Planning to study in Australia in 2026 brings both excitement and paperwork. The Subclass 500 Student Visa is your pathway to living, studying, and working part-time in one of the world's top education destinations.

The Australian Government has made significant changes to the student visa system over the past year. From the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement to updated financial thresholds, there's a lot to understand before you apply. If you're also planning your pathway from student visa to permanent residency, getting your Subclass 500 right is the first critical step.

This guide covers everything you need to know. Eligibility criteria, documents, financial requirements, English scores, and the application process. We've based this information on the Department of Home Affairs official guidelines and the Study Australia government portal, so you're getting accurate, current information.

Let's get into it.

What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at Australian education providers registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).

What This Visa Allows You to Do

With this visa, you can stay in Australia for up to 5 years depending on your course duration. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. During scheduled breaks, there's no limit on work hours. Students in Masters by Research or Doctoral programs can work unlimited hours at any time after their course starts.

The visa also allows you to include family members in your application. Your partner and children can accompany you, though they'll need to meet their own requirements for health insurance and financial capacity.

Types of Study Covered

The Subclass 500 covers multiple education levels. Higher education degrees at universities, vocational education and training (VET) courses, English language courses (ELICOS), primary and secondary school programs, and postgraduate research. You need to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered institution before applying.

2026 Eligibility Requirements

Meeting the eligibility criteria is where many applications fall apart. The Australian Government wants students who are genuine about studying, financially prepared, and healthy enough to stay.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

You cannot apply for a student visa without a valid CoE from your education provider. The CoE confirms your acceptance into a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered institution. Your provider issues this after you accept their offer and pay any required deposit.

For students applying from within Australia, the CoE is now mandatory at the time of application. Applications lodged without it will be considered invalid, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

This replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement in March 2024. The GS requirement assesses whether your primary intention is actually to study in Australia.

You'll need to answer specific questions about why you chose your course, why you selected Australia, how this course fits your career plans, and what ties you have to your home country. Visa officers look for consistency between your written answers, your academic history, and your career goals. Generic or memorized responses raise red flags.

Financial Capacity

You must prove access to sufficient funds for annual living expenses. This is separate from your tuition fees. If you're bringing family members, additional amounts apply for your partner and each child. The Department of Home Affairs updates these thresholds regularly, so check their website for current requirements.

Acceptable proof includes bank statements, loan approvals, scholarship letters, or financial guarantees. The funds must be genuinely accessible, not just shown on paper. The Department can and does verify these documents.

Application Expenses to Expect

Several expenses are involved when applying for a student visa. Knowing what to budget for helps you prepare without surprises.

Visa Application Fee

The Department of Home Affairs charges a visa application fee for the main applicant, with additional charges for family members included in the application. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current fee amounts as these change annually.

Other Application Expenses

Beyond the visa fee, you'll need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay. Health examinations with a panel doctor, biometrics (if required), and police clearance certificates also add to your total preparation budget. If you need to improve your English score first, our PTE score improvement guide covers preparation strategies.

English Language Requirements

All student visa applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they're from an exempt country or have completed substantial study in English.

Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores

The Department accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and LanguageCert. Minimum scores vary by institution and course level. For most university courses, expect requirements around IELTS 6.0 overall or PTE 50. Competitive programs often require higher scores.

Your test results must be valid at the time of application. Some institutions accept test results up to 2 years old, but always confirm with your provider.

How English Scores Affect Your Application

Higher English scores don't just meet visa requirements. They can strengthen your GS statement by showing you're prepared for English-medium instruction. If you're comparing test options, our PTE vs IELTS guide breaks down which test might suit you better.

Application Process Step-by-Step

Once you have your CoE and all documents ready, the application itself is straightforward but detail-sensitive.

Creating Your ImmiAccount

All student visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. You'll need a valid email address, personal details, and your passport information to register.

Submitting Your Application

Complete the online form carefully. Upload all required documents including your CoE, financial evidence, OSHC certificate, English test results, passport copy, and GS statement responses. Double-check everything. Incomplete applications cause delays or refusals.

After submitting, you'll receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track your application. You may be asked to complete a health examination or provide additional documents during processing.

Processing Times and the Priority System

From 14 November 2025, offshore applications are processed under Ministerial Direction 115. This uses a traffic-light system based on how many students your institution has enrolled against their allocation cap. Institutions under their threshold get Priority 1 (faster processing). Those over their threshold get Priority 2 or 3 (standard or slower processing).

According to Home Affairs, 50% of higher education applications are processed within approximately 32 days, and 90% within 6 months. Apply early. The Study Australia portal recommends lodging your application well before your course start date.

After Your Visa is Granted

Getting approved is just the beginning. Understanding your visa conditions keeps you compliant and protects your stay.

Work Rights and Restrictions

You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Violating this condition can result in visa cancellation. The work hour limit applies during semesters, exams, and before your course starts. Unlimited work is allowed only during scheduled breaks.

Our student work hours guide explains exactly how fortnights are calculated and what counts as work.

Post-Study Options

After completing your studies, you may be eligible for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. This allows you to stay and work in Australia for 2 to 4 years depending on your qualification level. It's often the bridge between student visa and permanent residency for skilled migrants.

Conclusion

The Subclass 500 Student Visa opens doors to world-class education and potential long-term opportunities in Australia. The application process requires careful preparation. Getting your GS statement right, proving genuine financial capacity, and meeting English requirements are all essential.

Start early. Gather your documents methodically. And consider the bigger picture. Many of our clients at Desire Immigration begin their journey as students and end up settling permanently through skilled migration pathways.

If you need help with your student visa application, English test preparation, or planning your pathway to PR, our registered migration agent Mrs. Manisha Bhutani (MARN 2217756) can assess your situation. Book a consultation to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bank balance is required for an Australia student visa in 2026?

You must show sufficient funds for living expenses plus your tuition fees and travel costs. If bringing a partner or children, additional amounts apply. The exact figures are updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs, so check their website for current requirements. The funds must be genuinely accessible and verifiable.

Can I work while studying on a Subclass 500 visa?

Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Masters by Research and Doctoral students have no work hour limits after their course starts.

What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

The GS requirement replaced the old GTE rule in March 2024. It assesses whether your primary intention is genuinely to study. You'll answer questions about your course choice, career plans, and ties to your home country.

How long does student visa processing take in 2026?

Processing times vary. For higher education courses, 50% of applications are processed in about 32 days. However, complex cases or applications during peak periods can take up to 6 months. Choosing an institution under their enrollment cap can speed things up.

Can I apply for a student visa from inside Australia?

It depends on your current visa. Student visa holders can apply for another student visa onshore. However, holders of Visitor visas, Temporary Graduate visas, and certain other visas must now apply from offshore. Check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest restrictions.

What happens if my student visa application is refused?

You'll receive written communication explaining the reason for refusal and whether you can request a review. Common refusal reasons include insufficient financial evidence, unconvincing GS statements, and incomplete documentation.

Can a student visa lead to permanent residency?

The student visa itself doesn't lead directly to PR. However, after completing your studies, you can apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. This work visa allows you to gain Australian experience and potentially transition to skilled migration pathways like the 189, 190, or 491 visas.