The Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 is the official student visa that allows international students to study full-time at an Australian registered education provider (CRICOS-registered institution). Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s programme, or PhD in Australia, the Subclass 500 visa is your essential gateway — and in 2026, the application process has become more transparent but also more scrutinised.
This complete guide walks you through every step of the Australia Subclass 500 visa application process, including financial requirements, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), work rights, and the most common reasons for refusal.
What Is the Australia Student Visa Subclass 500?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) replaced the old student visa system in 2016. It is a single visa that covers all types of student enrolment, from short courses to doctoral programmes, at registered Australian institutions. Unlike the old visa system, there is no separate visa for different education sectors.
Key Features of the Subclass 500 Visa 2026
- Allows full-time study at any CRICOS-registered institution
- Permits 48 hours of work per fortnight during term time (increased from 40 hours as of July 2023)
- Allows unlimited work during officially scheduled course breaks
- Covers your dependent spouse and children (who may have separate work rights)
- Visa duration tied to your course length plus a grace period of 1–2 months
Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 500 (2026)
Step 1: Get Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Before you can apply for the student visa, you must receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your Australian institution. The CoE is issued only after you have accepted an offer and paid any required deposits. Your CoE number is required during the visa application.
Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount
All Australian visa applications are submitted online through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Create an ImmiAccount and start a new application for a Student visa (Subclass 500).
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended course end date)
- Financial evidence (proof you can cover tuition, living costs, and return airfare)
- English language proficiency — IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced scores
- GTE Statement (Genuine Temporary Entrant statement — more on this below)
- OSHC certificate (must be arranged before lodging the visa application)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Biometrics (may be required depending on your country)
Step 4: Prove Your Financial Capacity
Australia requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
| Cost Element | Approximate Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (first year) | AUD 20,000–45,000 (varies by course) |
| Living expenses (annual) | AUD 24,505 (official DFAT figure for 2026) |
| School costs for dependent children | AUD 8,000 per child |
| Return airfare | AUD 2,000–4,000 depending on origin |
Acceptable financial evidence includes: bank statements showing sufficient funds for at least 3 months, scholarship award letters, loan approval letters from recognised financial institutions, or a combination of sources.
Step 5: Write Your GTE Statement (Genuine Temporary Entrant)
The GTE requirement is one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the Australian student visa application. The GTE is a statement you provide to satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that you are coming to Australia genuinely for study purposes and intend to return home after completing your course.
Your GTE statement should address:
- Why you chose to study in Australia specifically
- Why you chose your particular institution and course
- Your study and career plans upon returning to your home country
- Your ties to your home country (family, property, job offer, etc.)
- Your immigration history (previous visa compliance in any country)
A strong GTE statement is honest, specific, and demonstrates a clear connection between your study plans and your future in your home country. Vague statements or copy-paste GTE templates are a significant red flag for visa officers.
Step 6: Purchase OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
All international students on a Subclass 500 visa must maintain OSHC throughout their studies. OSHC is similar to private health insurance and covers GP visits, some specialist visits, and hospital care. Providers include Medibank, BUPA, AHM, NIB, and Allianz. Cost is approximately AUD 500–700 per year for a single student in 2026.
Step 7: Lodge Your Application
Apply online via ImmiAccount. The application fee in 2026 is approximately AUD 710. Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks depending on your nationality and the volume of applications. Students from India, Nigeria, Ghana and Pakistan should allow 4–8 weeks for processing.
English Language Requirements for Australian Student Visa 2026
Most undergraduate and graduate programmes require:
- IELTS Academic: 6.0–7.0 (varies by institution and course)
- TOEFL iBT: 79–100
- PTE Academic: 50–65
Work Rights on a Subclass 500 Visa
International students on the Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during official course breaks. This is a significant benefit — many students in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane can earn AUD 25–35 per hour in hospitality, retail, and service roles, significantly offsetting living costs.
After Your Studies: Post-Study Work Visa
Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows you to remain in Australia after graduation. In 2026, the duration of the 485 visa has been extended:
- Bachelor’s graduates: 2–4 years (depending on study location)
- Master’s graduates: 3–5 years
- PhD graduates: 4–6 years
Common Reasons for Australian Student Visa Refusal
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Weak or vague GTE statement
- Previous visa refusal in Australia or another country not disclosed
- English language score below minimum requirement
- Health or character concerns