Apply for a Student Visa 500 to study full-time in Australia. Get guidance on eligibility, work rights, and visa requirements for a smooth approval process.
The Subclass 500 Student Visa enables international students to reside and study in full at CRICOS-registered institutions in Australia. It offers a chance to receive a high-quality education, take up part-time employment during a study, and add up to eligible family members as dependents. This visa is best suited to students who want to explore academic and professional development in a world-renowned education system.Â
However, applying for a student visa 500 can be challenging and stressful due to strict requirements like financial proof, English proficiency, and genuine student obligations. The applicants do not know what to do with documentation, their eligibility or the conditions of the visa which may cause delays or refusals. Having a clear understanding of these requirements and professional advice will allow having a smooth application process, which will decrease stress and more likely result in a visa.Â
What is the Student Visa 500?
The student visa (Subclass 500) is an Australian temporary visa which permits an international student to pursue full time study in an authorized Australian education institution. It allows students to reside in Australia throughout the course period, work a restricted number of hours during study and travel in and out of Australia during the visa period.Â
The student visa 500 also allows qualifying applicants to include family members as dependent and it might also offer opportunities to access other Australian visas on completion of courses, but with consideration of visa requirements and conditions.Â
Benefits of Subclass 500 Student Visa
The Subclass 500 Student Visa offers several advantages that make studying in Australia both accessible and rewarding for international students. Â
Some of the key benefits of a subclass 500 student visa are: Â
Student Visa Subclass 500 Requirements
To apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500, applicants must meet a range of requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to ensure they are genuine students and capable of supporting themselves in Australia.Â
1. General Eligibility Criteria
The applicants should be enrolled into a full-time course with a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider and have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). They should also meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, health and character requirements, as well as have sufficient Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to cover the entire length of time in Australia.Â
2. English Language Requirements
The applicants will have to show the proficiency of English language by showing the outcome of an acceptable test, like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or others. The lowest mark is set by course level and institution, but exemptions can be given to students of specific countries or students who have already undertaken some prior studies using English.Â
3. Financial Requirements
The applicant has to demonstrate that he/she has enough funds to meet tuition fees, living expenses, and travelling costs both to himself and any other family members that accompany him or her. This is required to make sure that students will be able to sustain themselves in Australia without straining their financial capacities and is generally proved by bank statements, education loans, scholarships, or evidence of financial sponsorship.
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Subclass 500 Visa Fee and Costs
Before applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), it is important to understand the key fees involved so you can plan your budget accurately. 
The main costs associated with the subclass 500 visa are:
Applicant
Dependent 18+
Dependent <18
Subsequent
OSHC
Subclass 500 Visa Processing Time
When planning your student visa (subclass 500) application, understanding the processing timeframe is essential to ensure you receive your visa before your course begins and avoid unnecessary delays. Processing times are indicative and vary based on the type of course, country of application, and completeness of documentation. 
Typical Processing Timeframes
50% of applications processed: Most standard applications for Higher Education and other sectors are finalised within about 30 – 40 days (approximately 4 – 6 weeks). Â
90% of applications processed: A majority of student visas take up to 4 – 9 months to be decided, especially during peak intake seasons or where additional checks are required. Â
Sector-Wise Processing Estimates
Processing times can vary notably by study sectors:
Higher Education (Bachelor/Master): ~32 – 39 days for 50% and up to 5 – 6 months for 90%. Â
Vocational Education and Training (VET): 50% may take 1.5 – 3 months, and 90% can extend to 6 – 8 months. Â
Postgraduate Research and ELICOS: 50% often processed within about 3 – 8 weeks, with 90% potentially taking 4 – 8 months. Â
Subclass 500 Visa Conditions
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is granted with specific conditions that students must comply with throughout their stay in Australia. Meeting these visa conditions is essential to maintain lawful status and avoid visa cancellation.
Maintain Enrolment in a Registered Course
Students are required to be enrolled in a full time course with an education provider registered on the CRICOS. Loss of enrolment or poor performance in the course could lead to the cancellation of visa.
Academic Progress Requirements
Visa holders must ensure good attendance and academic performance by their education provider. Continuous failure to comply with it may be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
Comply with Work Restrictions
As long as the course is being undertaken, students should not exceed the hours they are allowed to work. Violence of work terms is a critical breach of subclass 500 visa terms.
Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover
Students who are staying in Australia need to have valid OSHC throughout the term of their stay. Health insurance lapses may result in failure to adhere to visa requirements.
Notify Changes to Personal Details
Any alterations to address, passport information or personal situation have to be updated to the education provider and other concerned authorities. The maintenance of records is a compulsory protocol.
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Dependent and Subsequent Entrant Visa 500
Student Visa (Subclass 500) enables the family members of an international student to move to Australia or even accompany the student giving families the flexibility to plan their relocation. Dependants may apply together with the main applicant or at a later stage through the subsequent entrant option. 
Who can apply as a Dependent?
Spouse or de facto partner of the student and dependent children will be eligible as dependents under the subclass 500 visa. Such candidates are required to show an authentic connection with the main student, and they must possess health, character, and financial qualifications.Â
Subsequent Entrant Visa 500
The subsequent entrant visa 500 allows dependants to apply after the primary student’s visa has already been granted. Such an option is often applied where the family members cannot travel simultaneously with the student but would later join them in Australia within the same visa system. 
Bridging Visa A and Work Rights for 500 Visa Applicants
When applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) from within Australia, applicants are usually granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to remain lawfully in the country while their application is being processed. Understanding how this bridging visa works, including its work rights, is important to avoid unintentional breaches of visa conditions.Â
