Subclass 500
The single student visa framework used for international study in Australia.
Student Visa
Student Visa Australia
Student Visa Subclass 500
An Australian student visa is a temporary permit that allows you to live and study in Australia for the duration of your course. Since the introduction of the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), international students apply under a single Subclass 500 framework.
Course & CoE
Your CRICOS course and Confirmation of Enrolment establish the study pathway.
Genuine Student
Your course choice, background and future goals must form one credible story.
Evidence Planning
English, funds, OSHC, academic, health and character evidence must align.
Build the Visa Around the Right Course, Intake and Evidence.
The process focuses on your academic intent, Genuine Student reasons, financial capacity, course enrolment and supporting evidence. A strong application should not look random, rushed or generic.
Think Higher Consultants helps students prepare a clear, decision-ready application from course planning and CoE direction to student visa lodgement.
500Student visa subclass
33 daysMedian stated in the supplied guide
Upcoming intakes in Australia
Prepare Before the Intake Becomes Urgent
Australian universities primarily offer two main intakes, while selected institutions and courses may offer a third intake.
01February / MarchPrimary intake
02July / AugustSecondary intake
03October / NovemberSelected Courses Only
Your Subclass 500 Application Must Tell One Clear Story.
The Department does not assess documents in isolation. Your course choice, previous study, employment background, finances, family ties and future goals must connect logically.
Course and Provider Fit
Enrol in a full-time course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Evidence-First Lodgement
Organise CoE, OSHC, financial evidence, academic records, employment evidence and identity documents into a coherent file.
Genuine Student Strategy
Explain your study goals, current circumstances, home-country ties and how the course supports your future pathway.
Core documents
Evidence Your Application Is Built On
Valid Passport
Your current passport must remain valid for the intended stay period.
Confirmation of Enrolment
A valid CoE issued by a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider.
Proof of Financial Capacity
Evidence that you can cover tuition, living expenses and travel costs.
Genuine Student Requirement
Targeted answers explaining your study goals, current circumstances and home-country ties.
English Proficiency
Results from an approved test centre such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or Cambridge C1.
Health Insurance
Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa period.
Academic Records
Certified transcripts and certificates from your previous studies.
Health and Character
Medical examination and police clearance may be required depending on your circumstances.
The Numbers Matter, but the Supporting Evidence Matters More.
The supplied Student Visa guide lists the following minimum English scores and annual living-cost figures. Provider requirements and individual evidence needs may be higher.
Minimum English scores listed
IELTS6.0overall
PTE Academic58overall
TOEFL iBT64minimum listed score
Cambridge C1169Advanced
Note: the supplied guide states that PTE scores below 50 require an ELICOS pathway.
2026 annual living costs listed
Primary student or guardianAUD 29,710
Partner / spouseAUD 11,040
ChildAUD 4,730
School-age child schooling costsAUD 13,502
You must also show funds for return travel, approximately AUD 2,500, and the first 12 months of tuition fees.
Generic Answers Do Not Work. Your GS Response Must Be Specific.
The Genuine Student Requirement asks applicants to explain their current circumstances, why they selected the course and provider, and how the study supports their future.
Your answers should be supported by your academic, employment, financial and family evidence. A polished statement cannot repair a contradictory file.
What are your current circumstances, including family, community, employment and economic ties?
Why this course, this provider and Australia?
How will completing this course benefit your future?
What other relevant information supports your intention to study?
Three Essential Steps Before Lodgement
Studying in Australia becomes a smoother process when the course, language, financial, health and character evidence is prepared properly.
Meet Course and Language Requirements
Enrol in a CRICOS-registered full-time course and meet the minimum English scores listed for your profile and course.
Check Financial Capacity
Prepare evidence for tuition, living costs, travel, spouse or child costs and school-age child schooling costs where applicable.
Meet Health and Character Requirements
You may need a medical examination with an approved panel physician and police clearance to verify character standing.
A Cleaner File Creates a Cleaner Application
Your adviser will tailor the checklist to your specific profile.
Study Evidence
- CoE and offer documents
- Previous qualifications and transcripts
- Course packaging documents, if any
Financial Evidence
- Bank statements
- Education loan approval
- Sponsor income and relationship proof
- Tuition, living and travel cost evidence
GS Support
- Study plan
- Career plan
- Employment evidence
- Family and home-country ties
- Gap explanation if relevant
Health and Character
- OSHC policy details
- Health examinations when requested
- Police clearance where required
Student Visa Subclass 500
Ask About Your Student Visa →Need Your Course, CoE, GS and Evidence Reviewed Together?
Use the enquiry form at the top of this page. We will review your direction before the application becomes urgent.
Student Visa Australia FAQs
Clear answers to the most common questions raised by prospective Subclass 500 applicants.
The Subclass 500 visa allows international students to live and study in Australia for the duration of their enrolled course at a registered institution.
Key requirements include a valid passport, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), financial proof, English Proficiency, OSHC health insurance, and academic documents.
The GS requirement assesses your genuine intention to study in Australia and ensures your academic goals align with your chosen course.
You must show funds for tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and any dependents for 1 year as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced, with minimum scores depending on visa and course requirements.
Processing times for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) vary depending on application type, documentation, and departmental priority levels. Some applications are processed in a few weeks, while others may take longer.
Yes, eligible family members such as a spouse or dependent children can be included in your student visa application.
The main intakes are usually in February/March and July/August, with some institutions offering an additional intake in late October or November.
Tuition fees vary by level of study, typically ranging from AUD 16,000 to AUD 35,000 per year depending on the course and institution.
If refused, you may be able to review the decision or reapply depending on the reason for refusal and eligibility criteria.