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Student Visa Subclass 500

Your Guide to Studying in Australia

Planning to continue your education in Australia? We help you apply for your student visa with clarity and confidence.

What is Student Visa Subclass 500?

Your Bridge to Australian Education

The Student Visa Subclass 500 allows international students to stay legally in Australia while completing a full-time course. It is issued by the Department of Home Affairs and is mandatory if you plan to study for more than 3 months.

Holding this visa lets you live and study in Australia for the duration of your program, with rights to work part-time and access pathways to post-study work or permanent residency.

Important: You must hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-listed provider to apply.

Who Needs This Visa?

Switching from another visa (visitor/temporary) to study full time
Renewing an expiring student visa for a new course
Applying onshore for the first time after English or pathway programs
Enrolling in Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, VET or ELICOS programs

Why This Visa Matters

Study at a CRICOS-approved institution
Work part time (up to 48 hours per fortnight)
Work full time during scheduled breaks
Include dependents (partner/children) in your visa
Access pathways to post-study work and PR

Visa Validity

Course Length
Visa Validity
Less than 10 months
Up to 12 months total
1–3 year course
Course duration + 2–3 months buffer
PhD or research-based
Course duration + extended stay

Expert Tip: Your CoE directly affects how long your visa is granted. Always check course end dates before applying.

Are You Eligible?

Student Visa Eligibility Criteria

You must meet specific criteria to confirm you're a genuine student with a clear plan.

Enrolment in a Full-Time CRICOS-Approved Course

Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Financial Capacity (Tuition + AUD 24,505 living costs)

Meet Health and English Requirements

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

Financial Capacity Check

You must show that you can cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.

AUD 24,505
Annual living expense requirement (Single applicant)

Proof of Funds

  • • Bank statements (3 months)
  • • Education loan letters
  • • Sponsor declarations

English Tests

  • • IELTS: Overall 6.0
  • • PTE Academic: 50+
  • • MOI letters (Some cases)
Complete Checklist

Documents You Will Need

Prepare all necessary documents before submission to avoid processing delays.

Core Documents

  • Valid Passport (for entire course duration)
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement

Academic & Language

  • English Test Results (IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50+)
  • Previous Academic Transcripts
  • Medium of Instruction letter (if applicable)

Financial & Health

  • Bank statements (past 3 months)
  • Approved education loan letters
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Expert Review

  • Custom SOP & GTE review
  • Sponsor declarations with income proof
  • Profile evaluation & eligibility assessment

GTE & SOP Support

GTE is a critical factor in visa decisions. We help you draft a strong, consistent Genuine Temporary Entrant statement and Statement of Purpose that aligns with your background and study path.

Get Writing Help
The Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Follow these cinco clear steps to lodge your Student Visa Subclass 500 in Australia.

Enrol in a CRICOS Course

Get accepted into a full-time course from a CRICOS-registered provider and receive your CoE.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather CoE, GTE statement, SOP, proof of funds, OSHC, and English test results.

Apply Online

Submit your application via ImmiAccount and pay the fee (AUD 710).

Complete Health Check

Schedule your medical exam at an approved clinic using your HAP ID.

Wait for Approval

Monitor your application status (Avg. 4–8 weeks) and wait for grant notice.

Processing Time

Applications typically take 4–8 weeks. Applications lodged early with all documents get processed faster.

Average Timeframe4–8 weeks
Fastest ApprovalsAs little as 3 weeks
Visa FeeAUD 710

Work Rights

  • Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study.
  • Work full-time during official semester breaks.
  • Great time to gain industry experience.

Post-Study Options

Bachelor's DegreeUp to 2 years
Master's by CourseworkUp to 3 years
Master's by Research / PhDUp to 4 years

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many onshore students make small errors that cause big delays or even refusals.

Incomplete/Outdated Documents

Expired passport or missing/incorrect CoE/financial statements.

Weak or Unclear SOP/GTE

Generic templates that don't justify your study path or return plans.

Applying Too Close to Start

Risking intake deadlines or breaching current visa conditions.

Invalid OSHC Proof

Choosing wrong plans or not having cover for the full visa duration.

Why Choose GoAustraliaGo

Expert Support for Your Journey

  • 98% Success rate through 3-step document review
  • Assistance with course selection & PR-relevant programs
  • Quick turnaround—lodgement within 7-10 business days
  • Accommodation guidance & post-visa settlement support

"I switched to GoAustraliaGo after a refusal and got approved in 6 weeks. Their SOP review was a game changer!"

Aarti
Student in Melbourne

Ready to Apply for Subclass 500?

Get 1:1 advice from our experts. Book your free counselling call today and plan your next visa with clarity and success.