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Last Updated: 16 October 2026
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500): Eligibility, Costs & PR Pathways
The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) gives international students access to some of the world's top-ranked universities and a stable job market. The visa allows students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their studies and is valid for up to 5 years. The country currently hosts more than 680,000 international students, and courses are recognized by employers worldwide.
Many scholarships offer 100% funding, covering full tuition and living costs. After graduation, students can access post-study work opportunities to gain Australian work experience and build a pathway toward permanent residency.
*Want to Study in Australia? Get free career counseling from a Y-Axis experts.
Why Study in Australia?
Australia attracts international students from more than 130 countries every year with its globally recognised universities, quality education and multicultural campus life. The Government has also set a National Planning Level of 295,000 new international student commencements for both 2026 and 2027.
- 9 Australian universities rank in the world’s top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2027)
- 100% scholarship opportunities
- High demand across healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, and education
- More than 1 million job opportunities over the next decade
- Skilled Occupation List courses can boost PR points
*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis help you through application process.
What Is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Subclass 500 is Australia's primary student visa, letting international students study full-time at any CRICOS-registered institution, from vocational courses to postgraduate research. It lets you stay for the length of your course, up to five years, work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and bring eligible family members along.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Subclass 500 (Student Visa) |
| Study options | ELICOS, VET, undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research |
| Visa validity | Up to 5 years, based on course duration |
| Work rights | 48 hrs/fortnight during term Unlimited during breaks Unlimited for Master's by Research/PhD |
| Family inclusion | Eligible partner and dependent children can join on the same application |
| Post-study pathway | Temporary Graduate visa (485) → skilled visa/PR |
Top 10 Affordable Universities to Study in Australia
Australia has more than 40 universities, with several offering affordable tuition fees for international students. These universities provide internationally recognized degrees, excellent teaching standards, and scholarship opportunities, allowing students to earn a world-class qualification while managing their study costs.
| University | Approximate Annual Tuition (AUD) |
|---|---|
| University of Southern Queensland | $18,000 - $22,500 |
| Federation University Australia | $18,000 - $24,000 |
| Central Queensland University (CQU) | $20,000 - $25,000 |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | $20,000 - $26,000 |
| Charles Sturt University | $19,000 - $25,000 |
| Edith Cowan University | $22,000 - $28,000 |
| Southern Cross University | $18,000 - $26,000 |
| University of Divinity | $13,000 - $26,000 |
| Western Sydney University | $27,000 - $35,000 |
| James Cook University | $20,000 - $28,000 |
Best Courses to Study in Australia for International Students
Nursing, IT, engineering, business, and skilled trades are consistently ranked among the best courses to study in Australia, with strong job prospects and high-paying salaries after graduation. These fields also align closely with Australia's skilled occupation list, making it easier for graduates to secure jobs with visa sponsorship and move toward long-term residency options after their studies.
| Field | Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Nursing and Healthcare | $85,000 - $110,000 |
| Information Technology | $100,000 - $160,000 |
| Engineering | $85,000 - $130,000 |
| Business and Accounting | $70,000 - $110,000 |
| Skilled Trades | $75,000 - $110,000 |
| Education | $70,000 - $100,000 |
| Mining and Resources | $120,000 - $180,000 |
| Aged Care and Disability Support | $60,000 - $85,000 |
| Cybersecurity | $100,000 - $160,000 |
| Hospitality | $55,000 - $80,000 |
*Need help choosing the right course? Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services guide you toward the right direction to study in Australia
Australia Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), you need to be enrolled full-time in a CRICOS-registered course and show you have enough funds to support yourself. Applicants must also meet English language requirements and have valid health insurance.
