- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
- Partner Visas (Subclasses 820/801 Onshore, 309/100 Offshore)
- eVisitor (Subclass 651)
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601)
- Transit Visa (Subclass 771)
- Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 580)
- Training Visa (Subclass 407)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Visas (Subclasses 417 & 462)
- Child Visa (Subclass 101 & 802)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Overview
The Student visa, Subclass 500, is the main Australia Visa for international students who want to study full-time at a registered Australian education or training provider. To apply, you must first enrol in a course and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider. For applications lodged from 23 March 2024 onwards, the Department of Home Affairs assesses applicants under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant test. Under the GS framework, applicants respond to structured questions about their circumstances, course choice, and career goals, acknowledging that some students may eventually pursue skilled migration, provided their primary motivation is genuine study. The visa also requires evidence of financial capacity, English proficiency, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Approval is decided solely by the Department of Home Affairs.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (AUD) |
| Visa Application Charge, Primary Applicant (from 1 July 2026) | From $2,500 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), per year | Varies by provider |
| Annual Living Cost Evidence, Single Applicant | Approx. $29,710 |
The Visa Application Charge shown reflects the fee effective from 1 July 2026, unless the applicant is exempt. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. The living cost figure is a financial evidence requirement, not a government fee, and is reviewed periodically. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm current figures at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Processing Time
Processing time for the Australia Student Visa varies depending on the applicant’s country, the education provider’s status, and the completeness of the application. As a general guide, roughly half of all applications are processed within about a month, with the large majority finalised within around two months, though applications from higher-volume countries or with incomplete documentation can take considerably longer. A Confirmation of Enrolment is mandatory at the time of lodgment for applicants already in Australia; failing to provide one makes the application invalid. Because timelines vary, students should apply as early as possible after receiving their CoE and check the Department’s current processing time estimates.
Required Documents Checklist
Document requirements vary depending on the course level and individual circumstances.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for an Australia Student Visa involves navigating the Genuine Student requirement, detailed financial evidence, and course-specific documentation. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you prepare specific, evidenced GS responses and organise your financial and academic records correctly. Our thorough application review and personalised guidance are tailored to your chosen course and provider, helping you avoid generic or templated answers that commonly lead to refusal. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Australia Visa journey.