What is the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa Subclass 500 is the primary visa allowing international students to study full-time in Australia at a registered education provider (CRICOS). Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or vocational training, Subclass 500 is your pathway to studying in Australia legally.
This guide covers everything you need to know for 2025, including eligibility, documents, costs, and tips to give your application the best chance of success.
Who is Eligible for the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
- Be enrolled in a course that leads to a qualification — such as a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs (approx. AUD $29,710 per year as of 2025), and return airfare
- Meet health requirements — you may need a health examination
- Meet character requirements — usually a police clearance certificate
- Satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement — demonstrating that your primary purpose for coming to Australia is to study
- Have or obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
Understanding the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
As of November 2023, the Department of Home Affairs replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) test. This assesses whether studying in Australia is your genuine intention.
Key factors assessed include:
- Your immigration history and compliance with previous visa conditions
- Whether your chosen course is consistent with your career goals
- Your financial capacity and home country ties
- Whether you intend to comply with the conditions of the student visa
Be honest and thorough in your GS statement — inconsistencies are the most common reason for refusals.
Documents Required for the Student Visa Application
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your Australian institution
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge — check institution requirements)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor letter)
- OSHC certificate
- Overseas police clearance
- Health examination results (if requested by the Department)
- Genuine Student statement
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Receive your CoE from your enrolled institution after paying the required deposit
- Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Complete the online application (Form 157A)
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the visa application charge (currently AUD $710 for the main applicant)
- Monitor your application via ImmiAccount and respond to any requests promptly
How Long Does Processing Take?
As of 2025, student visa processing times vary depending on your nationality and the completeness of your application:
- 75% of applications are processed within 29 days
- 90% of applications are processed within 42 days
Applying at least 2–3 months before your course start date is strongly recommended.
Work Rights on a Student Visa
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This gives you the opportunity to gain Australian work experience and support yourself financially.
Tips to Maximise Your Approval Chances
- Choose a course aligned with your qualifications and career goals
- Write a compelling, honest Genuine Student statement
- Provide clear and consistent financial evidence
- Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by a certified translation
- Apply early to avoid delays impacting your course start date
- Seek advice from a registered migration agent if your situation is complex
Need Help with Your Student Visa Application?
At Suvaansh Educational Services in Adelaide, our registered migration agents and education counselors have helped hundreds of students successfully obtain their Australian student visas. We provide personalised guidance through every step — from institution selection to visa lodgement. Book a free consultation today and let us help you start your Australian study journey.