Student Visa (500)
Eligibility, costs, documents and compliance rules for the 2025 Student Visa. Your pathway to studying in Australia with work rights and future opportunities.
Key Facts (2025)
Essential information for your Student Visa application
Base Application Charge
AU $1,600 (increased from $710 in July 2024; lower fee for Pacific & Timor-Leste citizens)
Primary Requirements
CoE, Genuine Student criteria, English (IELTS 6.0/equivalent), OSHC, financial capacity (~AU $29.7k for 12 months)
Work Rights
Up to 48h per fortnight during teaching periods; unlimited in official vacations
Processing Times
50% in 16 days, 90% in 59 days (frequent seasonal fluctuation)
Application Process Timeline
Follow these steps to successfully apply for your Student Visa
Prepare Documents
2-4 weeksGather all required documents including passport, academic transcripts, OSHC, and funds evidence
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Evidence of financial capacity
- English proficiency test results (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider
Create ImmiAccount & Lodge Online
1-2 daysSet up your ImmiAccount, complete Form 157A, and submit your application with payment
- Create ImmiAccount on Department of Home Affairs website
- Complete Form 157A (Application for a student visa)
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay application charge (AU $1,600)
- Submit application online
Biometrics & Health Exam
1-3 weeksBook and complete biometrics collection and health examinations within 14 days of request
- Book biometrics appointment if requested
- Complete health examinations if required
- Attend appointments within 14 days of request
- Submit additional documents if requested
- Respond to any case officer requests promptly
Decision & Grant
VariableReceive visa decision and check your Visa Grant Notice for important conditions
- Check ImmiAccount for visa decision
- Download and review Visa Grant Notice
- Note visa conditions 8105, 8501, 8516
- Plan your travel to Australia
- Prepare for arrival and course commencement
Important Visa Conditions
Key conditions you must comply with on your Student Visa
Work Limitation
You must not engage in work for more than 48 hours per fortnight when your course of study is in session
Maintain Health Insurance
You must maintain adequate health insurance arrangements while you remain in Australia
Maintain Enrolment
You must maintain enrolment in a registered course and make satisfactory academic progress
After Your Visa is Granted
Important steps to maintain your visa and plan for the future
Compliance Requirements
- Maintain full-time enrolment in your course
- Advise address changes within 7 days
- Re-apply for new CoE on course changes
- Maintain adequate health insurance (OSHC)
Future Planning
- Plan early for Temporary Graduate visa (485)
- Consider skilled migration pathways (189/190)
- Build professional networks and work experience
- Explore employer sponsorship opportunities
Common Application Issues
Understand why Student Visa applications get rejected and how to avoid common mistakes
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement and why do applications get rejected?
The Genuine Student requirement assesses whether you are a genuine student who will use the visa for its intended purpose. Applications are often rejected when applicants cannot demonstrate genuine intent to study, have gaps in education history, or show inconsistent career progression. To avoid rejection, provide a clear study plan, explain how the course relates to your career goals, and demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
Why do applications get rejected for insufficient financial capacity?
You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs (~AU $29,710 per year), travel costs, and costs for dependents. Rejections occur when bank statements show insufficient funds, funds are borrowed temporarily, or financial documents are not genuine. Ensure you have genuine savings held for at least 3 months and provide certified bank statements.
What are common English proficiency issues that lead to rejection?
Applications are rejected when English test scores don't meet minimum requirements (usually IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5), test results are expired (over 2 years old), or fraudulent test results are detected. Some courses require higher English scores, so check your specific course requirements and ensure your test is from an approved provider.
Why do health and character requirements cause rejections?
Health examinations must be completed by panel doctors, and any significant health conditions must be declared. Character requirements include police clearances from countries where you've lived for 12+ months since age 16. Rejections occur when health conditions pose a significant cost to Australian healthcare or when criminal history is not disclosed. Be honest and complete all required checks.
What documentation errors commonly lead to rejection?
Common documentation issues include: providing uncertified copies, documents not in English without certified translations, missing or incomplete forms, and fraudulent documents. Always provide certified copies, use NAATI-certified translators for non-English documents, and ensure all information is accurate and consistent across all documents.
How can previous visa refusals or overstays affect my application?
Previous visa refusals, overstays, or breaches of visa conditions create additional scrutiny. You must declare all previous refusals and provide compelling evidence that circumstances have changed. Overstays may result in exclusion periods. Be completely honest about your immigration history and address any previous issues directly in your application.