📋 In This Guide
- What is the Australia student visa and what has changed since 2023?
- Who is eligible — core requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — what it is and why it matters
- English language requirement
- Financial requirement — how much money you need
- The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
- Documents required — full checklist
- Fees and total costs 2026
- How to apply — step by step
- Processing times 2026
- Work rights on the Subclass 500
- After graduation — the Subclass 485 pathway
- Common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them
- Frequently asked questions
What Is the Australia Student Visa — and What Has Changed Since 2023?
The Australia Student visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at an Australian institution that holds a CRICOS registration — it replaced the old Subclass 573, 574, and 575 student visas in 2016 and now covers all levels of study from primary school to doctoral programs.
Two things every applicant from India, Nepal, Pakistan, and China must understand before applying in 2026. First, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been significantly more strictly applied since 2023 — the Department of Home Affairs introduced a structured five-factor assessment framework that replaced the older, general "ties to home country" approach; understanding and directly addressing this framework is now non-negotiable. Second, the 48-hour per fortnight work limit that applied before COVID was restored in 2023 after a temporary suspension — international students who worked unlimited hours during COVID must now stay strictly within the fortnight limit or risk visa cancellation.
- Who needs it: Any international student studying full-time at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution
- Key documents: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) + financial evidence + English language test + OSHC
- GTE requirement: Must demonstrate genuine intention to study and leave Australia after the course
- Fee: AUD $710 for the primary applicant
- Processing time: 75% of applications: 29 days; 90%: 40 days
- Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during academic session; unlimited during official course breaks
- Leads to: Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) after graduation
This guide covers full eligibility requirements, the CoE, GTE requirement, English language, financial evidence, fees, processing times, work rights, and the path to PR after graduation. All eligibility requirements, fees, and processing times are verified from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — last reviewed April 2026.
Who Is Eligible — Core Requirements
Every requirement below must be met. The CRICOS registration check is the most commonly overlooked — many students pay deposits and accept offers without confirming their specific course is CRICOS-registered, not just the institution.
- You must be enrolled at a CRICOS-registered institution AND a CRICOS-registered course — CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the official register of Australian institutions and courses approved to deliver education to international students; verify your institution AND your specific course at cricos.teqsa.gov.au before paying any deposit
- You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution — a unique electronic record issued through the government's PRISMS system; see Section 3
- You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement — you must demonstrate you are a genuine student who intends to study full-time and leave Australia when your course ends; see Section 6
- You must meet English language requirements — see Section 4
- You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the full duration of your course — see Section 5
- You must meet health requirements — a medical examination by an approved panel physician may be required; many applicants must complete this upfront through ImmiAccount
- You must meet character requirements — a police clearance may be required depending on your age and country of origin
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Institution CRICOS registration | Search cricos.teqsa.gov.au — the institution must be listed and currently active |
| Course CRICOS registration | Your specific course must also be CRICOS-registered — not just the institution; the course code appears in your CoE |
| CRICOS status current on application day | CRICOS registrations can be suspended or cancelled after your offer is issued — verify on the day you apply, not just when you received your offer letter |
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — What It Is and Why It Matters
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an electronic record generated by your Australian institution through the government's PRISMS system — it is not a physical document but a reference number that the Department of Home Affairs verifies directly. You cannot submit a Subclass 500 application without a valid CoE reference number — it must be entered into ImmiAccount.
