Study abroad·Australia & New Zealand· 7 min read

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Guide

A clear, neutral overview of the Australian Student visa (subclass 500) — what it is, who needs it, the conditions attached (study, health cover, and work hours), and where to verify the current rules. General information only, not immigration advice.

Key facts

Visa: Student visa (subclass 500)
Authority: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
Requires: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a CRICOS course
Work limit (term): 48 hours per fortnight while in session (verify current rule)
Verify on: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

What the subclass 500 visa is

The Student visa (subclass 500) is the visa most international students use to study a registered, full-time course in Australia. It lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study, generally for up to five years in line with your enrolment.

It is administered by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. The details below describe the visa in general terms; the binding rules, conditions, and amounts are set by the Department and can change, so always confirm the current requirements on the official Home Affairs website before you apply.

This is general information only and is not immigration advice.

Who needs a subclass 500 visa

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident and you want to study a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), you generally need a Student visa. You apply after you have an offer and your education provider issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

For full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course
You usually need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you apply
Family members can be included in your application (subject to the Department's rules)

Main conditions attached to the visa

A subclass 500 visa comes with conditions you must meet for the whole time you hold it. The most important ones for everyday student life are that you must remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance, hold adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay, and keep your contact and enrolment details up to date with your provider and the Department.

The exact conditions are listed on your visa grant notice, and the Department's website explains each one in detail.

Stay enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course and maintain progress/attendance
Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
Keep your address and enrolment details current

Working on a Student visa

The subclass 500 visa allows limited work. During course sessions, work is capped — the Department's published limit is 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session — and this cap does not apply during scheduled course breaks. There are specific rules for postgraduate research students and other situations.

Work-hour limits have changed in recent years and can change again, so confirm the current limit and any exceptions on the official Home Affairs website before relying on it.

Other things the visa requires

Beyond enrolment, applicants generally need to meet the Genuine Student requirement, show they have enough money to support their study and stay, meet English-language requirements set by their provider and the Department, and satisfy health and character requirements. Each of these is explained in its own dedicated guide and on the Department's site.

Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
Show evidence of sufficient funds
Meet English-language, health, and character requirements

Where to verify before you apply

Visa rules, conditions, fees, and amounts are set by the Australian Government and are updated regularly. Use the official Department of Home Affairs Student visa (subclass 500) page as your single source of truth, and verify every figure and condition there before you apply or make plans. This page provides guidance only and is not a substitute for the official rules or for professional immigration advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay on a subclass 500 visa?

The visa is granted for the duration of your study, generally for up to five years aligned with your enrolment. The exact length on your visa depends on your course. Check your visa grant notice and the official Home Affairs site for current rules.

Can I work while studying on this visa?

Yes, within limits. The Department's published cap is 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, with no cap during scheduled course breaks, and different rules for some students. Work-hour rules change, so verify the current limit on the official Home Affairs website.

Do I need health insurance for the subclass 500 visa?

Yes. You generally must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your Student visa. Confirm the requirement and approved arrangements on the official Department of Home Affairs site.

Is this immigration advice?

No. This is general information drawn from official sources. Immigration rules change frequently and individual circumstances differ — verify everything on the official Department of Home Affairs website and seek qualified advice for your situation.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500); Study Australia (Australian Government).

Last verified: 2026-06-12.