirements, financial requirements, visa conditions and obligations that every international student should understand.

Key Takeaways

• The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows eligible international students to study full-time in Australia.

• Students must remain enrolled, maintain satisfactory course progress and comply with all visa conditions.

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be maintained for the entire duration of the visa.

• Students must keep their contact details updated with their education provider.

• Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine students and have access to sufficient financial resources.

• If additional time is required to complete studies, students usually need to apply for a new Student Visa before their current visa expires.

Overview of the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to:

• Study full-time in a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)

• Remain in Australia for the duration of their studies

• Travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid

• Include eligible family members in their application

• Work within the permitted work limitations

• Apply for certain further visas in Australia if eligible

Types of Study Covered

The Student Visa covers a broad range of educational sectors, including:

• Higher Education (Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programs)

• Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)

• Secondary School programs

• Postgraduate Research programs

• Foundation and pathway courses

• Non-award and exchange programs

Duration of Stay

The length of the visa generally corresponds to the duration of the course.

Examples include:

• Courses lasting less than 10 months: the visa is generally granted until one month after course completion.

• Courses lasting longer than 10 months and finishing between January and October: the visa is generally granted until 15 March of the following year.

• Postgraduate research students may receive additional time after course completion.

The exact visa period is determined by the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Enrolment in a Registered Course

Applicants must:

• Receive an offer from an Australian education provider

• Obtain a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

• Enrol in a CRICOS-registered course

2. Genuine Student Requirement

Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

The Department of Home Affairs assesses whether the applicant genuinely intends to study in Australia and whether the proposed course is consistent with their:

• Previous education and employment history

• Future career objectives

• Circumstances in their home country

• Reasons for choosing Australia and their education provider

• Understanding of the obligations associated with studying in Australia

The Department assesses the applicant’s overall circumstances and may request further information if necessary.

3. English Language Requirements

Applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests such as:

• IELTS

• PTE Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• Cambridge English

• Occupational English Test (OET)

Minimum score requirements vary depending on the education provider and course.

4. Financial Capacity Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they have access to sufficient funds to cover:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses in Australia

• Travel costs

• Expenses for accompanying family members

As at 2026, the Department generally requires evidence of access to:

• Student living costs: AUD $29,710 per year

• Partner or spouse: AUD $10,394 per year

• Dependent child: AUD $4,449 per year

• Annual school costs for each school-aged child: AUD $13,502

• Return travel costs

The Department may request documentary evidence of funds and will consider the applicant’s individual circumstances.

Acceptable Financial Evidence

Financial evidence may include:

• Money deposits with financial institutions

• Loans from recognised financial institutions

• Government loans or sponsorships

• Scholarships or financial assistance

• Evidence of regular income from parents, spouses or other eligible sponsors

Documentation may include:

• Bank statements

• Loan approval documents

• Scholarship letters

• Employment and income documentation

• Tax assessments and financial records

Who Can Financially Support a Student Visa Applicant?

Financial support may generally come from:

• The applicant

• A spouse or de facto partner

• Parents

• Grandparents

• An eligible government sponsor

• An education provider

• An international organisation or scholarship provider

The Department may request evidence demonstrating that the sponsor genuinely has access to the funds and is willing and able to financially support the applicant.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All Student Visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.

OSHC generally assists with:

• Medical consultations

• Hospital treatment

• Prescription medicines

• Emergency medical services

Failure to maintain adequate health insurance may result in a visa breach.

6. Health Requirements

Applicants may be required to undergo medical examinations to demonstrate that they:

• Do not pose a public health risk; and

• Are unlikely to create significant costs to Australia’s healthcare system.

7. Character Requirements

Applicants aged 16 years and over may be required to provide:

• Police clearance certificates

• Character declarations

• Information regarding previous visa refusals, cancellations or criminal matters

Student Visa Application Process

Step 1 – Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

A CoE confirms:

• Course details

• Duration of study

• Education provider information

• Commencement and completion dates

Step 2 – Prepare Supporting Documents

Documents may include:

• Passport

• Confirmation of Enrolment

• Financial evidence

• English test results

• OSHC documentation

• Identity documents

• Character documents

Step 3 – Lodge the Application

Applications are generally lodged online through ImmiAccount.

