Are you planning to study in Australia or already here on a student visa? Then it’s essential to know the rules you need to follow to avoid getting your visa cancelled. Working hours, travel restrictions, class attendance… There are things you can do, and others you can’t.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what your Student Visa 500 allows, and doesn’t allow. No jargon, just the facts.
Travel with a Student Visa: What’s Allowed
As long as your student visa is valid, you’re allowed to travel anywhere in Australia and abroad, as long as you stick to your class schedule.
You can go on weekend trips or travel during official school holidays, but not during class days.
⚠️ If you leave without informing your school, you could put your visa at risk. The safest thing to do is always inform your school when you leave the country, especially if it’s outside school breaks.
In case of a border check or immigration enquiry, your school may be contacted to confirm your attendance.
How Many Hours Can You Work?
Yes, you can work while holding a student visa! But you have to follow one clear rule:
👉 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) during study periods.
🛑 That’s not 24 hours per week, it’s 48 hours however you want to spread them across two weeks. For example, you can work 10 hours one week and 38 the next. As long as you stay within the limit, it’s allowed.
🗓️ During school holidays, you’re allowed to work full-time with no cap on hours.
Going over the 48-hour limit while your classes are on can lead to visa cancellation, so be careful and follow the rule.
Leaving and Re-entering Australia: What You Need to Know
With a Student Visa (subclass 500), you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want, as long as your visa is still valid.
But be aware:
-
You must be actively enrolled in a registered course and not drop out.
-
If you stop studying, your visa can be cancelled by immigration, even if it hasn’t expired yet.
If you want to stay in Australia after your current student visa expires, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. There are two options, depending on your situation:
-
If your current visa is still valid, you can apply from inside Australia for a new student visa, a Graduate visa (485), or another suitable visa.
-
If your visa is about to expire and you don’t apply in time, you’ll need to leave the country and apply from overseas.
-
In some cases, you might be granted a Bridging Visa while your new visa is being processed, but only if you applied before your current visa expires.
📌 It’s super important to plan ahead and never let your visa expire without acting, or you could risk complications and delays.
Study Obligations with a Student Visa 500
A student visa offers flexibility, but you still have to meet certain conditions to stay compliant:
-
You must be enrolled in a full-time course, which means attending at least 20 hours per week.
-
You must attend your classes regularly and complete your units/modules. If you miss too many classes or fail your course, your school can report you to immigration, which could lead to visa cancellation.
🩺 You must also hold a valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Without valid insurance, your visa is not compliant.
What You Can’t Do with a Student Visa
Here’s a quick list of things you’re not allowed to do on a student visa in Australia:
-
Work full-time during study periods (except during school holidays).
-
Study fewer than 20 hours per week.
-
Enrol in a non-CRICOS registered school or program.
-
Apply for permanent residency or employer sponsorship without switching visa types.
-
Stay in Australia without valid OSHC coverage.
📩 Want to study in Australia but not sure where to start? Contact us today for free expert advice on student visas, courses, and university options!