Your CoE contains your institution's CRICOS provider code, the CRICOS course code, your full name and date of birth, the course name and level, start and end dates, total tuition fee, and the amount already paid.
| CoE item | Detail |
|---|---|
| When CoE is issued | After you accept your offer and pay the required deposit — typically 1–3 months before the course start date |
| CoE validity | Must be current at the time of visa application — a CoE for a course whose start date has already passed is treated as invalid |
| Multiple CoEs | For packaged programs (e.g. ELICOS English course + degree), you receive a separate CoE for each component |
| Changing institutions after visa grant | Your new institution must issue a new CoE — you typically do not need a new visa but must update your details |
English Language Requirement
English language ability is a mandatory eligibility requirement — it cannot be waived. There is an important distinction to understand: the minimum score for the visa itself set by the Department of Home Affairs (IELTS 5.5) is lower than what most Australian universities require for admission. Always check your institution's own English requirements, which are typically significantly higher than the visa minimum.
| Test | Minimum — visa (DIBP) | Typical university minimum | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 5.5 — no band below 5.0 | 6.0–7.0 per component | Most widely accepted — use IELTS Academic, not UKVI version |
| PTE Academic | Overall 42 — no communicative skills score below 36 | 50–65 per component | 48-hour results — fastest available option |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 46 | 60–90 depending on institution | Accepted by most Australian universities |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Grade C (169) | Grade B or above for most universities | No expiry — valid indefinitely for immigration purposes |
| OET | Grade B in all four components | Grade B | Healthcare programs only — registered nurses, doctors |
You may be exempt from the English test requirement if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (Australia, UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland), have completed at least 5 years of study in English in a majority English-speaking country, or hold a passport from a country where English is an official language and the medium of instruction. Verify the current DIBP exemption list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before assuming you are exempt.
Financial Requirement — How Much Money You Need
Financial evidence covers two components: the full tuition fee amount outstanding on your CoE, plus the Department's annual living cost figure. The living cost figure is reviewed every January — the current 2026 figure is AUD $29,710 per year for the primary applicant.
| Person | Required living costs per year |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (student) | AUD $29,710 |
| Accompanying spouse or partner | AUD $10,394 |
| Each accompanying dependent child | AUD $4,449 |
Acceptable financial evidence
- Personal bank statements — last 3 months showing consistent funds covering tuition + AUD $29,710 living costs; a consistent income pattern over time is more convincing than a large recent deposit
- Term deposit certificates — must be accessible and mature before the course start date
- Scholarship or government sponsorship letter — must explicitly cover both tuition AND living costs; partial scholarships must be supplemented with personal financial evidence for the remainder
- Parent or legal guardian bank statements — acceptable if the student is financially dependent; must include a letter confirming the relationship and confirming fund availability
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
The GTE requirement means you must demonstrate you intend to stay in Australia temporarily — for the purpose of studying — and that you will leave Australia when your visa expires. Since 2023, the Department assesses GTE using a structured five-factor framework that replaced the older general ties-to-home-country approach. GTE failure is now the primary reason for Subclass 500 refusals among Indian, Nepali, Pakistani, and Chinese applicants.
| Factor | What the Department assesses | Evidence to provide |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Circumstances in your home country | Personal, economic, and social ties to your home country — employment, property, family, career prospects | Employment letter, property documents, family ties, career development plan showing return to home country |
| 2. Value of the course to your future | Whether the course makes genuine sense for your career — logically connected to your qualifications and goals | Statement of Purpose connecting the program to your specific career goals and home country employment prospects |
| 3. Your immigration history | Previous compliance with visa conditions in Australia or other countries | Copies of previous visas and entry/exit stamps showing full compliance; if previously on Australian student visa, show academic progress |
| 4. Potential migration intention | Whether there are indicators you may intend to stay beyond your authorised stay | Evidence of genuine intention to return — job offers or career prospects in home country after graduation, family responsibilities |
| 5. Your personal circumstances | Age, marital status, financial situation, and other personal factors affecting the credibility of the temporary stay claim | Holistic personal statement explaining all relevant personal circumstances |
Documents Required — Full Checklist
✅ Mandatory documents — all Subclass 500 applicants
