The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time in Australia if you meet the Genuine Student requirement and other criteria, as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. See student visas for the full program, English requirements for language evidence, and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) plus the student to PR pathway for post-study options.
Key Visa Information
Core facts every student visa applicant should understand before applying.
Visa duration
Granted in line with your enrolment, for up to 6 years. If you need more time, you can only apply for a further student visa in Australia if you meet an exemption, such as needing up to 12 more months to finish your main course with the same provider. Otherwise you must apply from outside Australia.
Work rights
48 hours per fortnight during semester. Unlimited during scheduled course breaks. Where family members are included under an exemption, they also have work rights.
OSHC requirement
Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the full visa duration. You must purchase it before your visa is granted and maintain it until you leave Australia or your visa expires.
CRICOS provider
Your education provider must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Studying at a non-CRICOS provider breaches your visa conditions.
500 → 485 pathway
After completing a bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian provider, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa, giving you 2–4 years of work rights in Australia.
Secondary applicants
From 2 October 2026, most applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children. Family can only be included if you meet an exemption, such as PhD study, DFAT or Defence sponsorship, a foreign government scholarship, or being an eligible Pacific or ASEAN student. Family members cannot be added after the visa is granted.
Education Streams
The subclass 500 covers all levels of study at CRICOS-registered providers.
Common Refusal Reasons
Understanding why applications fail helps you build a stronger case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the student visa 500 answered.
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
1313 Success Group Pty Ltd trading as Nanak Migration Group makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at October 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.