The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to undertake full-time education and training in Australia.
This visa enables the student to stay in Australia for the duration of their enrolled course.
Before lodging a Student visa application, the student must:
- be enrolled (or in some cases have a letter of offer) with an Australian education provider, and
- obtain written confirmation of enrolment.
Key Features
With this visa, the student can:
- study full-time in Australia
- stay in Australia for the length of the course
- travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- work limited hours while the course is in session
- bring eligible family members (dependants), in some cases
Immigration Risk Assessment
The exact requirements for this visa depend on the level of risk assigned to the application (Immigration Risk).
This is based on a combined assessment of:
- the risk rating of the education provider, and
- the student’s passport nationality.
Eligibility Requirements (Minimum)
As the visa applicant, you must:
- enrol with an Australian education provider as a full-time student
- obtain written confirmation of enrolment (CoE)
- genuinely intend to complete the relevant period of study in Australia
- meet the required English language proficiency level (unless exempt)
- have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of stay
- have access to sufficient funds to cover:
- return airfares
- tuition fees
- cost of living in Australia
- costs for any dependants included in the application
⚠️ Predominantly online courses are not eligible.
Student Visa English Requirement Increase (From 23 March 2024)
For applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, Student visa (subclass 500) English requirements increased:
- IELTS minimum increased from 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent)
- IELTS minimum for packaged ELICOS increased from 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent)
- Students undertaking recognised university foundation/pathway programs require IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent)
- For students studying English only through ELICOS, there is no change
English Language Test Scores Table
The English test must have been taken no more than 2 years before applying.
| English test provider | Minimum score | Minimum score with at least 10 weeks ELICOS | Minimum score with at least 20 weeks ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 46 | 35 | 32 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced | 162 | 154 | 147 |
| PTE Academic | 42 | 36 | 30 |
| Occupational English Test | B for each component | N/A | N/A |
Financial Capacity (Funds Requirement)
You must have enough money that is genuinely available to pay for:
- course fees
- travel costs
- living costs for you and your accompanying family members
The exact amount is set by the Department of Home Affairs and depends on:
- your education provider
- your course of study
- your personal circumstances
How you can show financial capacity
If required, you may demonstrate financial capacity using one of the following:
- evidence of funds to cover travel to Australia and 12 months’ living, course, and schooling costs
- evidence that you meet the annual income requirement
- an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form (secondary exchange students only)
- a letter of support from:
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or
- Department of Defence
Subsequent entrants
Family members applying later (after the primary applicant has received their visa) must also provide financial evidence using one of the approved options above.
Packaged Courses
You can apply to undertake two or more courses on a Student visa (subclass 500) where there is clear progression from one course to another.
This is known as course packaging.
You must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), or prove a CoE is not required, for each course.
The final course in the package is your main (principal) course, and this determines:
- financial evidence requirements
- English evidence requirements
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
As part of the Student visa application, the Department assesses whether the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily (GTE).
Evidence may include:
- statement of purpose
- evidence of economic circumstances in the home country (very important)
- ties to the home country (financial and personal ties)
- list of family members and other social ties
- evidence of past study
- work experience evidence for at least the previous 12 months
- evidence of an offer of employment upon return
- tax returns or financial statements
- letter from employer (or statement from applicant) showing the need for improved skills
- evidence supporting a professional or academic reason for a new career direction
Application Process
Step 1: Enrolment
You must first be enrolled in a full-time course and obtain a CoE from the education provider.
Step 2: Visa lodgement
The visa application is then lodged with the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA), including all required supporting documents.
Step 3: Department assessment
The Department assesses:
- enrolment details
- financial capacity
- English language evidence
- health requirements
- character requirements
- GTE requirement
Work Conditions on a Student Visa
While studying, you must:
- work no more than 40 hours per fortnight while the course is in session
- only start work after your course has commenced (for the initial visa)
Different work provisions apply for:
- higher education research Masters courses
- Doctoral level courses
When work can be unlimited
Course is “out of session”
You can work unlimited hours if your course is considered out of session, such as during scheduled breaks or after finishing the course as scheduled.
Masters by research or doctorate
If you have commenced a masters by research or doctorate course, you may work unlimited hours.
Approved deferral
You can work over 40 hours per fortnight if your course has been deferred.
Studying online
You cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight while the course is in session, even if studying online.
A course is considered “in session” during advertised semesters, including exam periods.
Special exemptions
New provisions may apply for some students, including those:
- enrolled in nursing
- employed by select supermarkets
COVID-19 and Student Visas
Travel restrictions
All visa holders must be aware of current travel restrictions.
Extending student visas
Student visas cannot be extended.
You must apply for a new visa if:
- you cannot return home and your visa is expiring
- you need more time in Australia to complete your course
It is recommended to apply for a new Student visa around 6 weeks before the current visa expires.
If your study is ending, you may apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) before your Student visa expires.
Australian Study Requirements (Mode of Study)
The Department of Home Affairs does not regulate mode of study requirements.
You should contact your education provider.
For flexible delivery, refer to:
- Joint TEQSA and ASQA statements
- National Code requirements for affected tertiary students
