Student Visa Subclass 500
Health insurance is an essential requirement for a worry-free experience while studying abroad.
International Medical Coverage: Health insurance provides you with the peace of mind to receive medical care anywhere in the world, ensuring you won't face overwhelming expenses.
Visa and Enrollment Support:Having health insurance can make obtaining a student visa and enrollment easier. This reduces the chances of your applications being delayed or rejected.
Financial Protection: In the event of an unexpected incident, having health insurance ensures that your medical expenses are covered. It safeguards you from potential financial stress.
Legal Compliance: Many countries create specific health insurance for international students. Securing this insurance not only safeguards your well-being but also shields you from potential legal complications and the risk of deportation. Protect yourself and ensure a smooth study experience abroad.
Comprehensive Care: Health insurance covers expenses related to hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health support, and much more.
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Country-wise rules
The USA has a unique system that students must navigate to meet certain criteria. In contrast, Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Similarly, in the UK, students are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to gain access to the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, some universities have their own specific requirements, which often include particular coverage limits in their health insurance schemes.
Selecting a plan
Recognizing the diverse needs of students, universities create customized health insurance policies that provide essential coverage. Students can conveniently enroll in these plans during their registration process, ensuring peace of mind from day one. If a university does not offer its own insurance, students must seek private health insurance, which may not fully meet their specific needs. It's crucial for universities to invest in comprehensive health insurance options that prioritize student well-being and security.
Purchasing Health Insurance
Health insurance is essential for students, and selecting the right plan is vital for their well-being. By carefully considering their unique needs, students can find a plan that offers the best balance of cost and benefits. After choosing a suitable plan and making the necessary payment, students will receive a certificate as proof of their coverage, ensuring assurance during their academic journey.
Country-wise rules
The USA has a unique system that students must navigate to meet certain criteria. In contrast, Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Similarly, in the UK, students are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to gain access to the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, some universities have their own specific requirements, which often include particular coverage limits in their health insurance schemes.
Country-wise rules
The USA has a unique system that students must navigate to meet certain criteria. In contrast, Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Similarly, in the UK, students are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to gain access to the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, some universities have their own specific requirements, which often include particular coverage limits in their health insurance schemes.
Student Visa Subclass 500 – Your Guide to Studying in Australia
Planning to continue your education in Australia? If you’re already here or recently arrived, the Student Visa Subclass 500 is essential. It allows international students to stay legally while completing a full-time course.
This visa lets you:
- Study at a CRICOS-approved institution
- Work part time during your course
- Access pathways to post-study work and permanent residency
Many students get stuck at key steps — gathering documents, writing a GTE, or meeting financial and health checks. If you’re unsure where to begin, PFEC Global can help you apply for your student visa in Australia with clarity and confidence.
What Is the Student Visa Subclass 500?
The Student Visa Subclass 500 is issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It allows you to:
- Enrol in a full-time registered course
- Live and study in Australia for the duration of your program
- Work part time while studying and full time during scheduled breaks
This visa is mandatory if you plan to study for more than 3 months in Australia.
You must hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-listed provider to apply.
Who Needs the Student Visa Subclass 500?
You must apply for the Subclass 500 visa if:
- You are switching from another visa (such as a visitor or temporary visa) to study full time in Australia
- Your current student visa is expiring and you are enrolling in a new course
- You are applying onshore for the first time after completing an English language or pathway program
This applies to students enrolling in:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs
- Diploma or certificate courses (VET)
- English language programs (ELICOS)
Why This Visa Matters
Holding a valid Student Visa Subclass 500 lets you:
- Study full time in Australia
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Work full time during semester breaks
- Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after graduation
- Include dependants in your visa (partner or children)
- Access key PR pathways via skilled migration or regional programs
You must hold this visa to remain legally in Australia as a student.
How Long Is the Subclass 500 Visa Valid?
| Course Length | Visa Validity |
|---|---|
| Less than 10 months | Up to 12 months total |
| 1–3 year course | Course duration + 2–3 months buffer |
| PhD or research-based | Course duration + extended stay |
Australian Study Visa Eligibility – Are You Eligible?
If you’re currently in Australia and want to apply for or extend your Student Visa Subclass 500, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. These confirm that you’re a genuine student with a clear study and settlement plan.
Here’s what you need to qualify:
Enrolment in a Full-Time CRICOS-Approved Course
- Your course must be full time and registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Only CRICOS-approved providers are valid under the Subclass 500 visa
Expert Tip: PFEC only works with CRICOS-registered universities and colleges to ensure your visa application is compliant from day one.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- You need a valid CoE from your current or future education provider
- This confirms your admission and tuition payment
You cannot apply for or extend your student visa without an active CoE.
