Planning to study in Australia? The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you live in Australia while you complete a registered course, and it is the first step for many people who later build a career here. This checklist explains what the Department of Home Affairs expects in 2026, what it costs, and the mistakes we see most often at our Adelaide office.
This article is general information only, current at the date of publishing. Visa rules change often, so always check the official Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent before you apply.
What the Student visa (subclass 500) lets you do
- Study an eligible course at a registered Australian institution
- Stay for up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- Work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session
How much does a Student visa cost in 2026?
The base application charge for the main applicant is from AUD 2,500. Lower charges apply in some cases, including eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN citizens and some ELICOS (English language) and non-award courses. Extra charges apply for family members who come with you. Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator to check your exact cost.
Remember to budget for more than the visa fee: course tuition, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), English tests, health checks, flights and living costs all add up.
Student visa checklist: the core requirements
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must be enrolled in a registered course and hold a valid CoE when Home Affairs decides your visa. Your CoE is issued by your college or university after you accept your offer and pay any required fees. Choosing the right course matters: it needs to make sense with your study history and career plans.
2. The Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The Genuine Student requirement replaced the old GTE test. You must show that studying in Australia is the main reason you want the visa. In practice, that means explaining clearly:
- why you chose this course and this provider
- how the course connects to your previous study or work
- what the course will do for your future career
- your circumstances at home and your immigration history
Weak or copied answers are one of the most common reasons for refusal. Your answers should be your own, specific and backed by evidence.
3. Enough money for your stay
You must show you have enough money to pay for your course, travel and living costs. Home Affairs sets a minimum living-cost amount that you declare with your application, and it is reviewed regularly, so check the current figure on the official Student visa page before you gather your documents. Home Affairs also warns that you should not rely on part-time work to support yourself.
4. English language skills
You may need to provide an English test result when you apply. Use the Document Checklist tool on the Home Affairs website to see what applies to you. Home Affairs can also ask for English evidence at any time while your application is being processed.
5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must hold OSHC for your whole stay unless an exemption applies. We help students compare OSHC from providers such as Bupa, Allianz, Medibank, nib and ahm. Learn more about OSHC.
6. Health, character and other requirements
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Sign the Australian Values Statement if you are 18 or older
- Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government
- If you are under 18, show you have suitable welfare arrangements
- If you apply in Australia, hold an eligible substantive visa
Applying from inside or outside Australia
Outside Australia: applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025 are processed under Ministerial Direction 115, which sets processing priorities for offshore student applications. Lodging a complete, well-evidenced application is the best way to avoid delays.
Inside Australia: if you apply while holding a valid substantive visa, you will usually receive a Bridging visa A while your new application is processed. Check your current visa conditions first. Some visas have a “No Further Stay” condition, and changing course or provider on an existing Student visa has rules of its own.
Common mistakes that lead to refusal
- Choosing a course that doesn’t fit your background, with no explanation
- Generic or copied Genuine Student statements
- Financial documents that don’t clearly show where the money came from
- Letting your CoE, passport or OSHC dates fall out of line
- Not declaring previous visa refusals or cancellations
If your application has already been refused, you may be able to seek review. Read our guide on appealing a visa refusal to the ART.
After you finish your studies
Many graduates go on to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), or plan a skilled migration pathway. It pays to think about your long-term goals before you choose your course. Our free PR points calculator is a good place to start.
How Study Mate Migration can help
Study Mate Migration is based in Adelaide and combines education counselling with visa advice from a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help you choose the right course, prepare your Genuine Student evidence and financial documents, arrange OSHC and lodge a complete application.
Book a consultation: call +61 401 989 579 or send us a message.
