Student Visa Guide Australia 2026: Subclass 500 Step-by-Step

To study in Australia in 2026, most international students need a Subclass 500 student visa. The visa application charge is AUD$710, you must demonstrate access to at least AUD$24,505 per year for living costs (plus tuition and school-age dependant costs if applicable), hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your stay, satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, and meet English language proficiency standards. Processing times range from 4 to 9 weeks for most nationalities, and the visa grants you the right to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. After graduation, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to remain and work in Australia for two to four years depending on their qualification level. This guide covers every step from eligibility assessment to landing in Australia.

Who Needs an Australian Student Visa?

Australia requires virtually all international students enrolled in a registered full-time course to hold a Subclass 500 visa. Unlike some countries that exempt certain nationalities from student visa requirements, Australia applies the same visa framework to all non-citizens (with narrow exceptions for New Zealand citizens, who study under different arrangements). Understanding the categories below helps you plan your timeline and document preparation correctly.

New Zealand citizens are the sole major exception. Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand passport holders can live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely on a Special Category visa (Subclass 444) granted automatically on arrival. They do not need a Subclass 500 visa. However, New Zealanders should be aware that their access to certain government benefits and student loan schemes may differ from Australian citizens, so checking eligibility for programs like FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP is important.

All other international students studying a CRICOS-registered course of any duration must apply for and hold a valid Subclass 500 visa before commencing their studies. This applies regardless of nationality — whether you are from the United Kingdom, India, China, the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Germany, or any other country. Short courses, semester exchanges, full degree programs, vocational training (VET), English language intensive courses (ELICOS), and postgraduate research degrees all fall under the Subclass 500 umbrella.

Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) is a related but separate visa for parents or guardians who wish to accompany a student under 18 years of age to Australia. If you are bringing a child to study in Australia and plan to stay with them, you will need your own Subclass 590 visa rather than being added to the student's Subclass 500 application.

Category	Visa Required?	Which Visa?	Work Rights
Australian citizens	No	N/A	Unrestricted
New Zealand citizens	No (automatic Subclass 444)	Special Category Visa	Unrestricted
All other nationalities (full-time CRICOS course)	Yes	Subclass 500	48 hrs/fortnight during term
Short-term training or observer programs	Depends on duration and type	May use Visitor visa or Training visa	Varies

Key Requirements at a Glance

Before diving into each requirement in detail, here is a summary of everything you need to have ready for your Subclass 500 application in 2026. Each item is discussed at length in the sections that follow.

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
• Genuine Student (GS) requirement — a written statement and supporting evidence
• Financial capacity — AUD$24,505/year living costs + tuition + travel + dependant costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full visa duration
• English language proficiency — IELTS 5.5+ overall (or equivalent) for most courses
• Character and health requirements — police clearances and medical examination
• Visa application charge — AUD$710 (base rate for primary applicant)

The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

The Genuine Student requirement replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion on 23 March 2024. This is one of the most critical components of your application, because it is the main tool the Department of Home Affairs uses to assess whether your primary motivation for coming to Australia is genuine study rather than using a student visa as a pathway to work or permanent residency.

Under the GS requirement, you must provide a written statement of no more than 300 words addressing four key areas:

1. Your current circumstances — your ties to your home country, family situation, employment history, and reasons for not studying in your home country or a closer destination
2. Your course and institution — why you chose this specific course at this specific institution, how it connects to your previous education, and what you know about the course content and structure
3. Your intended stay in Australia — how the course fits your broader life plans, your understanding of living conditions in Australia, and your plans during and after the course
4. The value of the course to your future — how the qualification will benefit your career or further study, particularly in your home country or region

The Department assesses your statement alongside your entire application — your academic history, employment record, financial situation, immigration history, and the risk profile of your education provider and nationality. There is no pass/fail score; rather, the case officer makes a holistic judgment. Common red flags include significant gaps between your current qualifications and the proposed course level (e.g., a master's graduate applying for a diploma), choosing a course unrelated to any previous study or work experience, and having a history of visa refusals or overstays in Australia or other countries.

Tip: Be specific and honest. Vague statements like "Australia has good universities" will not help. Instead, name the exact program, explain how you researched it, reference specific subjects or professors, and connect it clearly to a career path in your home country. The more concrete and verifiable your statement, the stronger your application.

Financial Requirements in Detail

Australia's financial requirements for the Subclass 500 visa are among the most detailed in the world. The Department of Home Affairs wants assurance that you can support yourself (and any family members) without relying on work income, which is considered supplementary rather than primary funding.

