Student Visa

Find out all you need to know about the subclass 500 Student Visa.

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows you to remain in Australia for up to 5 years for the purpose of full-time study at an educational institution, in line with your enrolment.

take part in an eligible course of study

include your family members in your application (your partner or you and your partner's dependent child.

apply online in or outside Australia

work up to 48 hours every 2-week period once your course starts. Master by research and Ph.D. students can work full-time. All students can work full time during school holidays.

In a recent announcement, the new financial requirements for Student and Student Guardian visas in Australia have been revealed. From May 10 2024, the financial capacity requirement rises to $29,710 up from $24,505, for student visa applicants. This adjustment aims to reduce the likelihood of international students facing financial strain upon arrival in Australia.

You must have completed the English language test in either the 2 years before:

the date you lodged your visa application if you are Regular Evidence level or

we decide on your visa application if you did not give us evidence of the English language test at the time you lodged your application. This applies if you are Streamlined Evidence level and the Department has asked you for evidence of your English language skill.

You do not need to give us evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:

you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland

you are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored student, or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES)

you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course

you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)

you are enrolled in a principal course of study registered and delivered in a language other than English

you are enrolled in a registered post-graduate research course

you have completed at least 5 years’ study in English in Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland

in the 2 years before applying for the student visa you completed the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in Australia in English while you held a student visa

in the 2 years before applying for the student visa you completed a substantial component of a course that would qualify you under the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a student visa.

1. Higher English requirement

The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).

The minimum test score for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has increased from IELTS score 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent).

The minimum test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). These recognised courses will be listed on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For students studying English only through ELICOS, full time school students, secondary exchange students, and postgraduate research students, there is no change.

2. The new GS requirement replaces the previous 300-word statement with a list of targeted questions. The GS questions cover:

Details of your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.

Why you chose your course and why you chose Australia as your study destination.

How you will benefit from studying your chosen course.

Details of your study history in Australia (if any).

If you are holding a visa other than a Student visa, you will need to give reasons for applying for a Student visa.

Any other relevant information that you’d like to provide.

3. The Student visa declaration has also changed. It requires you to confirm that you:

understand what it means to be a genuine student

have read, understand and commit to comply with student visa conditions and to notify the Department of Home Affairs if your circumstances change.

understand that while post-study pathways to permanent migration are available, only a limited number of graduates will be eligible.

From 1 July 2023 onward, international students work hour cap is increased from 40 hours to 48 hours a fortnight.

This is a great result for international students looking to study and work in Australia, as it means that students will now be able to earn more to support their studies, in what is a very strong job market due to increased workforce shortages in Australia.

If you need help to apply for your student visa, talk to us today.