Your Gateway to Studying in Australia
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is the primary pathway for international students to access world-class education in Australia. This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia while enrolled in a registered full-time course. You can apply either from within Australia or overseas. We provide expert guidance to help you apply confidently and meet all visa requirements with clarity and precision.
Your Partner in Education and Migration Success
At Easy Aussie Migration, we specialise in guiding students through every stage of their journey, from securing admission into leading Australian universities and colleges to lodging successful student visa applications with the Department of Home Affairs.
Our experienced team brings years of expertise in international education and migration services, ensuring you receive clear, reliable, and personalised guidance at every step. With a deep understanding of student visa regulations, compliance requirements, and documentation processes, we make navigating the system simple and stress free.
We recognise that your education and future career are life changing investments. That is why we are committed to providing a smooth, supportive, and successful visa journey, helping you focus on achieving your academic goals and building your future in Australia with confidence.
What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa is a temporary visa that allows international students to remain in Australia for the full duration of their studies, up to a maximum of six years depending on the course length. It enables you to study full time at a CRICOS-registered institution and provides work rights during your stay.
This visa also allows you to include eligible family members in your application. It covers multiple types of study, including:
- Higher Education
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Postgraduate Research
- English Language Intensive Courses (ELICOS)
- Primary and Secondary Schooling
After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for further visas such as the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, which can provide a pathway to long-term residence in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 500 Student Visa
To qualify for the Subclass 500 Student Visa, you must meet several requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Failing to meet any one of these criteria may result in your application being refused.
- Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered education provider.
- Possess a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement (introduced in 2024, replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement).
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements for your chosen course.
- Fulfil Australia’s health and character requirements, including health checks and police clearances.
- If under 18, have approved welfare and accommodation arrangements in place.
Benefits of the Subclass 500 Student Visa
Holding a Subclass 500 Student Visa offers international students and their families multiple advantages that support study, work, and long-term planning in Australia.
- Access to World-Class Education: You can study at CRICOS-registered schools, universities, and vocational training institutions, gaining globally recognised qualifications.
- Work Rights While Studying: You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official breaks, allowing you to gain practical experience and support your living costs.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can join you in Australia and have full work and study rights, helping your household settle comfortably.
- Healthcare Access Through OSHC: Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover ensures you and your family have access to essential healthcare services during your stay.
- Freedom to Travel: You can travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid, making it easy to maintain connections with family and home country obligations.
- Pathway to Further Visas: The Subclass 500 visa opens opportunities to progress to post-study visas like the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa and potential long-term residency pathways.
How Easy Aussie Migration Can Help You
We understand that applying for a student visa can be complex and time-consuming. Our team supports you every step of the way:
- We start by understanding your study goals and choosing the right visa pathway.
- We assist with enrolment advice and help secure your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- We prepare and review your application documents including financial evidence, English results, and OSHC.
- We guide you through including family members in your application and explain their conditions.
- We handle communication with the Department of Home Affairs and respond promptly to any requests for further information.
- We keep you informed about any changes to student visa policies, such as work hour limits and Genuine Student requirements.
Can I Work While Studying on a Subclass 500 Visa?
Yes. Subclass 500 Student Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during official breaks. Students enrolled in a Masters by Research or Doctoral program can work unlimited hours once their course has commenced.
Family members included in the application may also work. Dependants of Masters by Research and PhD students have unlimited work rights, while other dependants are limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
Can I Change My Course or Education Provider?
Yes, Subclass 500 visa holders can change their course or education provider as long as the new course is CRICOS-registered. Depending on your circumstances, you may need permission from your current provider, or you may need to apply for a new visa. It is important to remain compliant with your visa conditions to avoid any risk of cancellation. Easy Aussie Migration provides clear guidance to ensure your course changes do not affect your visa status.
Speak with one of our registered migration agents at Easy Aussie Migration today about applying for a Subclass 500 Student Visa.
Why Choose Easy Aussie Migration for Your Subclass 500 Visa
Applying for a Subclass 500 Student Visa can be complex. Mistakes, missing documents, or unclear evidence can cause delays or refusals. Having experienced migration professionals guiding you from the start can make all the difference.