Financial Capacity
You must show that you can cover:
- Tuition fees
- 12 months of living expenses (AUD 24,505 per year for a single applicant)
- Return airfare or travel allowance
Acceptable documents include:
- Bank statements (past 3 months)
- Approved education loan letters
- Sponsor declarations with income proof
Health and English Requirements
- Book a health check with a panel doctor (Bupa, NIB, etc.)
- Meet minimum English scores:
Accepted Tests:
- IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
- PTE Academic: Minimum 50
Some providers accept a Medium of Instruction letter (MOI) if you studied in English. PFEC can help verify this for your institution.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
You must submit a detailed GTE statement explaining:
- Why you are continuing studies in Australia
- Why the chosen course supports your career goals
- That you intend to comply with visa rules and timelines
Expert Tip: GTE is a critical factor in visa decisions. PFEC helps you draft a strong and consistent GTE that aligns with your background and study path.
Australia Student Visa Requirements – What You’ll Need
Whether you’re applying for a new Student Visa Subclass 500 or renewing your current one, you must prepare all necessary documents before submission.
Here’s a complete onshore checklist:
Valid Passport
- Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your course
- Renew it early if expiry is near
Expert Tip: Applying with a passport near expiry may cause processing delays or request for further documents.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Your CoE must:
- Include your updated course start and end dates
- Be issued by a CRICOS-registered provider
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
A good SOP connects your background, course choice, and goals. It should cover:
- Why you’re continuing or changing your course in Australia
- How this course supports your long-term career plan
PFEC reviews and refines every SOP to ensure it aligns with GTE and visa logic.
Financial Documents
Show you can fund your study and stay:
- AUD 24,505 for living costs (single student)
- Tuition fees for at least one year
- Return airfare allowance (AUD 2,000)
Acceptable evidence:
- Bank statements
- Education loan documents
- Sponsor income proof and declarations
The amount may vary based on city and course. PFEC calculates this for each case.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- OSHC must be valid for the full duration of your visa
- You can choose from providers like Bupa, Allianz, Medibank
PFEC compares plans and handles OSHC arrangements with your CoE timeline.
English Test Results
You may need updated test results if:
- You are changing course level (e.g., from diploma to master’s)
- Your previous test is expired (more than 2 years old)
Minimum scores:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall
- PTE: 50+
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
Your GTE must:
- Match your current situation
- Justify your study extension or course change
- Align with your SOP and visa history
Expert Tip: GTEs must be tailored for onshore submissions. PFEC uses a tried-and-tested format that improves acceptance rates.
Need help? PFEC takes care of your entire visa documentation—from CoE to SOP to GTE—to help you apply for student visa Australia with clarity and confidence.
How to Apply for Student Visa Subclass 500 in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re in Australia and want to apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500, follow these five clear steps. Whether you’re switching from another visa, extending your stay, or applying fresh, this checklist applies.
PFEC supports students in Australia at every stage—from enrolment to visa lodgement and beyond.
Step 1: Enrol in a CRICOS-Approved Course
You must be accepted into a full-time course offered by a CRICOS-registered provider in Australia.
Once you’re accepted, your institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
You cannot apply for a student visa without a valid CoE.
Expert Tip: PFEC helps match your academic background to PR-relevant courses in Australia.
Step 2: Prepare All Visa Documents
Missing documents lead to delays. Gather everything before applying:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Proof of funds
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
- English test results (if required)
PFEC checks every document and helps you write a strong SOP and GTE letter.
Step 3: Apply Online for the Student Visa Subclass 500
Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website and submit your online application.
You’ll need to:
- Fill in your personal, academic, and visa history details
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay the visa application fee (AUD 710)
PFEC can lodge your application on your behalf to ensure nothing is missed.
Step 4: Complete Your Health Check
After applying, you’ll receive a HAP ID to schedule your medical exam.
Book this exam at a clinic approved by the Department of Home Affairs. It’s required for your visa to be processed.
PFEC helps you find approved clinics near your location.
Step 5: Track Your Visa Status and Wait for Approval
Once submitted, your application enters the assessment queue.
You’ll receive updates via your ImmiAccount or email. PFEC monitors application progress and keeps you informed.
Apply early to avoid delays close to semester starts.
Subclass 500 Visa Processing Time: What to Expect
Processing times depend on the time of year and how complete your application is.
Average Timeframe: 4–8 weeks
- July and February intakes see higher volume.
- Applications lodged early with all documents get processed faster.
- PFEC students have received approvals in as little as 3 weeks.
