Subclass 500

🎓 Student Visa

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) lets you study full-time at an Australian institution. Whether you are pursuing a degree, diploma, or VET course, we manage your entire application — from CoE to visa grant.

Benefits

What This Visa Gives You

A student visa is more than just permission to study — it opens up work, family, and post-study pathways.

🎓

Study Full-Time

Enrol in any CRICOS-registered course at an Australian institution.

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Work While Studying

Up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, unlimited during holidays.

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Bring Family

Your spouse and dependent children can join you on the same visa.

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Post-Study Pathways

Direct route to the 485 Graduate Visa, then permanent residency.

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Health Cover

OSHC gives you medical coverage throughout your stay.

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Course Flexibility

Change courses or providers under defined conditions while keeping your visa.

Weighing It Up

Pros and Cons

A balanced view of what this visa offers and where its limits lie.

Advantages

  • Live in Australia for the full duration of your course
  • Work part-time during semester, full-time during holidays
  • Spouse and dependent children can join you and work / study
  • Clear pathway to the 485 Graduate Visa after graduation
  • Access to a world-class education system at any CRICOS-registered provider

! Things to Consider

  • GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement is the #1 refusal reason
  • Tuition fees can be substantial — international rates apply
  • Work hours capped at 48 per fortnight while studying
  • Visa is tied to enrolment — dropping out or failing puts your visa at risk
  • Strict course attendance and progress requirements
  • Dependants need separate financial evidence and OSHC cover
Pathway

From Student to Permanent Resident

Australia rewards international graduates with clear pathways to long-term stay.

Most Common Pathway
500 Student Visa
485 Graduate Visa
189/190/482 PR or Sponsored

Many students stay on after graduation through the 485 Graduate Visa, then transition to skilled or employer-sponsored permanent residency.

Eligibility

Core Requirements

Most applicants must satisfy these criteria. Some streams have additional requirements that we will assess in your consultation.

  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
  • English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
  • Sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration
  • Health and character requirements
Book Consultation

Quick Facts

The most important details about studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 visa.

Stay = course duration 48 hrs / fortnight work Family included Pathway to 485 CRICOS provider required
GTE statement matters most. Most refusals come from a weak Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. We help you write one that holds up to scrutiny.
FAQ

Common Questions

The questions we hear most often. Need more detail? Book a consultation.

Can I work full-time on a Student Visa?

Not during your study term. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Postgraduate research students have unlimited work rights once their course begins.

How much money do I need to show for the visa?

Current Department guidelines require evidence of approximately AUD 29,710 per year for living costs (12 months), plus tuition and travel. Additional funds are required for each accompanying family member. We assess your specific situation in the consultation.

Can my spouse and children come with me?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. Your spouse can work full-time if you are studying a Master's or Doctoral course; otherwise they are restricted to 48 hours per fortnight.

What happens if I change my course?

You may continue on your existing visa if your new course is at the same level (AQF) or higher in the same field. Switching to a lower-level course usually requires a new visa application.

Can I stay in Australia after my course finishes?

Yes — the most common pathway is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, which lets you stay 2–4 years to gain work experience. From there, many graduates progress to skilled migration.

What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement?

A written statement explaining why you are choosing to study in Australia, your circumstances in your home country, and your intentions after the course. It is the most scrutinised part of your application — we draft this with you carefully.

Process

Our Three-Step Approach

From your first call to visa grant, you have a registered migration agent guiding every step.

01
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Initial Consultation

We assess your situation, identify the right pathway, and flag any risks before you commit. 100% refundable if you proceed with us.

02
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Strategy & Preparation

We build your migration strategy, gather documentation, and prepare a strong, decision-ready application.

03

Lodgement & Grant

We lodge your application, manage all Department correspondence, and support you through to visa grant.

Start Today

Your Australian
Dream Awaits

Book a consultation with our registered migration agents. 100% refundable when you proceed with us — so you can be confident in your investment.