- In-Depth Knowledge of Student Visa Requirements: Our principal Migration Agent Roy has extensive experience with the Department of Home Affairs and top immigration firms. We understand all key requirements including the Genuine Student criteria, work rights, and OSHC, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
- Experience Across Education Sectors: We have successfully assisted students across universities, TAFE, Schools, ELICOS, and Postgraduate Research programs. Each application is tailored to meet the student’s study goals and family needs.
- Support for Students and Families: We guide both students and their dependants through the visa process. This includes explaining work and study rights, welfare obligations, and all Department requirements to ensure compliance.
- Detailed and Compliant Applications: We prepare strong applications with accurate enrolment, financial evidence, english proficiency, and health and character documentation. Every application is reviewed to reduce the risk of delays or refusal.
- Future Visa and Pathway Advice: We provide expert guidance on post-study opportunities, including the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, as well as advice on potential permanent residency pathways. Our team also helps you explore long-term options to settle in Australia, supporting you in planning both your career and your future.
Subclass 500 Student Visa Process
The process to obtain a Subclass 500 visa involves several important steps that must be completed carefully to ensure a smooth application. Each stage is crucial for meeting Department of Home Affairs requirements and avoiding delays or refusals.
- Enrolment – The first step is to secure a place in a CRICOS-registered course in Australia. Once you are accepted, your education provider will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is a mandatory document for your visa application. This step confirms that you are a genuine student enrolled in a full-time course and forms the foundation of your visa application.
- Health Insurance – You must arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) that covers the entire period of your stay in Australia. OSHC ensures you have access to essential healthcare services while studying and is a strict requirement for visa approval. Choosing the right OSHC plan and aligning it with your course duration is essential.
- Application Preparation – Gather all the necessary documents to support your visa application. This includes proof of financial capacity to cover tuition and living expenses, English language test results, and health and character clearances such as police certificates. Preparing these documents carefully and accurately reduces the risk of processing delays and strengthens your application.
- Visa Lodgement – Submit your student visa application online to the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure that all required documentation, forms, and evidence are included. Accurate completion of the online application is critical, as any missing information or errors can result in delays or even refusal.
- Department Processing – After lodgement, the Department may contact you to request additional documents, clarification, or verification. You may also be asked to complete health examinations, provide biometrics, or attend an interview if required. Responding promptly and accurately to these requests is vital to keep your application on track.
- Decision – Once all assessments are complete, the Department will make a decision on your visa application. If approved, you will receive a visa grant notice that outlines your visa conditions, including work rights, study obligations, and any restrictions for family members included in your application. This notice is your official confirmation that you can travel to and study in Australia under the Subclass 500 Student Visa.
Cost and Processing Time
The cost of applying for a Subclass 500 Student Visa is AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for secondary applicants.
Our professional service fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and level of assistance required. We offer clear, fixed-fee packages so you know exactly what to expect.
Processing times depend on individual circumstances, the completeness of your application, and the Department’s caseload. Most student visa decisions are made within several weeks to a few months.
Book A Consultation
Become a part of the Easy Aussie Migration lawyers family. We would love to assist you with your visa application!
Trusted by Individuals and Families Across Australia
Experienced Team
With years of experience handling a wide range of visa cases, our team understands the complexities of Australian immigration law. We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families start new lives in Australia with our expert advice and reliable support.
Fixed Pricing & Client Trust
No hidden fees. Our transparent, fixed pricing model means you know exactly what you’ll pay with no surprises. Hundreds of clients have placed their trust in us, confident that our fees reflect the true value of our expertise and commitment to their success.
Tailored Visa Solutions
Every client’s journey is unique, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We carefully assess your circumstances and craft visa strategies that align with your personal goals and immigration needs. Your success is our priority.
Fast and Efficient Service
Time matters when it comes to immigration. We use smart systems and efficient workflows to process applications quickly and accurately. Our team stays responsive and proactive to keep your visa journey moving smoothly.
Reliable & Clear Communication
We keep you informed every step of the way in plain and simple language. Whether it’s by email, phone or video call, you’ll always know what’s happening with your application. Our team is ready to answer your questions promptly and clearly.
End-to-End Support
From your first consultation to final visa approval, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether it’s documentation, communication with authorities, or answering your questions, we provide full support until you reach your goal.