- Valid passport — must be valid for the full duration of your intended study period; include all previous passports
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) reference number — issued by your CRICOS-registered institution through PRISMS; entered directly into ImmiAccount
- Digital passport-style photograph — 35mm x 45mm, plain white background, recent, no glasses
- English language test certificate — IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1, or OET; must be less than 2 years old (Cambridge has no expiry)
- Financial evidence — bank statements, term deposit certificates, scholarship letter, or government sponsorship letter covering tuition + AUD $29,710 per year
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory health insurance for the full duration of the visa; must be purchased from an approved Australian insurer before submitting the application; the OSHC membership number is entered into ImmiAccount
✅ Supporting evidence — strongly recommended for high-GTE-scrutiny countries
- GTE Statement — written personal statement addressing all five GTE assessment factors; strongly recommended for all applicants from India, Nepal, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh
- Academic transcripts and certificates — from all previous educational institutions; demonstrates genuine academic progression
- Proof of ties to home country — employment letter, property documents, family responsibilities
- Previous visa compliance evidence — copies of visas and entry/exit stamps from all countries previously visited
- Career development plan — a brief document showing how the Australian qualification connects to specific career goals in the home country
✅ Conditional documents — required in specific situations
- Medical examination results — required for all applicants from certain countries and for courses longer than 12 months; book through the ImmiAccount health examination system with an approved panel physician
- Police clearance — required for applicants over 16 from certain countries; check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for current requirements
- Parental consent — required for applicants under 18 applying without a parent or guardian in Australia; must be in the format prescribed by the Department
- School enrolment evidence for accompanying children — if bringing school-age children to Australia
Fees and Total Costs 2026
| Fee item | Amount (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application fee — primary applicant | AUD $710 | Non-refundable regardless of outcome |
| Student visa — each additional applicant (18+) | AUD $710 | Per accompanying adult dependant |
| Student visa — each additional applicant (under 18) | AUD $180 | Per accompanying dependent child |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — per year | AUD $600 – $700 | Mandatory — purchase from BUPA, Medibank, Allianz, AHM, or nib; compare at privatehealth.gov.au |
| IELTS Academic test fee | AUD $330 – $380 | Per sitting; varies by test centre location |
| Medical examination — per person | AUD $300 – $450 | If required; must use an approved panel physician |
| Police clearance | AUD $42 (AFP) + overseas clearance costs | If required |
| Total estimated cost — single applicant (1-year course) | AUD $1,700 – $2,500+ | Visa fee + OSHC + IELTS + medical if required |
| Total estimated cost — family of three (student + spouse + child) | AUD $3,500 – $5,000+ | All visa fees + OSHC for all + associated costs |
How to Apply — Step by Step
Confirm CRICOS registration and accept your offer
Verify both your institution and your specific course are CRICOS-registered at cricos.teqsa.gov.au before paying any deposit. Once paid, the institution issues your CoE through PRISMS — confirm it includes all required details before proceeding.
Sit your English language test
If not exempt, IELTS Academic is the most widely accepted. Allow 3–5 days for computer-delivered results or 13 days for paper-based. PTE Academic provides results in 48 hours if your deadline is tight.
Arrange financial evidence
Gather 3 months of bank statements showing consistent funds covering tuition + AUD $29,710 per year. Arrange your scholarship letter or government sponsorship letter if applicable. Do not rely on funds from friends or non-parental relatives.
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Choose an approved Australian insurer and purchase cover for the full duration of your visa. Compare options at privatehealth.gov.au. You receive a membership number to enter into ImmiAccount — you need this before submitting your application.
Complete health examination and police clearance if required
Log in to ImmiAccount and check whether an upfront health examination is required for your nationality and course duration. If required, book through the ImmiAccount health booking system with an approved panel physician. Check police clearance requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — overseas clearances can take 4–8 weeks. Completing both upfront eliminates processing pauses later.
Write your GTE Statement
Address all five GTE factors specifically and personally — your home country circumstances, why this course, your immigration history, your intention to return, and your personal context. This is the document that most directly influences the officer's GTE assessment and the one most applicants underinvest in.
Create an ImmiAccount and complete the online application
Create an account at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Enter your CoE reference number and OSHC membership number. Upload all supporting documents in PDF format at 300dpi. Pay AUD $710 — non-refundable. Monitor your application and respond promptly to any Departmental requests.
