Student visa for Australia in 2026: Full Subclass 500

The student visa for Australia, officially called the Student Visa Subclass 500, is the document required for any international student who plans to study programs lasting more than three months in the country. The official amount established as of July 1, 2025 for fiscal year 2025-2026 is AUD 2,000 for the main applicant, and financial proof requirements amount to AUD 29,710 for 12 months of stay, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This guide details the necessary documents, the processing deadline, the work permits, and the essential precautions when putting together the request.

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What is the Subclass 500 visa and who does it apply to?

The Student Visa Subclass 500 is Australia's standard student visa, created for those planning to enroll in courses registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). It applies to students who intend to study full time at any type of registered institution: English language schools, technical institutes (TAFE), colleges, and universities.

A visa is mandatory for students from outside Australia and New Zealand who intend to study for more than 3 months. For courses of up to 3 months, a visitor visa (ETA or eVisitor) may be sufficient in some cases, but Subclass 500 is the appropriate format for those planning to work while studying.

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What documents are needed for the Subclass 500 visa?

The Subclass 500 request is made entirely online, through the Department of Home Affairs's IMMIAccount portal. The main documents required in 2026 are:

• CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment): confirmation of enrollment issued by the Australian institution registered with CRICOS. Without the CoE, the request cannot be initiated.
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): compulsory health insurance for international students, valid for the entire period of study in Australia.
• Valid passport: valid longer than the expected period of stay.
• Financial proof: documents that demonstrate the ability to afford the expenses. In 2026, the reference value is AUD 29,710 for the first 12 months.
• Academic record: diplomas, certificates and academic transcript, preferably with certified translation into English.
• Proficiency in English: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or equivalent results, with a minimum score that varies depending on the course level.
• Declaration of intent to return (Genuine Student Requirement): statement that proves that the purpose of the trip is study, not irregular immigration.

Some profiles may require additional documentation, such as a medical certificate and proof of a tuberculosis exam, depending on the country of origin.

The table below summarizes the documents by category:

How long does it take to process a Subclass 500 visa?

The process is entirely digital, and by 2026, most requests are processed within 30 days. There is no fixed deadline guaranteed by the Department of Home Affairs: the time varies depending on the complexity of the profile, the quality of the documentation submitted and the volume of applications in the period.

For those with complete documentation and an unimpeded travel history, approvals in less than two weeks are common. For cases requiring medical examination or additional documentation, the deadline may be extended to 4 to 6 weeks.

The practical recommendation is to start the request at least 8 weeks in advance of the course start date. Essential documents for students in Australia must be organized before opening the process in ImmiAccount, as any pending issue may pause the analysis.

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What is the work permit with the Subclass 500?

The Student Visa Subclass 500 includes an integrated work permit. In 2026, the current rule allows:

• During the term of office: up to 48 hours a fortnight (fortnight), that is, two periods of seven calendar days
• During official school holidays: I work with no time limit
• Before the start of the course: also with no time limit, provided that the student has already arrived in the country with an active visa

The Australian minimum wage for 2026 is AUD 24.95 per hour (adjustment from July 2025), according to the Fair Work Commission. A student who works 48 hours a fortnight can accumulate, on average, AUD 2,995 gross monthly, which contributes significantly to covering housing and food expenses.

The areas with the highest demand for international students in 2026 include hospitality, construction, supportive healthcare, and retail. Students who want to understand the full picture of the Australian labor market in 2026 can find an updated guide with the most requested professions and the states with the highest offer.

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How much does the Subclass 500 visa cost in 2026?

The application fee for the Student Visa Subclass 500 is AUD 2,000 as of July 2025, applying to all new applications made since then. This amount is charged at the time the online process is opened and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

In addition to this fee, the student must sign up for the OSHC before submitting the request. The amount of health insurance varies depending on the provider and the length of the course, but the minimum coverage required is 12 months for a 12-month program.

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How does the Genuine Student Requirement work?

The Genuine Student Requirement (GSR) is the criterion that replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) since March 2024. It requires the applicant to demonstrate that the primary purpose of the trip is study, with the real intention of fulfilling the course requirements and returning to the country of origin at the end of the authorized stay.

The assessment considers:

• Academic record and consistency with the chosen course
• Financial and personal situation in the country of origin
• Links with the country of origin (family, employment, assets)
• Student Purpose Statement

There is no specific form: the immigrant officer evaluates all the documentation. A clear and objective statement about the reasons for choosing Australia and the course, written by the applicant himself, is highly recommended.

Those who are structuring a study and work project in Australia with Be Easy have specialized support in the preparation of this document, which significantly reduces the risk of issues in visa analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Student Visa for Australia in 2026

Can I work from the first day of arrival with the Subclass 500?

‍Yes, as long as the visa is active and the course hasn't started yet. Before the start of classes, there is no limit on working hours. After the start of the course, the limit is 48 hours per fortnight during term periods.

Is it possible to include dependents on the Subclass 500 visa?

‍Yes. Spouse and minor children may be included as dependents. Each dependent pays a separate fee and must meet health and character requirements. The employment rights of dependents vary depending on the degree level of the holder.

Can the Subclass 500 visa be converted into a permanent residence visa?

‍The Subclass 500 is not a direct path to permanent residence, but those who study in Australia can accumulate points for the skilled migration system along the way. Upon completion of eligible courses, it is possible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) as the next step.

What is the minimum level of English required?

‍For English language courses (ELICOS), the requirement may be IELTS 4.5. For university undergraduate courses, the standard minimum is IELTS 6.0 (with no band below 5.5). For graduate studies, many universities require IELTS 6.5 or higher.

What is the difference between OSHC and regular travel insurance?

‍OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is the mandatory health insurance for students with a Subclass 500 visa in Australia. It covers medical appointments, hospitalizations, and, in some plans, basic mental and dental health. Regular travel insurance does not meet this requirement and cannot be used as a substitute.

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Be Easy: Boutique exchange consultancy

Be Easy accompanies international students who want to build their trajectory in Australia safely and clearly at every stage. Whether you are planning the visa, the choice of institution, or the complete structure of your project in the country, we have curating right so that no document is missing and no deadline is missed. To talk to a dedicated senior consultant and to understand the options available for your profile, contact us.