- Enrolment: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
- Genuine Student requirement: Show a genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions
- Proof of Funds: At least AUD 29,710 per year to cover living costs, in addition to tuition and travel
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall for direct entry (lower for packaged ELICOS or foundation pathways), or an equivalent PTE/TOEFL score
- Health insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your full visa duration
- Health and character: Meet standard health examination and character requirements
*Want to check your eligibility? Get an instant free eligibility check for studying in Australia.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Document Checklist
When applying for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), you need to submit proof of enrolment, finances, English proficiency, and health cover, along with a few supporting documents. Having everything ready before you apply helps avoid delays or requests for additional information.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution
- Valid passport with prior visa/travel stamp pages
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, loan letter, or scholarship)
- English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your full course
- Genuine Student statement
- Academic transcripts and qualification certificates
- Passport-sized photographs
- Health examination test results
- Police clearance certificate
- Relationship documents (marriage/birth certificates), if including family members
How to Apply for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
To apply for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), you need a Confirmation of Enrolment, supporting documents, and an ImmiAccount to submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 1: Get Your Confirmation of Enrolment
Accept your course offer and pay any required deposit to receive your CoE from your CRICOS-registered institution.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect proof of financial capacity, English test results, health cover, academic transcripts, and your Genuine Student statement.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount
Set up an account on the Department of Home Affairs website to start your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete your application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa application fee.
Step 5: Attend a Health Examination
Complete a health check with an approved panel physician if the Department requests one.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Respond quickly to any requests for extra information while your visa is being processed.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa
Check your visa conditions and validity dates before you travel to Australia.
*Want to apply for Australia Student Visa? Book a free consultation for expert guidance.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Fees
The Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) application fee is AUD 2,500 for most primary applicants from 1 July 2026. A reduced fee of AUD 2,050 applies to eligible ELICOS and non-award applicants and eligible ASEAN, Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders.
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (standard) | AUD 2,500 |
| Primary applicant (ELICOS, non-award, or eligible ASEAN, Pacific or Timor-Leste passport holder) | AUD 2,050 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (per year) | AUD 500 - 750 |
| Health examination | AUD 300 - 600 |
| English test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL) | AUD 270 - 500 |
| Police clearance certificate(per country ) | AUD 50 - 150 |
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Processing Time
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) processing times depend on the education sector. For Higher Education applications, 50% are processed within 16 days and 90% within 4 months. For Vocational Education and Training (VET), 50% are processed within 53 days and 90% within 7 months.
Applications lodged outside Australia receive Priority 1 processing until the education provider reaches 80% of its National Planning Level allocation. After that, applications are still accepted but are processed more slowly. Apply early and submit all required documents to avoid unnecessary delays.
Work Rights and Conditions on the Australia Student Visa
Subclass 500 holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, under visa condition 8105, with unlimited hours during official course breaks. Keeping track of your hours across all jobs helps you stay compliant and make the most of your work rights while you study.
- The 48-hour rule: A fortnight is a fixed 14-day period starting on a Monday, and your hours are cumulative across all jobs, not per employer
- Unlimited hours during breaks: Applies during official semester or summer breaks as set by your institution's calendar
- No limit for research students: Master's by Research and Doctoral students have unlimited work rights once their course begins
- Minimum wage: The national minimum wage is AUD 26.44 per hour, with casual employees generally receiving a 25% loading on top
English Language Requirements for the Australia Student Visa
Most applicants for the Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall or an equivalent score in an approved test, such as PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Lower scores may be accepted if the main course includes an approved English language course. Education providers may set higher English language requirements.
| Test | Direct Entry | With 10-Week ELICOS/Pathway | With 20-Week ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
*Want to ace your English test? Y-Axis Coaching helps you prepare for IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL to secure admission.
Study Intakes in Australia for International Students
There are 3 study intakes in Australia each year, giving you the flexibility to start your studies at a time that suits you best. February is the most popular intake, with the widest range of courses, scholarships, and accommodation options. July is a great second choice, especially if you need a little more preparation time, while November opens up further options at the postgraduate or VET level.
| Intake | Month | Course Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | February | Widest range across all study levels |
| Semester 2 | July | Good range, especially for university courses |
| Summer | November | Limited, mostly postgraduate or VET |
Also Read…
Which intake is the best to study in Australia?
Top 10 Scholarships in Australia for International Students
Australia offers thousands of scholarships for international students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs, from full government funding to university-specific merit awards worth up to AUD 40,000.
| Scholarship | Funding |
|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | 100% funding |
| Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship | AUD 39,069 per year |
| Melbourne Research Scholarship | 100% fee remission + up to AUD 135,000 stipend |
| University of Sydney International Scholarship | Up to AUD 40,000 |
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Up to AUD 15,000 |
| Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship | 50% tuition fee |
| UNSW International Scientia Coursework Scholarship | 100% tuition fee or AUD 20,000 per year |
| ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship | 25% – 50% tuition fee |
| Macquarie Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | Up to AUD 10,000 |
| Griffith Remarkable Scholarship | 50% tuition fee |
Read More…
Top 10 Scholarships to Study in Australia for International Students
Cost of Studying in Australia
Most international students spend between AUD 1,100 and AUD 3,100 a month on living costs, in addition to tuition fees. Costs are generally higher in Sydney and Melbourne and lower in regional areas and cities such as Adelaide and Brisbane.
