Student visa guide · Updated October 2026
Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500): 2026 Guide
Reviewed by Nadiia Zdielnik, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1569520)
The short answer
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time at a registered Australian education provider for up to five years, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. From 1 July 2026 the government application fee is AUD 2,500 for most applicants, or AUD 2,050 for eligible ASEAN passport holders, including students from the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.
To apply, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your provider, English test results, proof of funds, health insurance (OSHC), and answers showing you are a genuine student.
Student visa requirements: your checklist
You must meet every item below. Missing documents are one of the most common reasons for delays and refusals.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You need a CoE for a full-time course registered on CRICOS, the government’s register of courses for international students. The CoE arrives after you accept your offer and pay the deposit.
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement. You answer questions explaining why you chose this course and provider, how it fits your career, and your circumstances at home. Answers must be specific and backed by evidence.
- English language skills. Most applicants need an approved test, such as IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, or a lower score if you package your course with English language study (ELICOS). Some applicants are exempt.
- Financial capacity. You must show you can pay for 12 months of living costs, your first year of tuition and travel.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Compulsory for you and any family members for the whole visa period.
- Health and character. You may need a medical examination and police certificates.
- Under 18? You need approved welfare arrangements or a guardian.
- Where you apply from. Visitor and Temporary Graduate visa holders can no longer switch to a Student visa from inside Australia.
Not sure if you qualify? We’ll assess your eligibility and options in a 45-minute consultation with a Registered Migration Agent. Book now
How much does an Australian student visa cost in 2026?
The government fee is only one part of the cost. Budget for the visa charge, health cover, tests and the funds you must show, on top of tuition.
Government visa application charge (from 1 July 2026)
| Applicant | AUD |
|---|---|
| Main applicant, standard | 2,500 |
| Main applicant, eligible ASEAN citizens (e.g. Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia) | 2,050 |
| Main applicant, ELICOS-only or non-award courses | 2,050 |
| Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens | Lower rate |
The charge is paid when you lodge and is not refunded if the visa is refused. Check your exact amount with the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator.
Funds you must show for 12 months
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| Living costs, student | 29,710 |
| Living costs, partner | 10,394 |
| Living costs, each child | 4,449 |
| School costs, each school-age child | 13,502 |
| First year of tuition | As per CoE |
| Return travel | Varies |
These are the minimum amounts for the visa, not what living in Sydney or Melbourne actually costs, which is usually higher.
Other costs to budget for
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole visa period
- English test (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL)
- Medical examination and police certificates, if requested
- Translations of documents not in English
Can I work on a student visa?
Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official course breaks. Work rights start once your course begins. Master’s by research and PhD students can work unlimited hours after their course starts.
Working more than 48 hours in a fortnight during term breaches your visa conditions and can lead to cancellation, so keep a record of your hours.
How long does a student visa take?
Processing times vary from person to person and by education provider. A complete, well-prepared application is the best way to avoid delays. Lodge as early as you can once you have your CoE, ideally several months before your course starts.
Does the 2026 student cap affect my visa?
Australia has set a National Planning Level of 295,000 new international student commencements for 2026, and the same level for 2027. Under Ministerial Direction 115, offshore applications are prioritised according to how many places each education provider has already filled.
In practice, your choice of provider can affect how fast your visa is processed. We check a provider’s position before recommending a course.
Applying from the Philippines, Vietnam or Malaysia
Students from all three countries apply online through ImmiAccount and, as ASEAN citizens, are generally eligible for the reduced AUD 2,050 visa charge. The documents you need, especially financial evidence, depend on your nationality and your education provider.
Philippines
Many Filipino students choose vocational or postgraduate courses with a clear career link, such as nursing, IT, accounting and hospitality. Strong Genuine Student answers that connect your course to your work history make a real difference, and bank and sponsor documents should be consistent and well explained.
Vietnam
Vietnamese students often start with an English pathway course before a university degree. If you package ELICOS with your main course, we can check whether a lower English score is accepted. Family-sponsored funds are common; make sure the source of the money is clearly documented.
Malaysia
Malaysian students often have strong English and may already meet the requirement through previous study. Many transfer credit from a twinning or diploma program, so plan your course to keep a Temporary Graduate visa and a pathway to permanent residence open.
How Achange Consultancy helps
We are a Sydney-based agency led by Nadiia Zdielnik, a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1569520) with a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice from Griffith University. Our team are former international students, so we know the process from your side.
Advice based on your goals, not commissions
We recommend courses and providers that suit your career and long-term plans, including permanent residence.
Lower course fees
Partner schools offer our students discounts of up to 30%, with no extra commission or fees from us.
Refundable deposit
Your deposit is returned if your visa is refused.
One team for study and visa
Course choice, enrolment, visa application and what comes after, all in one place.
Our student visa services (fixed fees)
| Service | What’s included | AUD |
|---|---|---|
| Expert consultation | 45 minutes with a Registered Migration Agent to answer all your questions if you apply yourself; includes free enrolment in your chosen institution | 275 |
| Full student visa service | We prepare your documents, write your Genuine Student answers with you, lodge your application and handle all communication with the Department of Home Affairs | 2,500 |
Our fees are separate from the government visa charge, tuition and OSHC.
Planning beyond your studies: the pathway to permanent residence
The course you choose today decides your options after graduation. A typical pathway looks like this:
- Study a course linked to an occupation in demand in Australia.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain Australian work experience after you graduate.
- Professional Year Program (IT, accounting and engineering graduates) to build workplace experience and extra points.
- Skills assessment to confirm your qualifications and experience.
- Skilled visa such as subclass 189, 190 or employer sponsorship.
Many students choose a course for the short term and later find it doesn’t lead anywhere. We plan the whole journey with you from the start.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?
At least AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus your first year of tuition and return travel. Add AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 for each child. Funds can come from savings, eligible loans, scholarships, or support from parents or a partner, as long as the money is genuinely available to you.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
It replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test in March 2024. You answer questions about your circumstances, why you chose your course and provider, and how the course helps your future. Vague or copied answers are a common reason for refusal.
Can I bring my partner and children?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application. You must show extra funds for them, and they need health cover. Your partner can usually work the same hours as you, or unlimited hours if you are studying a master’s or doctorate.
Can I apply for a student visa while I’m in Australia?
Sometimes. Current student visa holders can apply for a new student visa onshore, but Visitor visa and Temporary Graduate visa holders can no longer switch to a Student visa from inside Australia.
Is the visa fee refunded if I’m refused?
No. The government charge is not refunded after you lodge, which is why a complete, well-prepared application matters. With Achange, your school deposit is refunded if your visa is refused.
Do I need an agent to apply?
No, you can apply yourself. A Registered Migration Agent helps you avoid costly mistakes, choose a course with good long-term options, and present your Genuine Student answers and finances clearly. Always check that an agent is on the official OMARA register.
What happens after I finish my course?
Many graduates apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to work in Australia, then move towards permanent residence through a skills assessment and a skilled visa.
Official sources: Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia: Student visa guide
This page is general information, not legal advice. Visa rules and fees change often; contact us for advice on your situation.
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