Common Delays Happen When:
- Documents are unclear or missing
- Health exams are booked late
- GTE or SOP lacks detail
- Application is submitted too close to course start
Expert Tip: Start the process at least 3 months before your course begins.
What You Can Do on a Student Visa Subclass 500
The Student Visa Subclass 500 lets you do more than just study. Here’s what it covers:
Work Part-Time While Studying
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course periods.
- Common jobs include hospitality, retail, and university roles.
Expert Tip: Internships in your field can help with future visa or PR options.
Work Full-Time During Official Breaks
- During university holidays, you can work unlimited hours.
- This is a great time to gain industry experience and save money.
Bring Your Family
- You can include your spouse or children in your visa.
- Partners may be allowed to work, depending on your course level.
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course periods.
What You Can Do on a Student Visa Subclass 500
After completing your course, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia.
Visa Length by Course Type:
| Course Type | Stay Back Period |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Up to 2 years |
| Master’s by Coursework | Up to 3 years |
| Master’s by Research / PhD | Up to 4 years |
Planning to settle long term? PFEC helps students build PR-ready education plans from Day 1.
How PFEC Global Supports Your Student Visa Subclass 500 Application
PFEC Global works closely with international students in Australia to make your visa process smooth, clear, and stress-free.
We help with more than just paperwork. Our team ensures your application meets all Australia student visa requirements—from GTE to CoE and course planning.
Here’s why students across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide choose PFEC:
- 98% visa success rate through strong SOPs, GTEs, and verified documents
- Support with course selection, switching providers, or enrolling in PR-relevant programs
- Quick turnaround—most applications lodged within 7–10 business days
- Help with health insurance, medical booking, and dependant inclusion
- Post-visa support: accommodation guidance, tax setup, job resources
“I switched to PFEC after a refusal and got approved in 6 weeks.” — Aarti, Student in Melbourne
Book your free session today and let’s plan your next visa with confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the Subclass 500 Visa in Australia
Many onshore students make small errors that cause big delays. Avoid these common mistakes when applying or reapplying for the Student Visa Subclass 500:
Incomplete or outdated documents
- Expired passport or missing CoE
- Incorrect financial statements or sponsor proof
PFEC checks all documents in a 3-step review to avoid rejection.
Weak or unclear SOP/GTE
- GTE letters must clearly show your intent, course relevance, and return plans
- SOP should explain why you chose your course and provider in Australia
We draft SOPs that match your profile, not generic templates.
Applying too close to course start
- The Subclass 500 visa processing time is typically 4–8 weeks
- Late applications risk missing the intake or breaching visa conditions
PFEC builds a personalised visa timeline so you apply early and correctly.
Skipping OSHC or uploading invalid proof
- You must hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover at the time of application
We help you buy the right OSHC plan and upload the certificate with your form.
Expert Tip: If your last visa was refused or you changed providers recently, speak to us first. We’ll guide you through it without risking your status.
Ready to Apply for Student Visa Subclass 500? Start Here
Now that you understand the visa process, timelines, and common mistakes, here’s what to do next:
Book Your Free Visa Counselling Call
Get 1:1 advice from our team of education and migration experts.
You’ll receive:
- Document checklist with Australia student visa requirements
- Profile evaluation and eligibility assessment
- Guidance for SOP, GTE, and supporting paperwork
Download Your Free Student Visa Checklist
Stay organised and reduce errors. Get a copy of everything required for a Subclass 500 visa application—from documents to visa fees.
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At PFEC, we help students apply for student visa Australia-wide—with clarity and success. Whether it’s your first application or a renewal, we’re here to guide every step.
What are my options and possibilities for submitting an Australian PR application?
Depending on your situation, you have many options when applying for an Australian Permanent Residency (PR). The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is for regional employment; the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is for skilled workers who need state or territory nomination. There are several routes for family sponsorship and employer-sponsored visas, each with particular perks and requirements
If I don't have enough points to submit an application for a PR. What are my options?
If your points total is not enough for a PR application, think about being nominated by a state or territory, which may provide more points. Getting additional job experience, taking language exams like the PTE or IELTS, or going to further school in Australia to improve your credentials are all good ways to improve your English.
Does applying for a new course and student visa when I know my TR (Temporary Resident) is about to expire present any risks?
Applying for a new PR pathway courses in Australia and a student visa while your Temporary Resident visa is about to expire might be dangerous. To prevent possible visa denial, make sure your application is complete and satisfies all Department of Home Affairs standards. Learn the terms of any bridging visa that could be applicable throughout the application process, and if you’re not sure whether your application is complete or if you qualify, get expert help.