Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) — Everything You Need to Know in 2025
The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live, study, and work part-time in Australia for the duration of their course. Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for global students due to its high-quality education, safe environment, and diverse culture.
This guide explains eligibility, requirements, documents, and tips for a successful application.
What Does the Student Visa Allow You To Do?
The Student Visa lets you:
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Study full-time in a registered course (CRICOS)
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Work 48 hours per fortnight while studying
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Bring eligible family members
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Travel in and out of Australia
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Stay for the entire course duration
For PhD students, unlimited work rights apply once the research course begins.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To apply for the Subclass 500 visa, you must meet:
- Course Enrollment
You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved Australian institution.
- Genuine Student Requirement (GS)
You must show genuine intention to study and follow visa conditions.
- English Requirement
Common accepted tests: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
Example minimum score (varies by course):
– IELTS overall 5.5
– PTE 42+ - Financial Capacity:
You must show you can cover:
– Tuition fees
– Living expenses
– Travel costs - Health Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory.
Document Checklist
Here are the most important documents:
Applicant Documents
- Passport
- CoE
- English test result
- Academic transcripts
- OSHC policy
- Financial evidence
- GS statement
- Health exam (if required)
- Police clearance
Processing Time:
Typical processing timelines:
- Passport or citizenship certificate
- Form 40SP
- Financial documents
- Past relationship evidence (if applicable)
Tips for a Strong Student Visa Application
- Make sure your GS statement is clear and honest
- Upload all documents neatly and correctly
- Provide strong financial evidence
- Choose a course aligned with your academic background
- Avoid last-minute COE changes
The Student Visa 500 offers huge opportunities for international students to gain world-class education and build their future in Australia. Whether your goal is further study, work experience, or future permanent residency pathways, the student visa is the first major step.
