Australia · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered provider. You apply online through ImmiAccount with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), Overseas Student Health Cover for the whole stay, evidence of funds and English, and you must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement. The visa allows limited paid work during study — confirm the current hour limits with Home Affairs.
The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered provider in Australia. You apply online through ImmiAccount with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), evidence of funds and English, and must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement. The Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia are the official sources.
- You need a valid eCoE from a CRICOS-registered provider before you can apply for the subclass 500 visa.
- You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
- You must show the required financial capacity (a set amount, updated periodically) and meet the Genuine Student requirement.
- The visa allows limited paid work during study; confirm current work-hour limits with the Department of Home Affairs.
- 1
Enrol with a CRICOS-registered provider
Only CRICOS-registered providers can enrol international students on this visa. Check registration before paying any fees.
- 2
Obtain your eCoE
You need a valid electronic Confirmation of Enrolment before you can lodge the subclass 500 application. It is issued once you accept the offer and meet its conditions.
- 3
Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover
OSHC is mandatory and must cover the duration of your stay, not just the course dates. Arrange it before lodging the application.
- 4
Meet the financial capacity requirement
You must show the required financial capacity — a set amount that is updated periodically. Check the current figure rather than relying on an older one.
- 5
Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement
You must show your primary purpose is genuine study. Prepare a coherent account of your course choice, background and plans rather than generic statements.
- 6
Lodge through ImmiAccount and check work limits
Apply online through ImmiAccount. Once granted, check the work-hour limits that apply during study — they have changed over time.
- Provider confirmed as CRICOS-registered
- Valid eCoE obtained
- OSHC arranged for the whole stay
- Financial capacity evidence meets the current amount
- English requirement met
- Genuine Student statement prepared
- Application lodged through ImmiAccount
- Student visa (subclass 500) — Department of Home Affairs
Official requirements, conditions and application.
- Study Australia — visa application process
Official step-by-step student-visa guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is an eCoE and when do I get it?
An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment is issued by your CRICOS-registered provider once you accept the offer and meet its conditions. You cannot lodge the subclass 500 application without a valid one.
Is health insurance compulsory for students in Australia?
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory and must be held for the duration of your stay — not only the course dates. Arrange it before lodging your application.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
It is the test that your primary purpose in Australia is genuine study. Applications are assessed on how coherently your course choice fits your background and plans, so prepare a specific account rather than generic statements.
Government portals
- Australian Government — Australian Government's official entry point — quick access to all department services
- Dept of Home Affairs — Student/work visas, skilled migration (189/190/491 subclasses), and citizenship applications
- Australian Tax Office (ATO) — TFN application, tax refunds, GST, superannuation, and personal income tax lodgment