Applications may be lodged:

• Outside Australia; or

• In Australia, subject to individual circumstances and visa requirements.

Step 4 – Complete Health Examinations

Applicants may be requested to undergo health assessments through approved panel physicians.

Step 5 – Await Processing

Processing times vary depending on:

• Education sector

• Completeness of application

• Verification requirements

• Individual circumstances

Students should apply well before their intended commencement date.

Visa Application Charges (2026)

As at 2026, the Department’s Visa Application Charges are generally:

• Main applicant: AUD $2,500

• Additional applicant aged 18 years or over: AUD $1,225

• Additional applicant under 18 years: AUD $400

Additional charges may apply for health examinations, police clearances, biometrics and health insurance.

Visa charges are subject to change and should always be confirmed at the time of application.

Important Student Visa Conditions

Condition 8202 – Maintain Enrolment and Course Progress

Students must:

• Remain enrolled in a registered course

• Maintain satisfactory course progress

• Continue meeting attendance requirements where applicable

Condition 8105 – Work Limitations

Students can generally:

• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods

• Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks

Students must not commence work before their course begins.

Condition 8501 – Maintain Health Insurance

Students must maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover throughout their stay.

Condition 8533 – Notify Change of Address

Students must notify their education provider of changes to:

• Residential address

• Telephone number

• Email address

• Emergency contact details

These changes should generally be provided within seven days.

Dependants and Family Members

Eligible family members may be included in the initial application or apply later as subsequent entrants.

Eligible family members generally include:

• Spouse or de facto partner

• Dependent children

Family members must also satisfy relevant health and character requirements.

Consequences of Breaching Visa Conditions

Failure to comply with visa conditions may result in:

• Visa cancellation

• Becoming unlawful in Australia

• Loss of work rights

• Difficulties obtaining future visas

• Potential detention and removal from Australia

• Adverse impacts on future migration applications

Students should seek professional advice immediately if they believe they may have breached a visa condition.

Extending Your Stay

A Student Visa cannot simply be extended.

If additional study time is required, students generally need to:

• Obtain a new Confirmation of Enrolment.

• Continue meeting all visa requirements.

• Maintain adequate health insurance.

• Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.

• Lodge a new Student Visa application before their current visa expires.

A Bridging Visa may be granted while the new application is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while studying?

Yes. Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Eligible family members may be included in your application or apply later as subsequent entrants.

Can I change courses?

Yes. However, changing courses may affect your visa obligations and, in some cases, require a new visa application.

What happens if I fail subjects?

Failing subjects does not automatically result in visa cancellation. However, ongoing unsatisfactory academic progress may be reported by your education provider and could affect your visa status.

Can I stay in Australia after graduation?

Possibly. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for another visa, including the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) or another substantive visa.

How Can CJMigration Assist?

Navigating Australia’s student visa requirements can be complex, particularly when preparing financial evidence, addressing the Genuine Student requirement or managing changes to your studies.

At CJMigration, our Registered Migration Agents can assist with:

• Assessing your eligibility for a Student Visa

• Searching for a suitable education provider

• Processing the application for admission and OSHC

• Providing advice on Genuine Student requirements

• Reviewing financial evidence and sponsorship arrangements

• Preparing and lodging your visa application

• Advising on visa conditions and compliance obligations

• Assisting with dependent and subsequent entrant applications

• Advising on course changes, visa extensions and future migration pathways

• Representing you in complex matters and communicating with the Department of Home Affairs where appropriate

Professional migration advice can help minimise delays, reduce errors and provide peace of mind throughout your Australian study journey.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this guide is general information only and does not constitute legal advice or migration advice for your individual circumstances. Immigration legislation and policy can change at any time. You should seek personalised advice from a Registered Migration Agent before making decisions regarding your visa application or immigration status.

Information is current as of June 2026. Visa requirements, policy settings and government charges may change without notice.