A Complete Guide to Studying in Australia and staying legally while pursuing your full-time education at a recognised institution. The Student Visa Australia Subclass 500 is essential for anyone planning to study in Australia. For those seeking a master’s by research or doctoral degree, both you and your family members enjoy unlimited work rights, making it easier to balance study and professional experience.
About the Student Visa Subclass 500
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) opens the door to exciting opportunities in Australia. With this visa, you can enrol in an eligible course of study, enjoy the freedom to travel in and out of Australia during your stay, and gain valuable work experience by working up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. This makes it the perfect choice for international students who want to balance education, travel, and part-time work while building a brighter future in Australia.
Length of Stay on a Student Visa Subclass 500 in Australia
If you are planning to study in Australia, knowing how long you can stay is essential. Your visa duration depends mainly on your course type and study length.
How Long Can You Stay
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is a temporary visa that generally allows you to study in Australia for up to 6 years. However, if you are enrolling in primary school (Years 1–4), the maximum visa length is usually 3 years.
Stay Longer in Australia
- Continue your studies: Apply for a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) if you wish to keep studying.
- Visa ending before graduation: You may be eligible for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) with a letter from your education provider confirming your graduation date.
- Completed studies: If you finished eligible qualifications in the last 6 months, you could apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
- Other purposes: If you plan to stay for reasons beyond study, apply for a visa that matches your situation.
Besides, it also allows you to include family members when you lodge your visa application.
Include Family with the Student Visa Subclass 500
If you want to study in Australia, you can also bring your family members with you under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This option makes it easier to stay with your loved ones while studying. You can include:
- Your partner
- Your or your partner’s dependent child (unmarried and under 18 years old)
A Student visa cannot be granted to children who have turned 18 by the time their visa is finalised. They must apply for their own visa separately. If you need visas for your parents, you can check out the Australia student guardian visa subclass 590.
What You Must Keep in Mind
Declaring Family Members
You must declare all family members in your visa application, even if they don’t plan to travel with you. If you fail to declare them, they won’t be eligible for a student visa later.
Adding Family Later (Subsequent Entrants)
Family members can also apply as subsequent entrants through ImmiAccount after your visa is granted.
Health, Character & Schooling
All family applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. You must also budget for annual school fees for dependent children attending public or private schools in Australia.
You Must Meet These Requirements for a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you want to study in Australia, you must meet specific requirements for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Without fulfilling these conditions, your application will not be approved, and you cannot enter Australia as an international student. To be eligible, you must:
- Apply online either inside or outside Australia
- Be enrolled in a registered course of study in Australia
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall under an exemption category
- Be at least 6 years old
- Provide a welfare arrangement if you are under 18
- If applying from within Australia, hold an eligible substantive visa
Things to Consider Before Applying
- A substantive visa will cease once another substantive visa is granted
- Applications are processed in line with Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDST) when applicable.
Apply From Inside or Outside Australia
You can apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) whether you are inside or outside Australia at the time of application and decision. If you are applying from within Australia, you must hold an eligible substantive visa to be considered.
Packaged Courses for the Student Visa Subclass 500
If you are applying for a package of courses, you must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course. The last course in your package is considered your main course of study, which determines the financial and English language evidence you need to provide.
In addition, course gaps between packaged courses must generally be less than two calendar months. An exception applies if the first course ends at the end of the standard academic year and the next course begins at the start of the new academic year—for example, a gap of three to four months between November and February is acceptable.
Most importantly, Standard visa grant periods still apply to all packaged courses, ensuring your study plan is fully covered under your Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Processing Times for the Student Visa Subclass 500
When applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), it is essential to allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. Furthermore, processing can take longer during peak periods, so make sure to submit your application well in advance of your course start date.
Why Your Application May Take Longer
Your visa application may be delayed if:
- It is not completed correctly
- Required documents are missing, or more information is requested
- The department needs extra time to verify your information
Hence, find out what steps you can take to help the department process your application faster.
Visa Application Charges
We can’t process your application unless you pay the correct visa application charge. Therefore, we will inform you if this applies to your case.
Student Visa Subclass 500 Cost Breakdown
Studying in Australia is an exciting opportunity, and understanding the visa costs helps you plan your journey with confidence. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) starts from AUD 2,000 for the main applicant, unless exemptions apply. Also, family members included in your application will incur an additional fee.
Other Potential Costs
Along with the visa application fee, you may also need to budget for:
- Health checks to ensure you meet Australia’s health requirements
- Police certificates for character assessment
- Biometrics, such as fingerprints or photos
Reduced Visa Costs for Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Applicants
From 22 March 2025, students from eligible Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste can benefit from a lower Student or Student Guardian visa cost, making it easier to pursue their studies in Australia. This special concession helps reduce financial barriers and encourages more students to experience world-class education and life in Australia.
How It Works
Eligible applicants will be automatically charged the lower visa fee when applying through ImmiAccount. The passport of the primary applicant confirms eligibility from one of the specified countries. Family members included in the application also qualify for the reduced rate.
Eligible Countries
The primary applicant must hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
This initiative not only makes studying in Australia more affordable but also opens the door to exciting learning opportunities, unforgettable cultural experiences, and a brighter future, giving students and their families the confidence to take the next step in their Australian journey.
