Student visa (subclass 500)

Lets you visit Australia to take part in a course of study.

At a Glance

• Stay: Up to 6 years and in line with your enrolment
• Visa cost: From AUD2,500.00 (Concessions apply in limited circumstances; a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, eligible ASEAN citizens, and applicants in the ELICOS and Non-Award sector.)

Who It Is For

• Be enrolled in a course in Australia with a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless exempt
• Apply online, usually from outside Australia unless you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption
• Under 18s must prove a welfare arrangement
• Generally not bring family members (partners and children) unless exempt

What You Can Do With This Visa

• Take part in an eligible course of study in Australia
• Travel in and out of Australia
• Work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course is in session

Good to Know

• From 2 October 2026 new rules apply for Student (500) and Student Guardian (590) visas, changing who can apply while in Australia and whether family can be included
• Applications lodged outside Australia are processed under a Ministerial Direction (MD 111 for those lodged before 14 November 2025; MD 115 for those lodged on or after that date)
• A CoE stops being valid if cancelled or the course is complete

Getting Advice

Our registered migration agents can talk through your situation, explain whether this visa suits you and help you prepare. This page is general information only, summarised from the Department of Home Affairs and checked in November 2026. Fees and rules change, so always check the official page before you apply.