Australia Subclass 500 Student Visa 2026 Rules & GS Requirement

2026 Information Notice: This guide is based on official published information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and relevant government bodies. Visa requirements, application fees, and statutory thresholds change periodically; applicants should verify current requirements on primary government portals before applying.

Comprehensive Statutory Overview

The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to enroll in CRICOS-registered higher education, vocational (VET), or ELICOS courses in Australia. Managed by the Department of Home Affairs under the Migration Act 1958, 2026 regulations set the primary applicant Visa Application Charge (VAC) starting from AUD $1,600 (AUD $1,600 for ELICOS/Non-Award). The Genuine Student (GS) assessment framework requires targeted responses on study reasons and career value. Applicants must demonstrate proof of financial capacity showing at least AUD $29,710 per year in liquid living cost savings (plus 1st-year tuition fees and travel costs). Student visa holders are subject to Condition 8105, which restricts work authorization to a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during official academic sessions (with unrestricted work during university semester breaks).

Genuine Student (GS) Assessment & CoE Requirements

Genuine Student (GS) Test

Targeted GS Assessment Criteria

Must complete targeted GS questions addressing current circumstances, reasons for choosing Australia, course value, and study history.

$29,710 Financial Proof

Minimum Liquid Living Cost Threshold

Must show proof of funds covering AUD $29,710 annual living costs, plus 1st-year tuition fees and return airfare (or official government sponsorship).

48-Hour Fortnight Work Cap

Condition 8105 Work Restriction

Work authorization capped at 48 hours per fortnight during university terms (unrestricted full-time work during official scheduled breaks).

Mandatory OSHC Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover

Must hold continuous Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your visa from approved providers (Bupa, Allianz, Medibank).

CRICOS Confirmation of Enrolment

Valid Electronic CoE Requirement

Must possess an active electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from a registered CRICOS Australian education provider.

English Language Standard

IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 Floor

Higher education stream requires IELTS 6.0 overall (PTE 50). Foundation/ELICOS packages accept IELTS 5.5.

Condition 8105 Work Cap Rules & OSHC Health Coverage

No Course Downgrading Rule (Condition 8208): International students cannot downgrade from a Higher Education course (AQF Level 7+) to a VET course without lodging a new visa.
Work Rights for Masters by Research & PhD: Doctoral and Master's by Research students receive 100% unrestricted work rights upon course commencement.
Primary Visa Application Charge (VAC): Primary applicant fee is AUD $1,600.
Family Member Inclusion: Dependants (spouse and dependent children) can be included; spouse receives 48-hour fortnight work rights (unrestricted if main applicant studies Master's/PhD).
Financial Evidence Acceptable Sources: Bank deposits, government loans, official financial scholarships, or parent annual income proof ($87,856+).
80% Attendance Obligation: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress and 80%+ course attendance under Condition 8202.
90-Day Passport Validity: Passport must remain valid throughout your stay in Australia.
Transition to Subclass 485: Completing a 2-year CRICOS degree allows transition to Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work visa.
OSHC Coverage Window: OSHC policy must cover from arrival date until 2 months past course end date.
Biometrics Collection: Applicants from specific countries must provide fingerprint scans and digital facial photos at VFS/AVAC centers.

Frequently Asked Questions (Home Affairs FAQs)

The Genuine Student (GS) framework replaces GTE, requiring students to answer targeted questions detailing their educational background, choice of course, reasons for choosing Australia, and future career plans.

You must demonstrate liquid financial capacity of AUD $29,710 for 1 year of living costs, plus 1st-year tuition fees and AUD $2,000 for travel costs.

Under Condition 8105, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while university is in session, and unlimited hours during official semester breaks.

You can change courses within the same AQF level after 6 months. However, under Condition 8208, you cannot downgrade from a University degree to a VET diploma without applying for a new visa.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance covering doctor visits, hospital care, emergency ambulance, and prescription medicines in Australia.

Higher education courses require an IELTS score of 6.0 (or PTE 50). ELICOS English package courses accept IELTS 5.0 to 5.5.

If you are enrolled in a Master's degree (Coursework or Research) or PhD, your accompanying spouse gets 100% unrestricted full-time work rights.

An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) is an official document issued by an Australian university confirming your course registration, duration, and tuition fee deposits.

The primary applicant Visa Application Charge (VAC) is AUD $1,600.

Yes! Completing a 92-week CRICOS registered Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree qualifies you for a 2 to 3-year Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work visa.

Student Visa Fees, $29,710 Living Costs & Work Caps

Primary Application Charge (VAC)

AUD $1,600

Financial Living Cost Proof

AUD $29,710 / year

Academic Session Work Limit

48 Hours per Fortnight

Semester Break Work Limit

Unrestricted Full-Time

English Requirement (Higher Ed)

IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50

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