If you want to study in Australia, you will most likely need a Student visa (subclass 500). It lets you study an eligible course, work part-time while your course is in session, and live in Australia for the length of your studies.
This guide explains who can apply, what it costs, the main requirements, work rights, the step-by-step application process, and the important rule changes in 2026. All details were checked against the Department of Home Affairs website at the time of writing. Student visa rules change often, so always confirm the latest information before you apply.
Quick Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Visa | Student visa (subclass 500) |
| Visa cost | From AUD 2,500 (some concessions apply) |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment |
| Work rights | Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session |
| Health cover | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required |
| Key document | Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider |
| Big 2026 change | New rules from 2 October 2026 on applying in Australia and including family members |
What Is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The subclass 500 visa is Australia’s main visa for international students. It covers many types of study, including:
- English language courses (ELICOS)
- Schools
- Vocational education and training (VET)
- University degrees, including bachelor, master and doctoral degrees
- Non-award courses, such as exchange programs
- Postgraduate research
Your visa usually lasts for the length of your course, plus a short period after it ends.
Important 2026 Changes
From 2 October 2026, new rules apply to Student visas (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visas (subclass 590). Home Affairs says the changes affect:
- Who can apply for and be granted a Student visa while in Australia
- Student visa holders applying for another Student visa
- Whether family members can be included in a Student visa application
- Whether family members can join you later
In practice, this means most temporary visa holders (including most current Student visa holders) must now be outside Australia when they lodge a Student visa application and when it is granted, unless a limited exemption applies. Most new applicants also can no longer include a partner or children in their application, and family members cannot be added after the visa is granted. Exemptions include PhD students, DFAT- or Defence-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients and some students from Pacific and ASEAN countries. Read the Home Affairs “Changes to Student visa application rules” page carefully before making any plans.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for a Student visa, you generally must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible course and hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when your visa is decided
- Meet the Genuine Student requirement
- Have enough money to pay for your course, travel and living costs
- Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay, unless exempt
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be at least 6 years old
- Show a welfare arrangement if you are under 18
- Not bring family members (partners and children) to Australia, unless you meet an exemption
You usually must apply from outside Australia, unless you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Student visa costs from AUD 2,500 for the main applicant. Lower costs apply to some applicants, including eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN citizens and some ELICOS and non-award students. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website to check your exact cost.
You will also need to budget for:
- Your course tuition fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English tests, health checks and police certificates if required
- Flights and your first months of living costs
The Main Requirements Explained
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Once your education provider accepts you and you pay a deposit, they will issue a CoE. You need a valid CoE for every course you include in your application. A CoE stops being valid if your course is cancelled or completed.
Genuine Student requirement
You must show that you are a genuine student who intends to study in Australia. In your application, you answer questions about your background, why you chose your course and provider, how it fits your future plans, and your circumstances at home. Be honest, specific and consistent with your documents.
Financial capacity
You need to show you can pay for your tuition, travel and living costs. At the time of writing, the living cost amount used by Home Affairs is AUD 29,710 per year for the main student, with extra amounts for any family members. These figures can change, so check the current amount before you apply.
English language
Most applicants need an English test result, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or OET. The minimum score depends on your course type. Some applicants are exempt, for example citizens of certain English-speaking countries.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must have OSHC from an approved Australian provider for your whole stay, unless an exemption applies. OSHC helps pay for doctor visits, hospital care and some medicines.
Work Rights on a Student Visa
With a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. During official course breaks, you can usually work unlimited hours. Students doing a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work limit.
Before you start working, you will need a Tax File Number (TFN) and an Australian bank account. International students have the same workplace rights as all workers, including minimum pay. Our guide to the minimum wage in Australia explains what you should be paid.
How to Apply for a Student Visa (Step by Step)
- Choose a course and provider that is registered for international students (CRICOS-registered)
- Apply to the provider and accept your offer
- Pay your deposit and arrange OSHC, then receive your Confirmation of Enrolment
- Prepare your documents, including your passport, CoE, English test results, financial evidence and Genuine Student answers
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website
- Lodge your application online and pay the fee
- Give biometrics and do health checks if asked
- Wait for a decision before you book flights or make firm plans
Applications lodged outside Australia are processed according to a Ministerial Direction that sets processing priorities. Processing times vary, so apply well before your course starts.
Visa Conditions You Must Follow
Common Student visa conditions include:
- Staying enrolled in a registered course
- Maintaining satisfactory course attendance and progress
- Keeping your OSHC active
- Not working more than the allowed hours while your course is in session
- Telling your provider your Australian address within 7 days of arriving, and any changes of address
Breaking visa conditions can lead to your visa being cancelled, so check all your conditions in VEVO.
Living Costs as a Student
Living costs depend a lot on your city and how you live. Rent is usually the biggest cost. Many students share a house or apartment to save money. Our guides to the cost of living in Australia and the best cities to live in Australia can help you plan.
What Can You Do After Your Studies?
After graduating, many students apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia for a period after your studies. Some go on to skilled or employer-sponsored visas. Read our guide to the Temporary Graduate visa (485) for details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for a course that does not match your background without a clear explanation
- Giving generic or copied answers for the Genuine Student requirement
- Not showing enough evidence of funds
- Booking flights before your visa is granted
- Working more than 48 hours a fortnight during your course
- Paying unregistered agents. If you use help, choose a registered migration agent or an education agent your provider works with
Choosing the Right Course and Provider
Your choice of course matters for your visa and your future. Before you enrol, check that:
- The provider and course are registered on CRICOS (the official register for international students)
- The course matches your previous study or work, or you can clearly explain why you are changing direction
- You understand the total cost, including tuition increases over several years
- The location suits your budget, as living costs vary a lot between cities and regional areas
Studying in a regional area can mean lower rent and, for some graduates, extra benefits for future visa pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Student visa cost in Australia?
The Student visa (subclass 500) costs from AUD 2,500 for the main applicant, with concessions in limited cases. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for your exact cost.
How many hours can I work on a Student visa?
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and usually unlimited hours during official course breaks.
Can I apply for a Student visa while in Australia?
Since 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders, including most current Student visa holders, must be outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is granted. Limited exemptions exist, for example if you need up to 12 more months to finish your course with the same provider. Check the Home Affairs Student visa changes page before you apply.
Can I bring my partner or children?
In most cases, no. Since 2 October 2026, most applicants cannot include a partner or children, and family members cannot be added after the visa is granted. Limited exemptions apply, such as for PhD students and some sponsored or scholarship students. Check the latest Home Affairs information before you plan.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Most Student visa holders must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their whole stay.
Final Thoughts
The Student visa is the main path to studying in Australia. Choose a registered course, prepare strong Genuine Student answers and financial evidence, arrange OSHC, and apply early.
Because the rules changed in October 2026, always check the Department of Home Affairs website, or speak to a registered migration agent if your situation is complicated.
Related Guides
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
- Cost of Living in Australia
- Best Cities to Live in Australia
- How to Find a Job in Australia
Official Resources
- Student visa (subclass 500) – Department of Home Affairs
- Changes to Student visa application rules – Department of Home Affairs
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