Planning to Study in Australia? Here’s What You Should Know About the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

If you’re aiming to pursue education in Australia, you’ll need to apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500. Below is an overview of this visa, including what it allows and the essential requirements for applicants.

Overview: Student Visa Subclass 500

The Subclass 500 visa is a temporary permit that enables international students to live and study in Australia for up to five years, aligned with their course duration. In some cases, the stay may extend beyond five years depending on the type and length of your academic program.

For primary school students, the maximum duration typically granted is three years.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 500 Visa

With this visa, you can:

  • Enroll in an eligible full-time study program in Australia.
  • Travel freely in and out of the country during your stay.
  • Work up to 40 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
  • Work extra hours in certain sectors approved by the Australian Government.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the Subclass 500 visa depends on various factors such as age, course type, English proficiency, and health coverage. Here are the general requirements:

  • You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered full-time course in Australia.
  • Applicants outside Australia need to submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course. If applying within Australia, a CoE or a Letter of Offer is required at the time of application, but a CoE is mandatory before visa approval.
  • You should have adequate health insurance, specifically the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), for the entire stay duration. This also applies to any accompanying family members.
  • You need to prove English language competency, typically through a recognized test like the PTE Academic, IELTS, or TOEFL. Assistance with test preparation is often available through visa consultants.
  • Students under 18 must demonstrate suitable welfare arrangements for the duration of their stay.
  • Financial documentation might be needed depending on your country of residence, to confirm your ability to cover tuition, travel, and living costs.

Age-specific conditions for school applicants:

  • Under 17 years old for Year 9
  • Under 18 years old for Year 10
  • Under 19 years old for Year 11
  • Under 20 years old for Year 12

Applicants must also meet health and character requirements. If you or your family were impacted by COVID-19 service delays, you may be allowed additional time for medical checks.

Visa Application Details and Fees

  • The base application fee is AUD 1,600 for the primary applicant.
  • Additional applicants:
    • Over 18 years: AUD 1,190 each
    • Under 18 years: AUD 1,190 each

If your studies were interrupted due to COVID-19, you might be eligible to apply for a new student visa with a potential fee exemption.

Extending Your Stay

If you want to continue your studies in Australia, you can reapply for another student visa. If your current visa is nearing expiry but you haven’t graduated yet, you may be able to apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), provided you have a letter from your education institution confirming your expected graduation date.

Those who have completed eligible Australian qualifications in the last six months and previously held a student visa may also qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).