Commonwealth of Australia · study
Australian Student visa (subclass 500)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Study visa for international students enrolled at CRICOS-registered institutions.
- Processing time
- 4–12 weeks typical.
- Government fees
- AUD 2,000+ (student visa charge since 1 July 2025; confirm on the Department of Home Affairs fee estimator).
- Typical duration
- Programme length plus small buffer.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 22 July 2026, the Australian Student visa (subclass 500) for Commonwealth of Australia has typical processing of 4 weeks – 4 months. Sources: official Commonwealth of Australia government pages, reviewed 22 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/australia/student-au#answer
What is the Australian Student visa (subclass 500) in Commonwealth of Australia?
Australian Student visa (subclass 500) is a sponsor-led Australia route. Indicative government fees are AUD 2,000+ (student visa charge since 1 July 2025; confirm on the Department of Home Affairs fee estimator); indicative processing time is 4–12 weeks typical; typical duration is Programme length plus small buffer. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Department of Home Affairs on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Subclass 500 covers full-time study at CRICOS-registered institutions. Genuine Student (GS) requirements replaced Genuine Temporary Entrant from 2024. Post-study work rights are available via subclass 485.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CRICOS-registered institution.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓Genuine Student requirement.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓Financial capacity and OSHC health cover.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
Common blockers
- !Institution not CRICOS-registered.Australian Government Department of Education (CRICOS) ↗
- !Insufficient funds.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·CoE.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ·Funds evidence (AUD 29,710/year for 2024 intake; verify).Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ·OSHC.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
Application pathway
Enrol and receive CoE
From CRICOS-registered provider.
Apply online
Includes GS statement.
Health and biometrics
At approved panel clinic.
Transition to subclass 485
Temporary Graduate visa post-study.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for student visa ↗
Students use this Home Affairs page to confirm CoE, GS, and evidence requirements before applying online.
Department of Home Affairs · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: AUD 2,000+ (student visa charge since 1 July 2025; confirm on the Department of Home Affairs fee estimator).. A decision then typically takes 4 weeks – 4 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Can students work in Australia?+
Yes — up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and unlimited during breaks. Check the current fortnightly cap before relying on a specific number.
What visa do I move onto after I finish studying in Australia?+
After the student visa (subclass 500), the pathway transitions to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for post-study work. Confirm the current 485 requirements and your eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs before your student visa ends.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in AustraliaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Department of Home Affairs
Last checked: 1 June 2026