Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Live, study, and work in Australia. We provide end-to-end support for international students — from course selection and university admissions to securing your Student Visa (Subclass 500).
What is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to come to Australia to participate in a full-time course of study at a recognised educational institution.
With this visa, you can enjoy Australia's world-class education system, vibrant lifestyle, and post-study work opportunities. You can study anything from English language courses (ELICOS) and vocational skills (VET) to higher education degrees (Bachelors, Masters, PhD).
Additionally, eligible family members (such as a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children) can accompany you to Australia as secondary visa holders.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be granted a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you must meet several key criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must be enrolled in a full-time course registered on CRICOS.
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: You must demonstrate that your intention is genuinely to study in Australia and not just to enter the country.
- English Language Proficiency: Provide acceptable evidence of your English skills (e.g., IELTS, PTE), unless exempt.
- Financial Capacity: Prove you have enough money to cover your travel, tuition fees, and living costs for yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Health Insurance: Have adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa.
- Health and Character: Meet Australian health and police clearance standards.
Dream Door manages the entire admission process. We help you choose the right course, secure your CoE, arrange OSHC, and prepare a strong GS statement.
Working Rights and Conditions
The 500 visa comes with generous working rights designed to help you support yourself and gain valuable Australian work experience during your studies.
During Study Terms
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two-week period) while your course is in session. This applies to both the primary visa holder and secondary dependents.
During Study Breaks
You have unlimited work rights during recognised school holidays and semester breaks. You can work full-time until your course recommences.
*Note: Master by Research and PhD students have unlimited work rights once their course commences.
The Admission & Visa Process
Course Selection & Strategy
We consult with you to understand your career goals, budget, and desired location, matching you with the ideal university or college.
School Application & Offer Letter
We prepare and lodge your application to the institution. Once accepted, you receive a Letter of Offer.
Acceptance & CoE Issuance
You pay your initial tuition deposit and arrange your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The school then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Visa Document Preparation
We compile your Genuine Student evidence, financial proofs, English test results, and health/character documents.
Visa Lodgement & Grant
Our registered migration agents lodge your Subclass 500 visa application. Once granted, you are ready to travel and commence your studies in Australia!
Student Visa FAQs
You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your travel costs, one year of tuition fees, and one year of living costs (currently set at $29,710 AUD per year for a single student). Additional funds are required if you bring a partner or children.
Yes, you can include your dependent spouse/de facto partner and your unmarried dependent children under 18 in your student visa application. You will need to show additional financial capacity and obtain OSHC for the whole family.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance that helps you pay for medical or hospital care you may need while studying in Australia. You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your visa.
Generally, you must complete at least 6 months of your principal course before you can change education providers. If you wish to change earlier, you need a Letter of Release from your current institution. Changing to a lower-level qualification may also require you to apply for a new student visa.
The Australian Government requires applicants to demonstrate that their primary reason for coming to Australia is to study and gain a qualification that will benefit their future. This involves answering specific questions in your application about your ties to home, potential career outcomes, and your choice of course and provider.
Make Australia Your Global Classroom
Navigating university admissions and the student visa process can be complex. Let Dream Door's experts manage the paperwork while you focus on your future.