Receive your decision and check visa conditions via VEVO
If approved, your visa is electronically linked to your passport. Check your visa conditions, expiry date, and work rights using VEVO at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. There is no visa sticker — VEVO is your authoritative reference for your visa status in Australia.
Processing Times 2026
| Benchmark | Processing time |
|---|---|
| 75% of applications decided within | 29 days |
| 90% of applications decided within | 40 days |
| Priority processing available | No — no priority or super priority service for Subclass 500 |
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au processing time data, April 2026.
| Country | Typical processing | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| India | 20–35 days | High volume — GTE assessment is thorough; upfront health examination reduces delays |
| Nepal | 25–40 days | Among the most stringent GTE scrutiny of any nationality — GTE Statement is non-negotiable |
| Pakistan | 25–45 days | Security checks may extend processing; upfront documentation reduces delays |
| China | 20–35 days | High volume; GTE assessment thorough; upfront health examination reduces delays |
| Bangladesh | 30–50 days | Higher GTE scrutiny; financial evidence assessed carefully |
The single most controllable factor in processing time is completeness — missing the OSHC certificate, incomplete CoE details, or missing financial evidence pauses processing entirely. If an upfront health examination is required for your nationality and you do not complete it before applying, the Department issues a health examination request mid-process that typically adds 2–4 weeks. Complete the medical upfront to avoid this.
Work Rights on the Subclass 500
| Situation | Work hours permitted |
|---|---|
| During academic session — off-campus | 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week) |
| During official course breaks — off-campus | Unlimited — no hour restriction |
| On-campus employment | 48 hours per fortnight during academic session; unlimited during breaks |
| Before course commences — after arriving in Australia | 48 hours per fortnight maximum |
| Spouse or partner included in application | 48 hours per fortnight if student enrolled below master's level; unlimited if student is in a master's or doctoral program |
| After course completion — before Subclass 485 granted | Cannot work — must apply for Subclass 485 before working again |
After Graduation — The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
The pathway from Subclass 500 to Australian PR is well-established: graduate from a CRICOS-registered program → apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) within 6 months of receiving notification of results → work in Australia on the 485 for 2–4 years → use Australian work experience to qualify for SkillSelect points and apply for a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 PR visa.
| Qualification | Subclass 485 duration — major city | Subclass 485 duration — regional institution |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree | 2 years | 3 years |
| Honours degree | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master's by coursework | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master's by research | 3 years | 4 years |
| Doctoral degree | 4 years | 5 years |
The study-to-PR pathway is well-established for graduates in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education occupations. For the complete pathway — including Subclass 485 eligibility, SkillSelect points from Australian study, and which occupations benefit most — see our complete How to Get Australian Permanent Residency — All Pathways 2026 guide.
Common Reasons for Refusal — and How to Avoid Them
A refused Subclass 500 costs AUD $710 with no refund and creates a refusal history that affects every future Australian visa application. GTE failure now dominates refusal reasons for most high-scrutiny nationalities — invest in a thorough first application.
