Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500): Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about studying in Australia on a Student Visa: eligibility, costs, and the exact documents you'll need, plus a registered migration agent to prepare and lodge it correctly the first time.
Quick Facts on the Student Visa (500)
The essentials, at a glance. Everything else we'll walk you through at your consultation.
What Is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the visa that allows you to live in Australia while studying full-time at a registered education provider, anything from an English language course or vocational (TAFE) qualification through to a bachelor's or postgraduate degree.
It's the visa almost every international student uses to begin their Australian education journey, and for many, it's also the first step on a longer pathway, toward a Temporary Graduate visa (485) after graduation, and potentially permanent residency through General Skilled Migration further down the track.
To apply, you'll first need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your Australian institution, which is issued once you've accepted an offer and paid the required fees or deposit. Ignite can help you get to this point too, see our Admission & Course Enrolment service.
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Full-time at a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider.
Live & Work
Stay for the length of your course, and work within your visa's conditions.
Bring Family
Eligible partners and dependent children can generally be included.
Plan Ahead
Explore potential post-study visa pathways after graduation.
Am I Eligible?
The requirements at a glance: six things every applicant needs to meet.
A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must be enrolled in a full-time course with a registered Australian education provider (CRICOS-registered) before you apply.
The Genuine Student requirement
Since March 2024, applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, replacing the older "Genuine Temporary Entrant" test. In practice, this means the Department wants to understand:
- Your circumstances in your home country and why you're choosing to study in Australia
- Your knowledge of, and reasons for choosing, your specific course and institution
- How the course fits your study and career plans, including likely benefits back home
- Your immigration history, including any previous visa refusals or cancellations
Importantly, the GS requirement explicitly acknowledges that wanting to build a future in Australia, including one day applying for permanent residency, does not count against you, provided you can genuinely explain your intentions. This is a meaningful shift from the old rules, and one many applicants (and unfortunately some outdated guides) still get wrong.
Financial capacity
You need to show you (or your sponsor) can genuinely afford your first year in Australia. Current published amounts are:
These are the amounts published at the time of writing. The Department reviews them periodically, so we always confirm the current figures before preparing your evidence of funds.
English language proficiency
Most applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test (such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL), though the exact score required depends on your course level and provider. Some pathway and foundation programs have lower thresholds or offer built-in English support. We'll confirm the exact requirement for your specific course.
Health insurance (OSHC)
You're required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover for the full length of your stay in Australia. This can usually be arranged as part of your visa application.
Health and character requirements
You'll generally need to meet Australia's health requirements (which may include a medical examination with an approved panel physician) and character requirements, including a police clearance certificate from any country you've lived in for 12 months or more (cumulatively) in the past 10 years. The exact process for obtaining this varies by country, and we'll guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific situation.
What You Get When You Work With Ignite
What you're actually paying for, versus doing it alone or via a cheaper, less accountable "fixer."
Eligibility assessment: an honest, upfront review of your situation against current requirements, before you spend a dollar on an application
Genuine Student statement support: guidance to help you articulate your genuine study intentions clearly and honestly, in your own words
Financial evidence review: we check your bank statements, sponsor documents, and evidence of funds meet the Department's requirements before submission
Full application preparation and lodgement: every form, every document, checked and lodged by our registered migration agents
Dependent and family visa guidance: if your partner or children are joining you, we manage their applications alongside yours
Direct liaison with the Department of Home Affairs: we manage all follow-up correspondence and requests for more information on your behalf
Post-approval support: pre-departure guidance, OSHC setup assistance, and a clear plan for what comes after you land
Ready to find out where you stand?
Get a free, honest eligibility assessment from a registered migration agent before you spend a dollar on your application.
From Enquiry to Enrolment: How It Works
From first conversation to your visa grant.
Free Assessment
We review your background, course choice, and finances against the current requirements.
Document Preparation
We help you gather and organise your CoE, financial evidence, English test results, health cover, and police clearance certificate(s).
Genuine Student Statement
We help you prepare a clear, honest, well-supported response to the GS requirement.
Lodgement
We submit your complete application through the Department's online system.
Follow-Up
We track your application and respond to any Department requests on your behalf.
Visa Grant & Pre-Departure
Once approved, we help you prepare for arrival in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. How much does a Student Visa (500) cost in total?+-
Budget for the current visa application charge (from AUD $2,500 for the primary applicant), your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and, separately, evidence that you have enough funds to cover your course fees, living costs, and travel. This is different from Ignite's own service fee, which we'll always confirm with you upfront.
02. Can I bring my spouse or children with me?+-
In many cases, yes. Eligible partners and dependent children can be included in your application, or you can arrange for them to join you later via a Dependent visa. We'll assess your family's specific situation at your consultation.
03. Can I work while studying?+-
Yes. Student visa holders can currently work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, and full-time during scheduled course breaks.
04. What happens after my course finishes?+-
Many graduates become eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia after your studies, and for some, this leads toward a skilled migration pathway. Ask us about your options during your consultation, or see our dedicated Temporary Graduate Visa (485) page.
05. What if my visa is refused?+-
We offer consultations for applicants who've had a visa refused or cancelled, including advice on your review and reapplication options. Get in touch before you resubmit anything on your own.
06. Do I need a police clearance certificate?+-
Most applicants need to provide a police clearance certificate from any country where they've lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, as part of meeting the character requirement. We'll tell you exactly which certificates you need and when to apply for them. Timing matters, since they need to remain valid through your visa decision.
07. How long does the whole process take?+-
Processing times depend on your individual circumstances and the Department's current workload, which changes regularly. We'll give you a realistic, honest estimate at your consultation rather than a generic number that may not reflect current reality.
Get Clear, Honest Advice on Your Student Visa, Free
Book a free consultation with our registered migration agents and find out exactly where you stand, what you'll need, and what it will really cost, before you commit to anything.
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