The Key to Your Australian Adventure

Visa Subclass 500

Purpose of the Visa

The subclass 500 visa is designed for international students looking to pursue an education in Australia. It permits students to:

Enrol in a recognized educational institution in Australia.
Bring family members, including a partner or dependent children.
Reside in Australia throughout the course’s duration, which can extend up to five years.
Enjoy the flexibility of travelling in and out of Australia.
Engage in part-time employment, with certain restrictions on work hours.

Study Options Available

Holders of the Student visa (subclass 500) can enrol in a variety of educational programs, including:

Universities and higher education institutions.
Vocational and Educational Training (VET).
English proficiency courses like ELICOS.
Primary and secondary education.
Research programs at postgraduate levels.
Non-award programs, such as Study Abroad and Exchange semesters.
Courses offered to students sponsored by the Australian Government’s Departments of Foreign Affairs or Defence.

Work Conditions for International Students

Student visa holders are allowed to work for 48 hours every 2 weeks during academic sessions with effect from July Ist, 2023. In addition they are able to work unlimited hours during semester breaks. However, students studying research for a master’s or doctorate do not have a work-hour limit at all.
Other work conditions include:
* Family members of students cannot work before the student’s course begins unless previously permitted under a different visa.
* Family members of master’s or doctorate student visa holders can work without any restrictions.
* Other student visa holder family members are restricted to 48 hours in a fortnight.

Cost and Processing

As of July 2023, the student visa (subclass 500) application fee is AUD710 for the main applicant, AUD530 for any additional applicant aged 18 and over, and AUD175 for any additional applicant under 18. Visa processing times can fluctuate based on individual circumstances such as the number of dependants on the application, time of application lodgement and other factors.

Key Visa Conditions

Visa holders need to be aware of specific conditions, such as:

Informing the education provider of their Australian address within a week of arrival.
Keeping valid health insurance coverage throughout their stay in Australia.
Not overstaying the visa period.
Visa conditions include enrolment in a registered course, maintaining attendance and progress, and adhering to study changes and limitations.
Adequate educational arrangements should be ensured for the visa holder and any dependents.
Minors under 18 years of age must have welfare arrangements, and Visa holders must notify their education provider of any change in their residential address within specified timeframes.

Course Packaging Feature

Students can opt for multiple courses under one visa if there is a clear progression between them. This is known as ‘course packaging’. The final or main course determines the evidence required for financial and English language proficiency.

Applying for the Visa

Students first must be enrolled for a course; they can then apply for visas with the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) provided by their education provider. Students will then use their CoE alongside other documents including financial, , employment, academic and GTE documents and certificates to lodge their visa application.