As of 2026, the annual living cost amount set by the Department is AUD$24,505. This figure is reviewed annually and has increased significantly in recent years (it was AUD$21,041 as recently as 2023). On top of living costs, you must demonstrate funds for:

Component	Amount (AUD)	Notes
Annual living costs (student)	$24,505/year	Mandatory for all applicants
Annual living costs (partner/spouse)	$8,574/year	If accompanying
Annual living costs (child dependant)	$3,670/year	Per child, if accompanying
School-age dependant schooling costs	$8,000+/year	Per school-age child (varies by state)
Tuition fees	As stated on CoE	First year or 12 months of fees
Return airfare	~$2,000–3,000	Approximate, based on home country

You can demonstrate financial capacity through several means: personal bank statements showing sufficient funds held for at least the previous three months, a loan approval letter from a financial institution, evidence of a scholarship (including a letter specifying the amount and what it covers), a government-sponsored student declaration, or a combination of these. If relying on a parent or spouse's funds, you need to provide their bank statements plus evidence of the relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate).

For a single student with first-year tuition of AUD$35,000, the total financial proof needed would be approximately: $35,000 (tuition) + $24,505 (living costs) + $2,500 (airfare) = AUD$62,005. This is a substantial sum, and gathering the evidence early is essential. Banks in some countries issue statements slowly, and you may need certified translations if the documents are not in English.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Every Subclass 500 visa holder must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their visa. OSHC is a specific type of health insurance designed for international students in Australia. It covers visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals. It does not cover dental, optical, or pre-existing conditions (though some providers offer extras cover at additional cost).

Five providers are approved by the Australian Government to offer OSHC:

• Allianz Care Australia (formerly Oshc Worldcare)
• BUPA Australia
• Medibank
• NIB
• Australian Health Management (AHM)

Prices vary by provider and duration but typically range from AUD$500 to $700 per year for a single student. Many universities have preferred OSHC providers and may include the cost in your offer package or provide a discounted rate. You can purchase OSHC independently or through your institution. The key requirement is that your policy must cover you from the date your visa starts (or your arrival in Australia, whichever is earlier) until the end of your visa.

OSHC is separate from Australia's public Medicare system. As an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are generally not eligible for Medicare unless you hold a passport from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement (Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). Even students from these countries typically still need OSHC to satisfy visa requirements, though they may have additional Medicare benefits.

English Language Requirements

You must demonstrate English proficiency to obtain a Subclass 500 visa. The minimum score depends on the type of course you are enrolling in. The Department of Home Affairs accepts results from several standardized tests, and your education provider may have higher requirements than the visa minimums.

Test	Minimum for Visa (General)	Typical University Requirement	Validity
IELTS Academic	5.5 overall (no band < 5.0)	6.0–7.0 overall	2 years
TOEFL iBT	46 overall	60–100+	2 years
PTE Academic	42 overall	50–65+	2 years
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)	162 overall	169–185+	No expiry (institution policy varies)
OET	B (for health courses)	B	2 years

You may be exempt from English testing if you are a citizen of and hold a passport from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland; if you completed at least five years of study in English in one of these countries or Australia; or if your education provider has issued a CoE confirming they are satisfied with your English level through their own assessment. Always check with both the Department of Home Affairs and your specific institution, as their requirements may differ.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The Subclass 500 visa is applied for online through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal. There is no paper application option. Here is the process from start to finish:

Step 1: Secure Your Offer and CoE

Apply to a CRICOS-registered institution. Once you accept your offer and pay any required deposit, the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The CoE is an electronic document with a unique identifier that links directly to the Department of Home Affairs' systems. You cannot submit a visa application without at least one valid CoE. If you are doing a packaged course (e.g., English language program followed by a degree), you will receive multiple CoEs.

Step 2: Arrange OSHC

Purchase your Overseas Student Health Cover before or during your visa application. You will need the OSHC policy number or confirmation for your application. Many institutions arrange this on your behalf.

Step 3: Prepare Your GS Statement

Write your Genuine Student statement (maximum 300 words). Have it reviewed by someone familiar with Australian immigration expectations. Be specific, factual, and connected to your career goals.

Step 4: Gather Financial Evidence

Compile bank statements, scholarship letters, loan approvals, or sponsor declarations. Ensure all amounts are clearly shown in AUD or readily convertible, and that funds have been held for at least three months. If documents are not in English, arrange certified translations.

Step 5: Obtain Health and Character Clearances

You will likely need a medical examination conducted by a Bupa Medical Visa Services (BVMS) panel physician in your country. You may also need police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. These can take weeks to obtain, so start early. The medical examination is typically arranged through the eMedical system after you submit your visa application, but many applicants complete it beforehand using the "My Health Declarations" feature in ImmiAccount.