| Refusal reason | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| GTE requirement not met — insufficient evidence of genuine temporary stay intention | Submit a detailed GTE Statement addressing all five assessment factors. Connect your course to specific career goals in your home country. Demonstrate concrete ties including employment prospects, family, and property. A vague statement is worse than no statement. |
| Course does not represent genuine academic progression | Choose a course that logically follows from your previous education. A postgraduate student applying for a lower-level qualification than they already hold is a major GTE red flag — the course must make genuine academic sense given your background. |
| Financial evidence below AUD $29,710 per year plus tuition | Ensure your evidence covers the full current living cost figure. Many applicants are still using outdated figures from before the last annual review — verify the current amount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying. |
| OSHC not purchased before or at time of application | Purchase OSHC before submitting — the membership number must be entered into ImmiAccount at the time of submission. It cannot be added after the application is submitted. |
| CoE issued for a course whose start date has already passed | Never submit a Subclass 500 application with a CoE for a course whose start date has already passed. If you deferred, contact your institution for an updated CoE with new dates before applying. |
| Health examination not completed — causes processing pause mid-application | If your nationality requires a health examination, complete it before submitting through the ImmiAccount health booking system. An upfront medical eliminates a processing pause that typically adds 2–4 weeks. |
| Police clearance missing when required | Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying for whether your nationality requires an upfront police clearance. Overseas clearances can take 4–8 weeks — prepare well in advance rather than waiting for a mid-processing request. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Subclass 500 application fee is AUD $710 for the primary applicant — non-refundable regardless of outcome. Additional costs include OSHC at approximately AUD $600–$700 per year (mandatory), an English language test at approximately AUD $330–$380, and a medical examination at AUD $300–$450 if required. The total realistic cost for a single applicant is approximately AUD $1,700–$2,500 depending on whether a medical is required. Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Yes — your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. Your spouse pays AUD $710 and each child under 18 pays AUD $180. Your spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight if you are enrolled below master's level — and unlimited hours if you are in a master's or doctoral program. Children can attend school in Australia while you study.
The Subclass 500 is granted for the duration of your course plus an additional period — typically 1 month beyond the course end date for courses up to 10 months, and 2 months for longer courses. If you extend or change your course, you may need to apply for a new or extended student visa. Your visa is electronically linked to your passport — check your exact conditions and expiry on VEVO at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
A CRICOS-registered course is approved by the Australian government to be delivered to international student visa holders — only CRICOS courses can be studied on a Subclass 500. A non-CRICOS course cannot be the basis for a student visa application. Always verify both your institution and your specific course are CRICOS-registered at cricos.teqsa.gov.au before paying any deposit or accepting any offer.
Yes — you can transfer to another CRICOS-registered institution after completing six months of your principal course. Before six months, you can only transfer if your current provider has agreed in writing, has ceased to offer the course, cannot provide adequate support, or exceptional circumstances exist. Your new provider issues a new CoE and your student visa conditions automatically apply to the new course.
Not directly — the Subclass 500 is a temporary visa. Graduating from a CRICOS-registered program makes you eligible for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, which allows you to work in Australia for 2–4 years after graduation. This Australian work experience builds SkillSelect points for skilled migration. The study-to-PR pathway is well-established for graduates in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education occupations.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance specifically designed for international students in Australia — covering basic medical and hospital costs while you are on a student visa. OSHC is mandatory for all Subclass 500 holders for the full duration of the visa and cannot be granted without it. Approved OSHC providers include BUPA, Medibank, Allianz, AHM, and nib. Compare cover and prices at privatehealth.gov.au before purchasing.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Three things to carry forward. The GTE requirement is the foundation of every Subclass 500 assessment — a detailed, specific GTE Statement addressing all five factors is the single most effective improvement you can make to your application. Your institution AND your specific course must be CRICOS-registered — verify both at cricos.teqsa.gov.au before paying any deposit. And OSHC is mandatory and must be purchased before submitting — the membership number is entered into ImmiAccount at the time of submission and cannot be added after.
Australia's student visa is not designed to be difficult. It is designed to ensure international students are genuinely pursuing academic goals. If your course choice is logical, your finances are genuine, and your GTE Statement is specific and credible, approval is the expected outcome.
All fees, financial requirements, and processing times are verified from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — April 2026. The living cost requirement and work hour limits have changed in recent years — always verify current figures before applying.
🏛 Official Sources Used in This Guide
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Student Visa (Subclass 500) immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — GTE Requirement immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Financial Requirements cricos.teqsa.gov.au — CRICOS Register privatehealth.gov.au — Compare OSHC Providers immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — English Language Requirements immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Work Rights on Subclass 500 immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Visa Processing Times immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — VEVO Visa Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Approved Panel Physicians📖 Related Guides on VisaPathGuide.com
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