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500 — Student Visa (Subclass 500)
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
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500 — Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Study PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

AUD $2,500

Stay Duration

Up to 6 years (in line with enrolment)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

The Australian Student visa (Subclass 500) lets international students study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution, from English language and vocational courses to postgraduate degrees. Applicants need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. No annual cap applies.

Stay duration matches enrolment, up to 6 years. Holders may work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during official course breaks; PhD and Masters by research students are exempt. Dependents can join on a secondary Subclass 500 with restricted work rights. OSHC is compulsory throughout.

This visa is ideal for international students with a CoE who want a work-permitted study pathway and a route to the Subclass 485 post-study work visa.

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Annual Cap & Quota

No fixed annual cap

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

485 — Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
Australia flagAustralia

485 — Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)

Validity18 months
Processing6 days – 5 months
View Visa Details
189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
Australia flagAustralia

189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing3 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details
190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Australia flagAustralia

190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)

ValidityIndefinite
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Australia flagAustralia

491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Validity5 years
Processing3 months – 2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Be at least 6 years of age.

Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered institution.

Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, demonstrating a genuine intent to study.

Have adequate health insurance through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Provide evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living, and travel costs.

Meet English language proficiency requirements.

Meet health and character requirements.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

29,710 AUD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian education provider.

Evidence of OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover).

Evidence of financial capacity (bank statements, loan documents, or scholarship letters).

English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).

Academic transcripts and certificates from previous studies.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) addressing the Genuine Student requirement.

Parental consent forms (for applicants under 18).

Health and character documentation (e.g., police checks, medical exams).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work 48hrs/fortnight
  • Post-study 485 visa
  • Path to skilled migration

Worth Knowing

  • Must maintain enrollment
  • GTE requirement

Application Process

1

Create ImmiAccount

Register on the immigration portal

2

Complete application form

Fill in visa application online

3

Upload documents

Submit passport, photos, proof of funds, and relevant documents

4

Pay visa fee

Pay AUD 2,500 application fee

5

Await decision

Monitor application status in ImmiAccount

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Online application—

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