Step 6: Create an ImmiAccount and Lodge Your Application

Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, create an ImmiAccount (or log in), and select "New Application > Student > Student Visa (500)." Fill in all sections, upload your documents, write or paste your GS statement, and pay the AUD$710 visa application charge by credit card or debit card. After submission, you receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track your application.

Step 7: Attend Biometrics (If Required)

Applicants from certain countries are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC). You will be notified after lodging your application if this applies to you. Attend the appointment within 14 days of the request.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary significantly by nationality and individual circumstances. As of early 2026, the Department publishes the following indicative timeframes:

Processing Measure	Timeframe
25% of applications processed within	7 days
50% of applications processed within	29 days
75% of applications processed within	42 days
90% of applications processed within	56 days

Applications from lower-risk countries with complete documentation are often processed within two to four weeks. Applications from higher-risk countries, or those requiring additional checks, can take up to three months. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your visa grant.

Step 9: Receive Your Visa Grant

Australia issues electronic visas — there is no sticker or stamp in your passport. You will receive a Visa Grant Notification letter by email, which includes your visa grant number, conditions, and the dates of your visa validity. Print this letter and carry it with you when you travel, although airlines and border officials can verify your visa electronically using your passport number.

Visa Application Charge (VAC) and Additional Costs

The base visa application charge for a Subclass 500 visa in 2026 is AUD$710 for the primary applicant. Additional costs include:

Fee Component	Amount (AUD)
Primary applicant VAC	$710
Additional applicant (18+)	$530
Additional applicant (under 18)	$175
Medical examination	$300–500 (varies by country)
Police clearance certificates	$0–100 (varies by country)
IELTS/PTE test fee	$300–420
Biometrics fee	Included in VAC

The VAC is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. If you are applying from within Australia (e.g., switching from a visitor visa), an additional Subsequent Temporary Application Charge may apply. Always check the Department of Home Affairs' Schedule of Fees for the most current amounts.

Work Rights on a Subclass 500 Visa

One of the most attractive features of studying in Australia is the generous work rights attached to the Subclass 500 visa. As of 2026, the rules are:

• During term: You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight (a rolling two-week period). This replaced the previous 40-hour limit in July 2023 and was made permanent in 2024.
• During scheduled course breaks: There is no limit on the hours you can work. Course breaks are the official holiday periods between study periods as defined by your institution.
• Volunteering and unpaid work: Unpaid work and volunteering count toward your 48-hour fortnight limit during term. Be careful with unpaid internships.
• Work start date: You cannot commence work until your course has started. If you arrive before your course begins, you must wait until the official start date.
• Your dependants: Partners on a Subclass 500 secondary visa can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Previously, dependants of students in higher education could work unlimited hours, but this was restricted in 2024.

Typical student jobs include hospitality, retail, tutoring, campus roles, and freelance work. Minimum wage in Australia is AUD$24.10 per hour as of July 2025, which is among the highest in the world. At 24 hours per week, you could earn approximately AUD$578/week or AUD$30,000/year before tax — a significant contribution to your living costs. For more details on employment options and earnings, see our work and career guide for Australia.

Visa Conditions You Must Follow

Your Subclass 500 visa comes with several mandatory conditions. Breaching any of them can result in visa cancellation, a ban on future Australian visas, or both. The most important conditions are:

• Condition 8105 (Work limitation): You must not work more than 48 hours per fortnight during scheduled course periods.
• Condition 8202 (Course requirements): You must remain enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain satisfactory attendance, and make satisfactory academic progress. If you fail subjects repeatedly or your attendance drops below the required level (typically 80%), your institution may report you to the Department, which can result in visa cancellation.
• Condition 8501 (Health insurance): You must maintain OSHC at all times. Do not let your policy lapse, even briefly.
• Condition 8516 (Continued eligibility): You must continue to meet the requirements on which your visa was granted, including financial capacity.
• Condition 8533 (Address notification): You must notify your education provider of your Australian residential address within seven days of arriving and within seven days of any change of address.

After Graduation: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Australia offers one of the world's most generous post-study work visas. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows graduates to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. There are two streams:

Graduate Work stream: For graduates whose qualification is closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Valid for 18 months.

