Subclass 500 Supporting Evidence: Document Types Explained

How evidence is tailored to you

The Department of Home Affairs does not ask every subclass 500 applicant for an identical document set. It uses your main course of study and your circumstances to work out what evidence of finances, English and other requirements you need to provide at lodgement.

That means two genuine applicants can be asked for different documents. Read your provider's guidance and the Home Affairs document checklist for your situation rather than relying on a generic list.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Confirm the current evidence requirements on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before you apply.

Enrolment and Genuine Student evidence

Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is the core enrolment document, confirming your place in a CRICOS-registered course. Without it, an application is generally invalid.

Alongside the CoE, you respond to the Genuine Student (GS) questions in the form. Supporting evidence here can include study and work history, and documents showing your ties and reasons for choosing the course and provider — all consistent with your written answers.

English language and financial capacity

English-language evidence is usually a test result from an accepted provider, though the department recognises certain exemptions. The Duolingo English Test may be accepted by some universities for admission, but is generally not accepted for the subclass 500 visa itself — confirm the accepted tests on the official immigration site.

Financial-capacity evidence shows you can meet the costs the department specifies. Do not assume a fixed figure; the required amount and the acceptable forms of evidence are set by Home Affairs and change over time.

• English: an accepted test result, or evidence of an exemption
• Finances: funds or income evidence in an accepted form
• Bank statements, loan or sponsorship letters as required
• Documents covering tuition, living and travel costs

Health, character and insurance

Most student visa applicants must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay, and you provide your policy details with the application. You may also be asked to complete health examinations and provide police certificates to meet health and character requirements.

The department verifies documents through its own systems and may request originals, certified copies or translations. Provide clear, accurate documents and respond promptly to any request for more information.

Document requirements and accepted tests change. Verify the current lists for English, finances, health, character and OSHC on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before relying on them.