If you’re a prospective international student looking to study in Australia, chances are that you came across this student visa type while visiting Australian universities’ websites. For those who aren’t familiar with it, here’s a quick rundown:

Table of contents

  • What is the subclass 500 student visa?

  • Subclass 500 student visa checklist

  • Eligibility criteria

  • Step-by-step guide for applying

  • Cost

  • Visa processing time

  • Who can I include in my student visa application

  • Health insurance requirements

  • Proof of English proficiency

  • How to extend your stay in Australia

  • What do in case of changes in your situation

  • Welfare arrangements for applicants under 18 years of age

  • Your student visa outcome

  • Can you work with a student subclass 500 visa?

  • Planning to study in Australia?

What is the subclass 500 student visa?

The subclass 500 student visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years to study full-time at one of the many educational institutions located there, in accordance with the terms of your enrolment.

This visa permits you to:

  • Enrol in an eligible study program

  • Include your family members such as your partner or you and your partner’s dependent child

  • Apply online in or outside Australia

  • Work for up to 40 hours every 2 weeks after the commencement of your study program

It’s understandable that the visa application process might be confusing for some, which is why our certified international education counsellors are eager to provide the guidance you need. Book a free consultation session by clicking the button below and continue reading to learn more.

Subclass 500 student visa checklist

In order to make sure that you’re on the right track regarding your subclass 500 visa application, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist that covers everything you need from top to bottom.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the subclass 500 student visa, the following conditions must be met:

  • You must be 6 years of age or older

  • Provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at a full-time course registered on the

    Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS

  • Show proof of your English proficiency

  • You and your family members must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider for the duration of your stay in Australia

  • If you’re under 18 years, you must provide evidence of adequate welfare arrangements while you are in Australia

  • Meet health and character requirements

  • Have enough funds for the length of your stay in Australia

Step-by-step guide for applying

  • Apply for your visa at least 6 weeks before your course begins if you’re living outside Australia.

  • If you’re in Australia, allow yourself plenty of time before your current visa expires in case of any unforeseen complications.

  • Apply for this visa online inside or outside of Australia.

  • Use the Document Checklist Too to organise and gather your documents. Make sure you have the most current list as the Document Checklist tool is updated twice every year on the 31st of March and the 30th of September.

  • Create and log in to your Immi Account, attach your documents, and pay the visa application fee.

Cost

The processing fee of the subclass 500 student visa is AUD 650 for the main applicant, unless exempt. It’s important to note that an additional charge will apply for every family member that is included in your visa application. Try using the Visa Pricing Estimator.

Visa processing time

Depending on the sector you’re applying for, the processing time of your subclass 500 student visa can slightly vary. Read through the visa processing time for different sectors for a closer look.

Who can I include in my student visa application?

You may include your family members in your application. As per the terms of the subclass 500 student visa, your family includes:

  • your partner

  • yours and your partner’s dependent child, only if they are under 18 years of age

You must declare all your family members in your visa application even if they don’t plan to travel with you to Australia. For more information, click here.

Health insurance requirements

It’s mandatory for you and the family members you’re travelling with to be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider for the complete duration of your stay in Australia.

To make things easy for you, we have compiled a list of trusted student health cover providers. This way, you can compare OSHC providers and get a quote instantly and make an informed decision.

Don’t forget to check the student visa grant periods to determine the length of coverage you require.

Proof of English proficiency

You may be required to provide proof of your English proficiency at any stage of the application process. Although there are a select number of tests you can take to achieve that, the IELTS test is the world’s most popular English-language proficiency test for work, study, and migration purposes.

Being the proud co-owner of IELTS, we can help you find test dates and register for your IELTS test at a test centre near you.

How to extend your stay in Australia

If you wish to continue studying in Australia after the completion of the course you enrolled in, you will be required to apply for a new Australian subclass 500 student visa. Feel free to book a free consultation appointment with one of our expert education counsellors to find out which visa you need depending on your circumstances.

What to do in case of changes in your situation

There are several things that may be subject to change during your stay in Australia. You are required to inform the Department of Home Affairs of any of the following changes:

  • changes of your phone number, email, address, or passport

  • changes in your relationship status

  • changes in welfare arrangements

  • the birth of a child

  • changes to your study situation

Learn more about it here.

Welfare arrangements for applicants under 18 years of age

If you are not yet 18 years of age, you must choose a student guardian. You can nominate a parent, legal custodian, or a relative who is over 21 years of age. He/she must have a valid visa to stay in Australia until you are 18 years old or for the entire length of your student visa.

Continue reading about welfare arrangements here.

Your student visa outcome

To track the progress of your student visa (subclass 500) and find out the outcome, you will be provided with:

  • your visa grant number

  • the date of expiration of your visa

  • your visa conditions

In case your application for the Australian student visa subclass 500 is rejected, you will be duly notified about the reason or reasons it was rejected, and whether you have the right to contest the rejection and appeal for a review. It is important to note that the visa application fee is nonrefundable in case your visa is denied.

Can you work with a student subclass 500 visa?

Australia’s subclass 500 student visa permits you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks, or 20 hours weekly. You can begin your part-time work as soon as your course of study begins. As for international students enrolled in ACT public schools, a maximum of 10 hours during the academic school year.

Planning to study in Australia?

As a global leader in international education services, we can attest to the fact that there has never been a better time for international students to pursue education in Australia. The booming economy and increased minimum wage rate of Australia make for a highly rewarding study abroad experience that you don’t want to miss.

Book your free appointment with IDP’s education counsellors to find out everything you need to know about studying in Australia and make your study abroad dreams come true!