Post-Study Work stream: For graduates with a higher education degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) from an Australian institution. Validity depends on your qualification:

Qualification	Visa Duration
Bachelor's degree	2 years
Master's by coursework	3 years
Master's by research	3 years
Doctoral degree (PhD)	4 years

Graduates who study and work in regional Australia may be eligible for additional years. The Subclass 485 visa grants full, unrestricted work rights — you can work for any employer, in any field, for unlimited hours. This makes it an excellent bridge to permanent residency pathways such as employer-sponsored visas, skilled independent visas, or state-nominated visas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Having reviewed thousands of student visa applications, immigration professionals consistently identify the same pitfalls. Avoid these and you dramatically improve your chances of a smooth approval:

1. Submitting a vague GS statement: Generic motivations like "Australia is a good country" are insufficient. Be specific about your course, institution, and career plan.
2. Insufficient financial evidence: Funds must be held for at least three months. Last-minute deposits raise red flags. If using a sponsor, include a statutory declaration explaining the relationship and commitment.
3. Gaps in OSHC coverage: Your OSHC must cover the entire visa duration. If your visa is granted for a period longer than your initial OSHC policy, extend it immediately.
4. Ignoring the course-qualification logic: Enrolling in a lower-level course than your existing qualifications (e.g., applying for a diploma after completing a master's degree) is a major red flag unless you can clearly justify the decision.
5. Applying too late: Start the process at least three to four months before your course start date. Medical examinations, police clearances, and processing times can all cause delays.
6. Not disclosing immigration history: If you have been refused a visa for any country, you must declare it. Failure to disclose is grounds for refusal and potentially a ban.
7. Providing false documents: Document fraud is taken extremely seriously. If the Department detects fraudulent documents, your application will be refused and you may receive a 10-year ban from applying for any Australian visa.

Australia vs. Other Study Destinations: Visa Comparison

How does Australia's student visa stack up against other major study destinations? Here is a quick comparison to help you weigh your options:

Feature	Australia (Subclass 500)	UK (Student Route)	Germany (Student Visa)	Canada (Study Permit)
Visa fee	AUD$710 (~$460 USD)	£490 (~$620 USD) + IHS	€75 (~$80 USD)	CAD$150 (~$110 USD)
Work rights (term)	48 hrs/fortnight	20 hrs/week	140 full days/year	20 hrs/week
Financial proof	AUD$24,505/yr living	£1,334/mo (London)	€11,904/yr	CAD$20,635/yr
Processing time	4–9 weeks	~3 weeks	6–12 weeks	8–16 weeks
Post-study work visa	2–4 years	2 years	18 months	1–3 years

Australia's higher visa fee is offset by its generous work rights and the long post-study work visa. For more on studying in Australia, explore our comprehensive study in Australia guide, including detailed pages on costs and funding, visa and arrival, and programs and universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Australian student visa cost in 2026?

The Subclass 500 visa application charge is AUD$710 for the primary applicant. Additional applicants aged 18 and over pay AUD$530, and those under 18 pay AUD$175. You should also budget for medical examination costs (AUD$300–500), police clearances, English test fees, and OSHC.

How long does it take to process an Australian student visa?

Processing times vary by nationality and completeness of your application. As of 2026, approximately 50% of applications are processed within 29 days and 90% within 56 days. Applications with complete documentation from lower-risk countries are often processed within two to three weeks.

Can I work while studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 visa?

Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work cannot commence until your course officially starts. Australia's minimum wage is AUD$24.10/hour, making part-time work a viable way to cover living expenses.

What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

The GS requirement is a written statement (maximum 300 words) and supporting evidence demonstrating that your primary purpose for coming to Australia is genuine study. It replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test in March 2024. You must explain your circumstances, why you chose the course and institution, and how the qualification benefits your career.

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

You must demonstrate AUD$24,505 per year for living costs, plus your full first-year tuition fees, return airfare costs, and any dependant living costs. For a single student with AUD$35,000 tuition, the total is approximately AUD$62,000. Funds must have been held for at least three months.

Do I need OSHC for my Australian student visa?

Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all Subclass 500 visa holders for the full duration of their visa. OSHC costs approximately AUD$500–700 per year for a single student and is available from five approved providers: Allianz, BUPA, Medibank, NIB, and AHM.

What happens after my course finishes? Can I stay in Australia?

Graduates from eligible Australian institutions can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia for two to four years depending on your qualification level. The Subclass 485 grants full, unrestricted work rights and serves as a pathway to permanent residency.

Can my family come with me on an Australian student visa?

Yes. You can include your partner/spouse and dependent children in your Subclass 500 application. Each additional applicant has their own visa fee, and you must demonstrate additional financial capacity (AUD$8,574/year for a partner, AUD$3,670/year per child). Dependants over 18 can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight.

What English test scores do I need for the Australian student visa?

The minimum visa requirement is IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) or equivalent. However, most universities require IELTS 6.0–7.0 or higher. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are generally exempt from English testing. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced are also accepted.

Can I extend my student visa if my course takes longer?

Yes. If your course duration extends beyond your current visa validity (e.g., due to failed subjects or a change of course), you can apply for a new Subclass 500 visa from within Australia. You will need a new CoE reflecting the extended duration and must pay the visa application charge again. Ensure you apply before your current visa expires to maintain lawful status.