Student Visa, Subclass 500
The Student visa lets you study a registered course in Australia. A well-prepared application matters, because the department looks closely at whether you are a genuine student. We help you choose the right course and visa strategy, prepare your application and plan what comes next.
The Student visa is for people who have been accepted into a registered course in Australia. The department looks at whether you are a genuine student, whether you can support yourself and your studies, and whether you meet English, health and character requirements. A well-prepared application tells a clear story about why this course and why now.
- TypeTemporary
- NeedsConfirmation of Enrolment
- TestedGenuine student, funds, English
- CoverOverseas student health cover
Overview
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study a registered course in Australia on a full-time basis with an approved education provider.
- It allows you to live in Australia for the length of your course, and you may work within the limits of your visa conditions.
- The department looks closely at whether you are a genuine student, so a well-prepared application matters.
- Choosing the right course and provider at the start can also shape your later pathways.
Who this suits
People who have an offer from an Australian education provider for a registered course
School, vocational, higher education and English language students
Students who want a study plan that supports a later graduate visa or skilled pathway
Applicants who need to understand how the new rules from 2 October 2026 affect them
Key facts
- A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your provider is required
- The Genuine Student requirement applies, so your statement should be personal and consistent
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required
- From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa while in Australia, and current Student visa holders generally cannot apply for another one onshore unless an exemption applies
- From 2 October 2026, family members generally cannot be included unless an exemption applies, and cannot be added after the visa is granted
- Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the earlier rules
Government application fees
Student (500), most students
Main applicant$2,500
Additional applicant 18+$1,530
Additional applicant under 18$500
Student (500), ELICOS and Non-Award sectors
Main applicant$2,050
Additional applicant 18+$1,255
Additional applicant under 18$410
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- You must be enrolled, or accepted, in a registered course, and you will need a CoE before you lodge.
- You must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement by explaining your circumstances, your reasons for the course and your plans clearly.
- You must show you can support yourself during your stay, and the evidence the department accepts can change.
- You must meet the English language, health and character requirements that apply to you and your course.
- You must hold OSHC for the length of your stay, and you should check whether an exemption applies to you.
How the process works
- 01Choose your course and provider, with your later pathway in mind
- 02Accept the offer and obtain your CoE
- 03Check the rules that apply to you, including where you can lodge and whether family can be included
- 04Prepare the Genuine Student statement, financial evidence, English results and OSHC
- 05Lodge the application, complete health and character checks, and respond to any requests
Documents you will need
- Passport and identity documents
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and your offer from the education provider
- Your Genuine Student statement, with academic records and evidence of your circumstances
- Evidence of financial capacity to support your stay, and your OSHC details
- English language test results, and police certificates and health examination results when requested
After the visa is granted
- You must stay enrolled and make satisfactory progress, and keep to the conditions on your visa, including any work limits.
- If you change course or provider, check how that affects your visa before you act.
- Keep your OSHC current for as long as you hold the visa.
- Plan the step after study early, whether a graduate visa, employer sponsorship or skilled migration.
How we help
- Choose the right course and visa strategy for your goals
- Prepare a clear, personal Genuine Student statement
- Check whether an exemption applies to your situation
- Plan the move from study to a graduate visa, employer sponsorship or skilled migration
Common pitfalls
- A generic or inconsistent Genuine Student statement
- Assuming you can apply onshore under the old rules
- Planning for family to join without checking the new rules
- Choosing a course without considering later pathways
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply from inside Australia?
It depends on your current visa and whether an exemption applies. From 2 October 2026 you may need to apply from outside Australia, so we check your position first and advise on the right place and timing to apply.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
You must show that you genuinely intend to study, and that your course fits your circumstances and goals. A personal, consistent statement backed by supporting evidence matters, because generic answers are easy for the department to spot.
What do I need before I can lodge the application?
You generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment from your provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, identity documents and evidence supporting your Genuine Student statement. Requirements can change, so Southern Stone confirms the current checklist for your circumstances before you lodge.
Can I include my partner or children in my application?
From 2 October 2026 family members generally cannot be included unless an exemption applies, and they cannot be added after the visa is granted. Applications lodged before that date are assessed under the earlier rules. We check which rules and exemptions apply to you.
What happens if I want to change course or provider later?
Changes can affect your visa conditions and your future options, so check before you act rather than afterwards. Depending on timing and your circumstances, you may need to notify the department or seek further advice. We can look at the impact on your visa first.
Can a Student visa lead to staying in Australia long term?
A Student visa is temporary and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Many students later move to a Temporary Graduate visa, employer sponsorship or skilled migration, so choosing a course with those pathways in mind is worthwhile. We can plan this with you.