Dependents on a Student visa (subclass 500)

Leaving your family in your home country while pursuing studies in Australia can be a challenging task. From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applicants cannot include family members (a partner or children) in their application, and family members cannot apply later as subsequent entrants. Family can be included only if the main applicant meets an exemption; check the Department of Home Affairs Student visa page for the current exemption categories.

ACME Consultants for Migration and Education’s qualified team will assist you in drafting statements that meet the Genuine Student requirement. We specialize in ensuring that all criteria are thoroughly met.

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows your dependents to accompany you in Australia while you pursue your studies.

ACME Consultants for Migration and Education’s qualified team will help you in writing statements that meet the Genuine Student requirement. We specialize in assisting our clients, ensuring all criteria are met.

Visa Eligibility Criteria:

You must have a valid student visa.
Your family can be included only if you meet an exemption; most Student visa applicants cannot include family from 2 October 2026.
You can only include your partner and children.
All family member details must be declared in the student visa* application, or
If the applicant became a member of the family unit of the primary person before the grant of the student visa to the primary person, then his/her information must be provided in the primary applicant’s student visa application.
For children to be included in the application, they must be unmarried and under 18 years old.
Your dependents must hold and provide a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire visa tenure.
You must meet the financial requirements. You must demonstrate sufficient access to funds for one year, including your family. Use the Student visa financial calculator.
The Department’s living-cost figures include AUD29,710 for the student, AUD10,394 for a partner and AUD4,449 for each child, plus AUD13,502 a year for each school-age child, and travel costs. Check the financial calculator for current figures.
The main applicant must meet the Genuine Student requirement. Our qualified team can assist you in writing the statements.
Your dependents might need to undertake health examinations.
Your dependents must meet the character requirements.

* If you fail to disclose your family member’s details, the department may refuse to grant them visas.

Processing Time:

Processing times vary; see the Department of Home Affairs processing time guide

Student Visa Application Fee (in AUD):

Family members can be included only where the main applicant meets an exemption. The charges below are the Department’s current figures, which are reviewed each 1 July.

Base application charge (main applicant): from AUD2,500 (AUD2,050 for ELICOS and Non-Award)
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: AUD1,530 (AUD1,255 for ELICOS and Non-Award)
Additional Applicant Charge under 18: AUD500 (AUD410 for ELICOS and Non-Award)
Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: AUD700 (applies if you apply for a further visa while in Australia)

*Additional costs include overseas student health cover, biometrics, and health checks. In some cases, you may also be asked to provide police checks to prove your character.

Visa Conditions:

8201 – Maximum three months study: You are allowed up to but not exceeding three months of study or training while in Australia.
8104 – Work limitation: You must not engage in work until the primary student visa holder has commenced a course of study. You are also not permitted to work for more than 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.
8501 – Maintain health insurance: You must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance (generally Overseas Student Health Cover) while in Australia.
8516 – Must maintain eligibility: You must continue to maintain your eligibility as a person who would satisfy the criteria for the grant of your visa.

How Can We Help?

As mentioned, we will be with you at every step of the process.

ACME Consultants for Migration and Education represent multiple OSHC providers like BUPA, Allianz, AHM, NIB, and Medibank. We can arrange health insurance for you at a competitive price where you will get the most coverage.
ACME Consultants for Migration and Education’s qualified team will help assist you in writing statements meeting the Genuine Student requirement. We specialize in assisting our clients, ensuring all criteria are met.
Meeting student visa financial requirements. Most student visa holders rely on bank loans to fund their studies. Obtaining a loan could be a tedious process. At ACME Consultants for Migration and Education, we can simplify the process for you. Funds can come from family or other supporters, but you must show evidence of your relationship, the supporter’s identity documents, the support they have given you before, and where the money comes from.