Student Visa Subclass 500

Student Visa (500)

Eligibility, costs, documents and compliance rules for the 2025 Student Visa. Your pathway to studying in Australia with work rights and future opportunities.

Key Facts (2025)

Essential information for your Student Visa application

Base Application Charge

AU $710 (lower fee for eligible Pacific & Timor-Leste citizens from 22 Mar 2025)

Primary Requirements

CoE, Genuine Student criteria, English (IELTS 6.0/equivalent), OSHC, financial capacity (~AU $29.7k for 12 months)

Work Rights

Up to 48h per fortnight during teaching periods; unlimited in official vacations

Processing Times

50% in 16 days, 90% in 59 days (frequent seasonal fluctuation)

Application Process Timeline

Follow these steps to successfully apply for your Student Visa

Prepare Documents

2-4 weeks

Gather all required documents including passport, academic transcripts, OSHC, and funds evidence

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity

Academic transcripts and certificates

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Evidence of financial capacity

English proficiency test results (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider

Create ImmiAccount & Lodge Online

1-2 days

Set up your ImmiAccount, complete Form 157A, and submit your application with payment

Create ImmiAccount on Department of Home Affairs website

Complete Form 157A (Application for a student visa)

Upload all supporting documents

Pay application charge (AU $710)

Submit application online

Biometrics & Health Exam

1-3 weeks

Book and complete biometrics collection and health examinations within 14 days of request

Book biometrics appointment if requested

Complete health examinations if required

Attend appointments within 14 days of request

Submit additional documents if requested

Respond to any case officer requests promptly

Decision & Grant

Variable

Receive visa decision and check your Visa Grant Notice for important conditions

Check ImmiAccount for visa decision

Download and review Visa Grant Notice

Note visa conditions 8105, 8501, 8516

Plan your travel to Australia

Prepare for arrival and course commencement

Important Visa Conditions

Key conditions you must comply with on your Student Visa

8105

Work Limitation

You must not engage in work for more than 48 hours per fortnight when your course of study is in session

8501

Maintain Health Insurance

You must maintain adequate health insurance arrangements while you remain in Australia

8516

Maintain Enrolment

You must maintain enrolment in a registered course and make satisfactory academic progress

After Your Visa is Granted

Important steps to maintain your visa and plan for the future

Compliance Requirements

Maintain full-time enrolment in your course

Advise address changes within 7 days

Re-apply for new CoE on course changes

Maintain adequate health insurance (OSHC)

Future Planning

Plan early for Temporary Graduate visa (485)

Consider skilled migration pathways (189/190)

Build professional networks and work experience

Explore employer sponsorship opportunities

Common Application Issues

Understand why Student Visa applications get rejected and how to avoid common mistakes

Calculate Your Points

Start planning for your post-study visa options

Get Expert Advice

Contact our team for personalized guidance