What is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the primary visa for international students who want to study in Australia at a CRICOS-registered institution. It covers everything from short English courses through to postgraduate degrees.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Subclass 500 you must:
- Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered Australian education provider
- Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement — demonstrating your intention to study and return home
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself (typically AUD 24,505 per year for living costs plus tuition)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover — OSHC)
The GTE Requirement
The GTE assessment is the most scrutinised aspect of student visa applications. The Department of Home Affairs wants to be satisfied you are a genuine student, not using the visa as a migration pathway.
Factors assessed include:
- Your ties to your home country (family, property, employment)
- Your immigration and study history in Australia
- Your potential immigration risk as assessed by your country of citizenship
- Your personal circumstances (age, employment background, financial position)
- The value the course adds to your future
Financial Evidence
You need to show you can fund:
- Tuition fees for the first year of study
- Living costs: AUD 24,505 per year (from 1 October 2023)
- School costs for any dependent children
- Return airfare
Processing Times
As of 2026, median processing times are approximately:
- 75% of applications: 17 days
- 90% of applications: 34 days
How an Education Consultant Can Help
A PIER-registered education consultant can assist with:
- Course and institution selection
- GTE statement preparation
- Financial document review
- Coordination with your CRICOS provider
- Health insurance arrangement