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Student Visa Australia Requirements And Costs
VEM Visa | Australian Study Pathways
A practical guide to the Student visa Subclass 500, including requirements, costs, application steps, documents, processing times and next visa options.
The Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) allows international students to live, study, and gain valuable experience in the country. Learn more about the requirements, costs, and the application procedure, so you will be well-prepared for your academic journey in Australia.
Start with the course and the CoE: A Student visa application is built around a registered course, a valid Confirmation of Enrolment and evidence that supports your study plan, finances, health cover and temporary stay in Australia.
On this page
Overview · Requirements · How to apply · Cost · Checklist · Processing times · Duration · Visa expiry
Student Visa Overview
The Student visa (Subclass 500) enables international students to pursue studies in Australia. This visa grants permission to reside in Australia for the duration of their full-time course, which can extend up to 5 years.
With a Student Visa, you can:
- Live in Australia and study full-time at a recognized Australian educational institution.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia while your course is ongoing.
- Work in Australia during your study period, subject to visa conditions.
- Include eligible family members for the duration of your course.
Besides subclass 500, the Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa is for guardians accompanying international students who hold an Australian Student visa.
Eligibility Requirements
The Student visa Australia requirements include:
Age limits
- Minimum age: 6 years (for school students).
- Maximum age limits apply for each school year level (Year 9–12).
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Provide a valid CoE from your education provider.
Welfare (under 18 only)
Approved accommodation and welfare arrangements (e.g. guardian or CAAW).
| Requirement | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | Provide proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. |
| Health insurance (OSHC) | Hold a valid Overseas Student Health Cover for your entire stay. |
| Financial capacity | Show sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel. |
| Genuine Student (GS) requirement | Demonstrate that you intend to stay temporarily for study purposes only. |
| Health and character | Meet medical and character checks (e.g., police certificates if required). |
| Other requirements | No outstanding debts to the Australian Government, no serious visa refusals or cancellations affecting eligibility, and sign the Australian Values Statement. |
How to Apply for a Student Visa?
Applying for an Australian Student visa (Subclass 500 visa) involves several steps:
1. Choose your course
Choose a course and receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution registered with the Australian Government.
2. Complete application form
Create an ImmiAccount and complete the online application form for a Student visa (Subclass 500).
3. Gather documents
Prepare the necessary documents as VEM mentioned above.
4. Complete checklist
Apply online, complete the application form accurately, and attach the required 500 visa checklist based on the Immi document checklist tool.
5. Pay visa fees
Pay the visa application fee via the online portal.
6. Submit your application
Submit the application after completing the form and uploading documents.
7. Track the progress
Monitor the progress of your application and check your visa status through your ImmiAccount.
8. Visa granted
Receive your visa decision and travel to Australia.
Cost of a Student Visa
According to the latest Australian Migration policy, from July 1, 2026, the Australian visa cost has increased. In which the subclass 500 visa fee has risen to AUD 2,050.
| For the main applicants | AUD 2,050 |
| For the additional applicants | Over 18 years old: AUD 1,255 Under 18 years old: AUD 410 |
In addition to the Student visa fee, you will also need to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), health and biometric exams.
Document Checklist
When applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), it’s important to thoroughly prepare the following documents:
| Document group | Examples to prepare |
|---|---|
| Forms and certificates | Academic and work experience documents; Confirmation of enrollment (COE) in Australia; Visa Application form 157 and Details of Relatives form 67; an offer letter from an Australian university or college; English Certificate including IELTS, PTE, or equivalent. |
| Personal identification | Four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) taken within the last 2 months; passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application; resume/CV certified by local authorities; certified copies of the Birth Certificate and Household Registration Book. |
| Health and background checks | Medical Certificate; Police Clearance Certificate; Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC); Proof of Legal Guardianship for students under 18. |
| Financial evidence | Minimal annual income of about AUD 63,000 per year for parents or dependents; living expenses around AUD 23,000 per year; tuition fees: AUD 18,000 and AUD 50,000 per year. |
You can prove your financial capability for the subclass 500 Student visa through documents such as savings accounts, property ownership papers, and proof of income.
Processing Times
The 500 Student visa processing time depends on your chosen course. According to the latest updates from the Australian Department of Immigration in 2026, the timeframe can vary accordingly:
| Visa streams | 90% of applications are processed within |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Sector | 6 months |
| Postgraduate Research Sector | 9 months |
| Non-Award Sector | 84 days |
| Schools Sector | 6 months |
| Independent ELICOS Sector | 5 months |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector | 6 months |
| Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector | 13 days |
Duration of Student Visa
The validity period of the Subclass 500 visa depends on the length of your course:
- For courses less than 10 months: The visa is granted for the course duration plus 1 month.
- For courses longer than 10 months, ending between January and October: The visa is granted for the course duration plus 2 months.
- For courses longer than 10 months, ending in November or December: The visa will be valid until March 15 of the following year.
What to do if your Student visa expires?
To continue staying in Australia after your Subclass 500 visa expires, you can consider applying for one of the following visas:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): For students who have completed their course in Australia and currently hold a Subclass 500 visa. You must prove that you completed your qualification within the last 6 months and that your course lasted at least 2 years.
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): This tourist visa is ideal for those wanting to stay in Australia for a short time after their student visa expires, especially if your Subclass 500 visa ends before graduation.
- Other Australian Visas: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for other visas if you meet the specific requirements, allowing you to stay longer.
You can then apply for a Skilled Demand visa (Subclass 482) to continue to stay in Australia to work. After that, you can apply for a permanent Australian Skilled visa to settle down if you meet all the requirements.
Plan your study pathway before you lodge
For personalized guidance on your study in Australia, please contact VEM. Our qualified education and registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), Mr. Peter Cao, will assist you with tailored advice and the best possible pathway.
By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent
(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)