Student visa (subclass 500)
The single visa for studying full-time at a registered (CRICOS) Australian institution, with limited work rights.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
International students enrolled in a registered full-time course in Australia - from ELICOS and schools through to vocational, higher education and postgraduate research.
Eligibility requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a CRICOS-registered course.
- Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement (which replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test in 2024).
- Show financial capacity for living costs - at least AUD 29,710 per year for the main student (indexed; plus tuition and travel).
- English proficiency, commonly IELTS ~5.5-6.0 overall (varies by course, level and provider; higher for some).
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full visa period.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test in 2024. The living-cost figure is indexed and was raised to AUD 29,710 from May 2024; confirm the current amount on the Home Affairs page. English thresholds vary by provider and course level.
Other Australia routes
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
TemporaryPost-study work rights for recent international graduates of Australian institutions.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
PermanentThe flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
PermanentPoints-tested permanent residence with a state/territory nomination that adds 5 points and can rescue a borderline score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
ProvisionalA 5-year regional provisional visa worth a big +15 points, designed as a stepping stone to PR via subclass 191.