Study in Australia – Complete Guide to Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Category:Student Visa
- Country:Australia
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- Published on:16-Feb-2026
Study in Australia - Complete Guide to Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Australia continues to rank among the top destinations for international students worldwide. With globally recognized universities, flexible work rights, multicultural communities, and strong post-study opportunities, thousands of students choose to study in Australia every year.
If you are planning your higher education abroad, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about studying in Australia and applying for the Student visa (subclass 500) — including eligibility, costs, work rights, visa processing time, financial requirements, and post-study pathways.
1.Why Study in Australia?
Choosing the right country for your education is one of the most important decisions of your life. Australia offers several advantages that make it a leading study destination:
- Globally Recognized Universities
Australian institutions consistently rank among the world’s top universities and offer degrees recognized globally.
- Wide Range of Courses
From English language programs and vocational education to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees, Australia offers flexible academic pathways.
- Work While Studying
International students can work part-time during their studies, helping manage living expenses and gain work experience.
- Multicultural & Safe Environment
Australia is known for its welcoming, diverse, and safe communities, making it easier for international students to adjust.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities
After completing eligible qualifications, students may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to stay and gain work experience in Australia.
2.Types of Australia Study Visas
The primary visa for international students is the:
🎓 Student Visa (Subclass 500)
This visa allows you to:
- Enroll in a CRICOS-registered course
- Stay in Australia for up to 6 years (depending on course length)
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Include eligible family members
Students enrolled in Master’s by Research or Doctoral (PhD) programs — and their family members — have unlimited work rights.
3.How Long Can You Stay in Australia on a Student Visa?
The Student visa (subclass 500) is a temporary visa. Your length of stay depends on:
- The type of course
- The duration of your program
- Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Generally, the visa allows you to stay for the duration of your course, up to a maximum of 6 years.
Primary school children (Years 1–4) are usually granted visas for a maximum period of 3 years.
Important:
Time spent outside Australia does not extend your visa validity.
If you wish to continue studying after your course ends, you must apply for a new student visa before your current one expires.
4.Australia Student Visa Requirements
To apply for the Student visa (subclass 500), you must meet several requirements:
✔ Enrolment in a Registered Course
You must have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution.
✔ Genuine Student Requirement
You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to study in Australia.
✔ English Language Proficiency
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge English
Minimum score requirements vary depending on course level.
✔ Financial Capacity
You must prove you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
✔ Health & Character
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination (if required)
5.Tuition Fees in Australia
Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study and institution.
Average Annual Tuition Fees (AUD)
- English Language Courses: 3,000 – 15,000
- Vocational Education & Training (VET): 7,000 – 20,000
- Bachelor’s Degree: 20,000 – 45,000
- Master’s Degree: 22,000 – 50,000+
- PhD Programs: Varies
Always check the official course fee with your chosen institution.
6.Australia Student Visa Cost
The Student visa (subclass 500) application fee starts from:
AUD 2,000 (main applicant)
Additional charges apply for:
- Each accompanying family member
- Health checks
- Police certificates
- Biometrics
The visa application charge does not include tuition fees or OSHC.
7.Cost of Living in Australia
The Australian Government estimates students need approximately:
AUD 29,710 per year (single student)
Estimated monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: 900 – 1,600 AUD
- Food & groceries: 300 – 600 AUD
- Transport & utilities: 150 – 300 AUD
Living costs vary significantly between cities. Sydney and Melbourne are generally more expensive than regional areas.
8.Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All international students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.
OSHC helps cover:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency services
- Some prescription medicines
You cannot be granted a student visa without valid OSHC.
9.Working Hours on an Australia Student Visa
One of the major benefits of studying in Australia is the ability to work while studying.
Work Conditions:
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions
- Unlimited hours during official course breaks
- Work can begin only after your course starts
Students studying Master’s by Research or PhD programs have no work restrictions.
Violating work conditions can lead to visa cancellation.
10.What You Can and Cannot Do on a Student Visa
✔ What You Can Do:
- Study full-time in a registered course
- Work within permitted limits
- Travel freely in and out of Australia
- Include eligible family members
- Apply for further visas if eligible
✘ What You Cannot Do:
- Work more than permitted hours
- Stop studying without approval
- Stay after visa expiry
- Fail to maintain OSHC
- Breach Australian laws
11. Proof of Financial Means
You must provide evidence that you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members.
Financial evidence must cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses (approx. AUD 29,710 per year)
- Travel costs
- Schooling costs (if applicable)
Accepted financial documents include:
- Bank statements
- Education loan approval
- Scholarship letters
- Sponsor documents
12.Australia Student Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on:
- Completeness of application
- Peak application periods
- Verification requirements
- Individual circumstances
Applications may take longer if:
- Documents are missing
- Information is incorrect
- Additional checks are required
Students are strongly advised to apply well in advance of their course start date.
13.Stay Longer Options After Graduation
If your student visa is about to expire, you may consider:
1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
If you completed an eligible qualification in the last six months.
2. Visitor visa (subclass 600)
If you need additional time for graduation (with supporting letter).
Otherwise, you must apply for another visa suitable to your circumstances.
14.Student Visa Obligations
As a student visa holder, you must:
- Maintain full-time enrollment
- Maintain OSHC
- Follow work hour limits
- Inform your institution of address changes
- Comply with Australian laws
Failure to comply may result in visa cancellation.
15.Travel on a Student Visa
You can:
- Travel outside Australia
- Return multiple times while visa is valid
Important: Time spent outside Australia does not extend your visa.
Is Studying in Australia Right for You?
Studying in Australia offers high-quality education, international exposure, flexible work rights, and potential long-term career pathways. The Student visa (subclass 500) is designed to support genuine students who wish to pursue academic success in a world-class education system.
However, a successful visa application requires:
- Accurate documentation
- Strong financial evidence
- Compliance with visa conditions
- Timely application submission
If you prepare carefully and follow official guidelines, studying in Australia can be a life-changing opportunity for academic growth and global career advancement.