How To Apply For Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application Process

Australia remains one of the most popular and welcoming study destinations globally, offering world-class universities, a safe multicultural environment, strong post-study work rights, and excellent career prospects. The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live and study full-time in Australia for the duration of their registered course up to 5 years or more for longer programs like PhD or Master’s by research.

With the visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time (unlimited during official course breaks). Research degree students (Master’s by research or PhD) have no work hour limit. You can follow this guide to apply for Australian Scholarships Without IELTS

This guide explains the complete, up-to-date application process for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) as of 2026, including all key requirements, documents, costs, and tips. The process is almost entirely online through ImmiAccount.

Check these Australian Scholarships:

Step-by-Step Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application Process

Step 1 – Receive Letter of Offer from University

After applying and being accepted by an Australian university or registered education provider (CRICOS-registered), you will receive a Letter of Offer.

Read it carefully as it includes:

Course name and CRICOS code
Tuition fees and payment schedule
Start and end dates
Any conditions (e.g., English requirements, Overseas Student Health Cover)

Keep a digital and printed copy.

Step 2 – Accept Offer and Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Pay the required deposit (usually first semester tuition or part of it). Once payment is confirmed, the university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) the most important document for your visa application.

You must upload the CoE in your visa application. Without it, the visa will be refused.

Step 3 – Meet English Language Requirements

You must demonstrate English proficiency unless exempt. Minimum requirements (2026 rules):

IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 64 (with minimums in each section)
PTE Academic: 50
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 169
OET: B in each component

Exemptions (no test required):

Citizen/passport holder of UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland
Completed at least 5 years of full-time study in English in one of these countries
Completed a degree-level qualification taught and assessed entirely in English

Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous degree was taught in English.

Step 4 – Meet Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

Since 2024, Australia replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

You must answer targeted questions in the online visa form showing:

Current personal/family circumstances
Why you chose this course and Australia
How the course benefits your future career/study plans
Other relevant information

Be honest, specific, and consistent. Generic or copied answers lead to refusal.

Step 5 – Prove Sufficient Funds (Financial Capacity)

You must show you (or your sponsor) have enough money to cover:

Tuition fees (first 12 months)
Living costs: AUD 29,710 per year (2026 rate subject to change)
Travel costs
Schooling costs for any school-age dependents

Acceptable evidence:

Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Scholarship/award letters
Loan approval letter
Parent/partner income proof (minimum AUD 62,222 in previous year)

Funds must be genuinely accessible.

Step 6 – Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay (including breaks). Without valid OHC proof, your visa will be refused.

Many universities arrange OSHC automatically when you accept your offer and pay fees. Common providers: Allianz, Bupa, Medibank, nib, AHM.

Cost: AUD 600–800 per year (varies by age and coverage).

Step 7 – Meet Health Requirements

Depending on your country of passport and time spent in certain countries, you may need a health examination (medical + chest X-ray). The department will tell you after you lodge your application if required.

Book exams only after receiving instructions from the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 8 – Meet Character Requirements

Answer character questions in the visa form (criminal history, visa cancellations, etc.). Most applicants need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 16.

Step 9 – Apply Online via ImmiAccount

Create or log in to ImmiAccount
Start new application → Student visa (subclass 500)
Answer all questions honestly
Upload all required documents (CoE, passport, financial proof, OSHC, English evidence, etc.)
Pay visa application charge: AUD 710 (2026 rate – subject to change)
Submit application

You can apply up to 6 months before course start (recommended 3–4 months).

Step 10 – After Submission

Track status in ImmiAccount
Respond to any requests for more information within deadline
Attend biometrics appointment if required
Visa decision: usually 1–3 months (faster for low-risk countries)
If granted: receive visa grant notice (electronic visa)

VISIT HERE TO APPLY FOR AUSTRALIA STUDENT VISA

Australia Student Visa Cost (2026)

Visa application charge: AUD 710 (main applicant)
Additional applicant charge (18+): AUD 530
Additional applicant charge (under 18): AUD 175
OSHC: AUD 600–800/year
Health examinations: AUD 300–600 (if required)
Police clearance: varies by country

Important Tips for Success

Apply early (3–6 months before course start)
Use genuine documents – fraud leads to permanent ban
Be honest in Genuine Student answers
Show strong ties to home country (family, job prospects, property)
Keep copies of everything
Check health/character requirements early

Common Reasons for Refusal

Insufficient financial capacity
Weak Genuine Student answers
No valid CoE
No OSHC
Fake documents
Poor English (if required)
Previous visa breaches