| City | Estimated Monthly Living Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,900 - $3,100 |
| Melbourne | $1,800 - $2,900 |
| Brisbane / Canberra | $1,500 - $2,600 |
| Perth / Adelaide | $1,400 - $2,350 |
| Regional cities | $1,100 - $1,950 |
Can I Bring My Family on an Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
If you have applied for a PhD programme, receive sponsorship from DFAT or Defence, hold a foreign government scholarship, or are an eligible student from a Pacific or ASEAN country, you may be eligible to include your partner and dependent children in your Australia Student visa (subclass 500) application.
- Partner: A spouse or de facto partner may be included if you qualify for an exemption.
- Dependent children: Unmarried children under 18 may be included.
- Application timing: Include eligible family members in your original application; they cannot be added later.
- Partner work rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight, with unlimited hours for eligible master's or doctoral students.
Can I Extend the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
No. You cannot extend an Australia Student Visa (subclass 500). To continue studying, you must apply for a new Student visa. Most current visa holders must apply from outside Australia and remain outside the country when the visa is granted, unless they qualify for an exemption.
- Course extension: Up to 12 additional months to complete the main course with the same provider.
- PhD study: Applying for a doctoral degree.
- School study: Applying for primary or secondary school.
- Government sponsorship: Sponsored by DFAT or Defence.
- Higher qualification: Progressing to a higher AQF level after completing the main course.
- Provider default: The provider has defaulted, preventing course completion.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) Options in Australia
After completing your studies, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you live and work in Australia, in any sector and without work-hour restrictions, gaining experience before pursuing skilled migration or permanent residency.
| Stream | Who is Eligible | Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to a skilled occupation | Up to 18 months |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | Usually 2–3 years |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | First 485 visa holders who studied and lived in a designated regional area | 1–2 additional years |
*Want to apply for Subclass 485 visa? Let Y-Axis guide you through application process.
Regional Study Benefits for International Students
Studying at a regional Australian institution can extend your post-study work rights, gain extra scholarships, and even boost your points for permanent residency.
- Extra 1-2 years of post-study work
- Top regional scholarships like Destination Australia
- Lower cost of living than major cities
- Smaller class sizes and more individual support
- Additional points toward some skilled migration visas
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the Australia Student Visa
Weak financial evidence, incomplete documents, and unclear Genuine Student responses are the most common reasons Subclass 500 applications face delays or refusal. Avoiding these mistakes gives your application the best chance of a smooth approval.
- Weak or unclear financial evidence
- Inconsistent Genuine Student responses
- Incomplete or mismatched documentation
- Expired or insufficient English test scores
- Course choice that doesn't match your academic background
- Missing health or character documents
Pathway to PR After Studying in Australia
International students can pursue Australian permanent residency (PR) after graduation through skilled migration, employer sponsorship or regional migration. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to gain Australian work experience before applying for a PR pathway.
- Subclass 485 - Stay for up to 18 months under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream or usually 2–3 years under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent visa: Apply for permanent residency through points-tested skilled migration without employer or state nomination.
- Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated visa: Apply for permanent residency with state or territory nomination.
- Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional visa: Live and work in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency.
- Subclass 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme: Apply for permanent residency through an Australian employer nomination.
How Can Y-Axis Assist You to Study in Australia?
Y-Axis is your one-stop solution for studying in Australia, offering complete support from choosing the right course and university to securing your student visa and settling in. With over 25 years of experience guiding students through the entire journey, our team helps you navigate every step with confidence.
- Free counseling from a Y-Axis immigration counsellor to help you choose the right course
- Instant free eligibility check for studying in Australia
- Y-Axis Coaching for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and German language tests
- Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services to guide your university choice
- Complete visa application guidance from Y-Axis immigration professionals
- Y-Axis's Campus-ready program to help you prepare for life abroad
*Want to start your Australia journey? Book a free consultation with Y-Axis experts.
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