Student Visa (Subclass 500) Requirements for Australia

According to the Government of Australia’s Study Australia page, The Subclass 500 Student Visa is necessary for anyone enrolling in the following: 

• Higher education programs (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) 

• Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses 

• ​​ ​English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) 

• Pathway and preparatory programs 

• School exchange programs 

• Research for post-graduate studies 

• Abroad and exchange studies (non-award studies) 

• International studies sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) or Defence 

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, your eligibility for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) depends on the following conditions: 

• Meet age requirements - You must be over the age of 6.  

• Enrolment in a registered course – You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) that you will be studying full-time at an Australian institution. 

• Genuine Student Requirement (GS) – Your primary purpose must be to study, and you should be able to demonstrate your commitment to completing your course. 

• English language proficiency – Meet the minimum language requirements with evidence that you obtained the minimum approved language test score through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic OR you meet exemption eligibility. See the Department of Home Affairs Document Checklist tool for more information. 

• Financial proof – Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This amount depends on if you will be coming to Australia as a student, with a partner(s), or with a child. To see this minimum cost, refer to the “Gather Documents” > “Evidence You Have Enough Money for Your Stay” section under the “Step by Step” page on the Department of Home Affairs website.  

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – You must have health insurance that is valid in Australia for the entirety of your studies, which is the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Your accompanying ​​partner(s) or children must also be covered by OSHC.  

• Health and character requirements – Some applicants may need medical exams and a police clearance certificate. 

• Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement - International students filing visa applications on and after March 23, 2024, must meet this new requirement. For more information see the Australian Government’s Genuine Student Requirement page. 

• Confirmed understanding of Australian values and laws - You must sign the Australian Values Statement as part of your application.  

• Paid any owed debt to the Australian Government. 

• Have not had a previous visa or application cancelled/refused. 

• Visa may not be granted if the move is not in the best interests of a child under the age of 18. 

According to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs “Gather Your Documents” page, when applying for your student visa, ensure you have: 

• A valid passport (must not expire during your entire stay) 

• Completed visa application form (submitted online via ImmiAccount) 

• CoE, acceptance forms, and support letters from your chosen university 

• Documents to fulfill Genuine Student requirement  

• Visa application fee payment (AUD $1,600) 

• OR proof you are exempt from the visa fee. Visit the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date fee costs.  

• English proficiency test results 

• Academic transcripts and work experience records 

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study plans 

• Proof of financial capacity 

• Health insurance documents (OSHC) 

• Polio vaccination certificate 

• Police clearance certificate (if required) 

• Required documents for ​​partner(s) and children accompanying you (if required, see above for more information) 

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, here are the steps for applying to their Student Visa (Subclass 500). 

Step 1: Receive Acceptance from an Australian University and Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)  

Once you have accepted your offer to an Australian university and paid any required deposits, you will be issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), a critical document for your visa application. Make sure you apply as soon as possible in advance of your course starting, which means referring to the Government of Australia’s visa processing time tool.

Step 2: Meet English Proficiency Requirements 

Your English language test results (such as IELTS or TOEFL) must meet the minimum criteria set by your chosen institution and visa requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Financial Proof International students must show proof of financial capability, covering: 

• Tuition fees 

• Living expenses  

• Travel costs 

• Schooling costs for dependents (if applicable) 

These requirements may differ if you have a partner or child/children accompanying you. Refer to “Evidence You Have Enough Money for Your Stay” on the Department of Home Affairs website for more information. 

Step 4: Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 

OSHC is mandatory for all student visa holders. It provides access to medical care and emergency services while studying in Australia. Make sure any partner or child coming with you is also covered. 

Step 5: Gather Your Documents 

Refer to the list of required documents above and ensure you have everything complete and ready for your application.  

Step 6: Submit Your Visa Application via ImmiAccount 

Applications for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) are submitted online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Double check to make sure all required documents are included. 

Step 7: Attend a Visa Interview (If Required) 

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview to verify the authenticity of their application. 

Step 8: Wait for Your Visa Decision 

Processing times vary. Do not call within the standard processing time, which can be calculated using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Processing Times Guide.

Once granted, your student visa comes with specific conditions: 

• Work limitations – You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. 

• Academic progress – Maintain satisfactory attendance and performance in your studies. 

• Address updates – Notify your institution of any change in your residential address within seven days. 

• OSHC compliance – Maintain valid health insurance throughout your stay. 

The most common issues with the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) include: 

• Meeting financial proof requirements 

• Understanding visa conditions and providing sufficient documents 

• Delays in processing due to incomplete applications

• Start early – Refer to the Government of Australia’s visa processing time tool. and apply in advance of your course starting to ensure you have your student visa for your studies.  

• Double-check documentation – Ensure all required documents are complete and uploaded correctly. 

• Seek expert guidance – IDP's education consultants can provide tailored assistance for visa applications. 

Applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) is a critical step in your study-abroad journey. By staying informed about the requirements, financial obligations, and application process, you can increase your chances of a smooth approval. If you need extra ​​visa assistance, consider reaching out to IDP’s expert consultants for free visa counselling. 

Legal Disclaimer: IDP Canada is not a registered migration consultant and does not provide immigration services or provide immigration advice. The contents of this page are for general information only and is based on information from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website, which you can access through: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/. Information can change from time to time. For the most up to date information visit the website.