Australia has become a top destination for international students, boasting 9 of the world’s top 100 universities and 95% of its universities ranked globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. If you plan to study in Australia, understanding the subclass 500 student visa—its conditions, fees, and work rights—is essential.
Applying for the Australian Student Visa
To apply for a student visa (subclass 500), you must first:
- Select a course and institution – Enroll in a program offered by an approved Australian education or training provider.
- Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) – This document is mandatory for lodging your visa application.
The subclass 500 visa is required for all study levels, including:
- Higher education
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Pathway programs
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
The visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course or up to five years, with multiple entries and exits permitted.
Updated Visa Costs (Effective 1 July 2025)
The cost of an Australian student visa has increased significantly:
- Base application fee: AUD $2,000 (up from AUD $1,600).
- Additional applicant fees: AUD $1,225 (for applicants aged 18 and over) and AUD $400 (for applicants under 18).
- Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC): AUD $700 if you apply from within Australia.
These new charges follow a sharp rise in 2024, when the visa fee jumped from AUD $710 to AUD $1,600—an increase of 125%.
Work Rights for Student Visa Holders
The subclass 500 visa also grants the right to work while studying:
- Work hours during study: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms, semesters, and exam periods.
- Work hours during breaks: Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
- Research students: If you are enrolled in a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree, there are no work hour limits once your course has started.
Other Conditions
- Family members: You can include your partner and dependent children on your visa application.
- Visa compliance: You must comply with all visa conditions (such as maintaining enrollment and attendance). Failure to do so may result in visa cancellation.
