Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, and the Subclass 500 student visa is the pathway for international students to study full-time at an Australian educational institution. Whether you're pursuing a diploma, bachelor's degree, master's, or PhD, this is the visa you need.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a Subclass 500 student visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in a registered course — you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
- Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement — you must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of study
- Have adequate health insurance — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa
- Meet English language requirements — typically IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge score), though this varies by course level
- Demonstrate financial capacity — evidence you can cover tuition fees, living costs ($24,505/year), and travel costs
- Meet health and character requirements — medical examination and police clearances
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
The GTE requirement is where many student visa applications fail. DHA assesses whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia temporarily, considering:
- Your circumstances in your home country (employment, family ties, assets)
- Your potential circumstances in Australia
- The value of the course to your future career
- Your immigration history
- Any other relevant factors
Your GTE statement should be a personal letter (800-1000 words) explaining why you chose this course, why Australia, and what you plan to do after completing your studies. Generic, template-style GTE statements are a red flag for case officers.
Financial requirements
You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees — as listed on your CoE
- Living costs — $24,505 per year (DHA standard rate)
- Travel costs — approximately $2,000 for return airfare
- School-age dependant costs — $8,296 per year if bringing children
Acceptable evidence includes bank statements (showing funds held for at least 3 months), scholarship letters, loan approval letters, or government sponsor letters.
Application costs
- Visa application charge: $720 (main applicant)
- Additional applicant (18+): $540
- Additional applicant (under 18): $175
- Health examination: $400-600
- OSHC: $500-700/year depending on provider
Work rights
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This is a significant benefit that helps students support themselves financially while studying.
Processing times
As of 2026, most student visa applications are processed within 1-4 months. However, applications from higher-risk countries or with incomplete documentation can take longer. Lodging a complete, well-documented application is the best way to ensure fast processing.
Tips for a successful application
- Write a genuine GTE statement — be specific about your career goals and why this course matters
- Provide complete financial evidence — don't leave gaps; show funds have been held consistently
- Meet English requirements early — book your IELTS or PTE test well before your intended start date
- Apply early — don't wait until the last minute; delays in processing can mean missing your course start date
- Consider using a registered migration agent — especially if your circumstances are complex or you've had previous visa refusals
A registered migration agent can review your circumstances, prepare a strong GTE statement, and ensure your application is complete before lodgement. If you're an agent managing student visa applications, LodgeHQ includes student visa questionnaire templates and document checklists that streamline the entire process.