FAQs

As of July 1, 2025, the application fee for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is $2,000 AUD for the primary applicant. This represents a 25% increase from the previous fee of $1,600 AUD. The fee remains the same regardless of the duration of your study plan.

Additional applicant fees:

• Family members 18 years or older: $1,225 AUD
• Family members under 18 years: $400 AUD

Location-based fees:

• Onshore: If you're applying for a subsequent Student visa from inside Australia, the base fee is $2,000 AUD. For first extensions, you pay $2,000 AUD, and subsequent temporary extensions attract an additional $700 AUD per application.
• Offshore: If you're applying from outside Australia, the cost is $2,000 AUD with no additional charges.

Please note: Visa fees are reviewed annually and may change. These fees are current as of August 2025. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.

You need to be enrolled in an accredited CRICOS course, hold a substantive visa (Not a bridging visa) if you are already in Australia, and be covered by an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). 

Certain countries have to show evidence of fundings or English language proficiency.

Student visa 500 checklist

Depending on your nationality and current location you may be required to show proof that you have enough money to cover the costs and expenses of your travel, tuition and stay in Australia.​ We can explain about this to you in more depth if required.

Your partner or family members can be included on your application. They will have the same work rights as you do unless you are studying a Master’s degree. In this case your partner will have full time work rights. They will also need to get an OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) and pay a visa fee at the application stage.

We can explain about this to you in more depth if required.

Student visa holders can work:

• Maximum 48 hours per fortnight during study periods (approximately 24 hours per week)
• Unlimited hours during official semester breaks and holidays
• No work restrictions for Masters by Research or Doctoral students once their course begins

Important: Working beyond these limits can result in visa cancellation.

International students must be enrolled in CRICOS registered courses to be eligible for a student visa 500. Those courses are delivered face-to-face only (exceptions made with Covid). However, on the side of your student visa course, you can take any online course you like in your free time.

How is it possible? Education agents in Australia are funded by education providers. This is why our team is committed to providing the best advice in total transparency. Zero fees and zero headaches for you. We take care of everything for free.

The business/management type of courses are the most popular amongst international students most of the time on bank balance and social life! These courses are usually the cheapest courses for international students in Australia. Prices start from as low as $4500 for a 12 month course. Discover the cheap and popular courses.

Yes, all 3 visas are considered as substantive visas. This means you are eligible to apply for a student visa if you hold one of those visas and if there are no conditions on your current visa that prevent you from doing so. Working Holiday Visa to student visa is the most popular way to extend your stay in Australia.

This is very common due to current processing times which are quite long.  As long as you lodge your student visa application before your current visa expires you are all good. During the application process, you will receive a Bridging visa which maintains the same conditions as your current visa.

Yes, if you want to study with TAFE or Universities. For most private VET courses in Australia, an academic English test is not required. Each school will have their own online English Placement Test, which is 100% free of charge and so much easier so don’t stress too much about it. Depending on your country of origin though, you might have to provide an IELTS or PTE test for the visa application (immigration).

No, that’s the good news! There is no age limit to apply for a Student Visa in Australia. So, if you are not eligible for a working holiday visa you can apply for the Student Visa.

If you have been studying your primary course for at least 6 months you are eligible for a release. If it’s been less than 6 months then you will need approval from your education provider to transfer elsewhere. Then the decision is in their hands. You should discuss with our team if you are considering changing your course.

Yes absolutely, the Student Visa 500 is a multiple entry visa. You are allowed to leave the country as much as you like to visit your family back home or go traveling. You get school holidays allowing you time for your travels.

If you are in Australia, you don’t have to worry about the processing time as you will get a bridging visa granted as soon as your previous visa expires. When applying for a Student Visa 500 outside of Australia you will expect a processing time of 3 months on average. Your visa needs to be granted before you are allowed to come to the country.

Our team is fast and reactive. Depending on your situation we will be able to take care of your last minute application and lodge your visa on time. If you have any other questions, reach out to our team anytime or book a free consultation.

The Australian government requires proof of funds to cover:

Living expenses (as of 2025):

• Primary applicant: AUD $29,710 per year (AUD $2,476 per month)
• Partner/spouse: AUD $10,394 per year
• First child: AUD $4,449 per year
• Each additional child: AUD $3,356 per year

Plus: Tuition fees, return airfare, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Effective March 23, 2024, the Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. You must demonstrate that studying in Australia is your primary purpose and show genuine intent to study. This includes detailed responses about your current circumstances, reasons for choosing your course, and how it will benefit your future.