Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Who is Student Visa Subclass 500 suitable for?
Student Visa Subclass 500 is suitable for applicants who would like to study eligible courses in Australia. Student visas are available for all types of courses in Australia including primary, secondary, vocational studies, and higher education courses.
500 Main Eligibility
- Enrolled in a course of study – primarily full-time registered course.
- Be a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student
- May require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you are exempted
- Genuine access to funds to meet costs and expenses
- Adequate arrangements for health insurance
500 Main Conditions
- Must not work before the course of study commences
- Must not work for more than 40 hours a fortnight during the course of study is in session (unless the applicant is studying masters degree by research or doctoral degree and the course has commenced)
- Be enrolled in a full-time registered course
- Maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance
Did you know for 500?
- If you are studying a masters or doctoral degree, then your family members who you bring with you to Australia can work for more than 40 hours a fortnight.
- You must meet at least 80% attendance in your course of study, otherwise, you may be in breach of your visa condition.
Student Visa Subclass 500 Additional Information
Stay | Up to 5 years and in line with your enrolment |
Cost | AUD620 for primary applicant AUD460 for additional applicant over 18 years AUD150 for additional applicant under 18 years |
Processing Time | Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector: 75% of applications: 32 days 90% of applications: 75 days Postgraduate Research Sector: 75% of applications: 4 months 90% of applications: 8 months Independent ELICOS Sector: 75% of applications: 4 months 90% of applications: 6 months Schools Sector: 75% of applications: 5 months 90% of applications: 9 months Vocational Education and Training Sector: 75% of applications: 4 months 90% of applications: 5 months Higher Education Sector: 75% of applications: 72 days 90% of applications: 5 months Non-Award Sector: 75% of applications: 9 months 90% of applications: 10 months |
Health Requirement
You and your family members may be required to take a health examinations to meet the health requirement to show that you are free from any disease or condition that is:
- a significant healthcare and community service cost to the Australian community
- likely to limit the access of Australian citizens and permanent residents to healthcare and community services that are in short supply by placing demand on those services.
Your health examination will include the standard medical examination. Additional tests (such as TB Screen test, chest x-ray, and HIV test) will be required by different age groups. In some circumstances, you may be required to take additional tests such as: hepatitis B and C test, syphilis test, HIV test, and tests that address your specific health risks.
Character Requirement
You must be of good character and pass the character test. There are a number of circumstances where you may not pass the character test. For example, if you have a substantial criminal record. A substantial criminal record means if you have been:
- sentenced to death or imprisonment for life
- sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more
- sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment (even if served concurrently) where the total is 12 months or more
- found by a court to not be fit to plead in relation to an offence but found to have committed the offence and detained in a facility or institution
You may be required to obtain one or more documents to prove your character, such as: a police certificate, Form 80, character statutory declaration, military certificate, or a letter of good conduct from an employer.

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