Student Visa (Subclass 500) Guide
Student visa guide: eligibility, documents, costs & processing times.
This guide covers the key information you need to know about the subclass 500 visa, including eligibility requirements, required documents, visa costs, processing times and the application process. It also explains how Turner-Rowe Migration can assist you throughout your application.
After completing eligible studies in Australia, you may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which can allow you to live and work in Australia after your studies.
At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide professional advice and personalised guidance to help you understand your visa options and assess your circumstances, with support available in both English and Spanish.
Student visa overview:
What is the official visa name → Student visa (subclass 500)
Who can apply to this visa → Eligible international students intending to study in Australia
How long can you stay in Australia with this visa → Up to 6 years
Can applicants work under this visa → Yes, generally up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session
Can applicants study under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to study full-time anywhere in Australia
Can I include family members in the visa application → Yes, applicants can include eligible family members in their application
Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency → No, this visa does not lead to Permanent Residency
Are you eligible for a Student visa?
To be eligible, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
Be a certain age if applying as a school student
Be enrolled in a course of study and provide evidence of enrolment
Make appropriate welfare arrangements if under 18 years of age
Meet the English language requirements
Have adequate health insurance
Hold an appropriate visa if applying while in Australia
Have enough money to support your stay in Australia
Meet the Genuine Student requirement
Meet the character requirement
Meet the health requirement
Sign the Australian Values Statement
Have paid back any debt owed to the Australian Government
Not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused, where applicable
Meet the best interests of the child requirement, where applicable
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 500 Student visa eligibility page.
What documents do you need to apply?
The common documents required for a subclass 500 visa application include:
Identity documents
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Genuine Student documents
Evidence of English language proficiency
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Evidence that you are exempt from paying a visa application charge (VAC) (if applicable)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Polio vaccination certificate
Welfare arrangements and consent to grant a visa for students under 18 years of age
Partner documents (if applicable)
Dependants under 18 documents (if applicable)
Children 18 years and over documents (if applicable)
For detailed information on documents required, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 500 Student visa step by step page.
How much will the Student visa cost you?
The Student visa (subclass 500) application charge varies depending on the sector of study, the applicant's circumstances and whether additional applicants are included in the application.
Higher Education Sector and Vocational Education and Training Sector Cost:
Primary Applicant: $2,500 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: $1,530 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge U18: $500 AUD
Postgraduate Research Sector Cost
Primary Applicant: $2,500 AUD
Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector and Schools Sector Cost:
Primary Applicant: $0 AUD
ELICOS Sector Cost:
Primary Applicant: $2,050 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: $1,255 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge U18: $410 AUD
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: $700 AUD
Non-Award Sector Cost:
Primary Applicant: $2,050 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: $1,255 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge U18: $410 AUD
Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and any additional charges, such as our Registered Migration Agent Fees.
For detailed information on visa costs, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator page.
How do you apply for a Student visa?
The process generally includes the following steps:
Meet eligibility criteria
Gather your documents
Lodge the visa application
Attach more information (if asked)
Department of Home Affairs decision
Turner-Rowe Migration can support you at every stage of your application in English and Spanish.
For detailed information on how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 500 Student visa step by step page.
How long will you wait for the visa to be processed?
Higher Education Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 15 days
90% of applications are processed within 7 months
Vocational Education and Training Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 15 days
90% of applications are processed within 7 months
Independent ELICOS Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 6 days
90% of applications are processed within 62 days
Schools Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 22 days
90% of applications are processed within 7 months
Postgraduate Research Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 27 days
90% of applications are processed within 3 months
Non-Award Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within less than 1 day
90% of applications are processed within 21 days
Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 4 days
90% of applications are processed within 31 days
Processing times are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
For the latest information on Student visa (subclass 500) processing times, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times page.
What happens after your visa is lodged?
After your subclass 500 visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.
As part of our services, we provide ongoing post-lodgement support, including:
Responding to Department of Home Affairs requests
Keeping you informed of application updates
Providing guidance throughout the processing period
The final step is the Department's decision on your application.
How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?
Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:
Professional advice & personalised guidance
Understanding eligibility requirements
Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes
Improving the quality of your application
Preparing and lodging your visa application
Post-lodgement support & updates
Responding to department requests
Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application, our Registered Migration Agent provides migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support based on your goals and individual circumstances.
Ready to start your Student visa (subclass 500) application?
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is based on information published by the Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs. Australian visa requirements, policies, fees, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest and most accurate information, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant visa subclass requirements.