Studying in Australia on a Student visa
A plain-English guide to the Student visa (Subclass 500), what it costs, what you need, and what you can do on it, with every figure checked against the Department of Home Affairs.
Good to know first
This is general information to help you plan, not migration advice. Visa rules and fees change; the figures on this page are current as at 2 July 2026 (including the 1 July 2026 fee changes). Always confirm the latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website, or speak with a registered migration agent. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction.
The Student visa at a glance
$2,050 visa fee
For students applying to study English only (ELICOS), most other courses are $2,500. Set by Home Affairs on 1 July 2026.
Work 48 hrs / fortnight
While your course is in session: and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
No IELTS for English-only study
Enrolling in a full-time standalone English course? You’re exempt from the English-test requirement, that’s what you’re coming to learn.
~4–8 weeks to process
Half of applications are decided in about a month (median 28 days, April 2026); 90% within about two. Apply as soon as you have your CoE.
What the Student visa (500) is
The Student visa (Subclass 500) lets you study a registered, full-time course in Australia: including full-time English (ELICOS) at Lexis, for the length of your course plus a short stay after it ends. You can work limited hours while you study. Since 2 October 2026, whether you can bring your partner or children and where you can apply from depend on your situation, so check the Student visa (subclass 500) page first. Studying 12 weeks or less? You may not need a Student visa at all, a Visitor or Working Holiday visa often covers a short course; ask us which fits your plan.
What you need to apply
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Issued by Lexis after you accept your offer and pay your deposit: usually within a day or two. See How to enrol.
OSHC health cover
Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay, arranged before you apply, roughly $60 a month for a single student. Your policy starts the Friday before your course, runs to your estimated visa end date, and is sold in whole months (so it can outrun your visa, that’s normal). We arrange it with your enrolment through Allianz: see how the price is calculated.
Evidence of funds
Show genuinely accessible funds covering $29,710 a year of living costs, plus your first-year tuition and return airfare. Add $10,394 for a partner and $4,449 per child.
Genuine Student (GS)
Short written answers showing you genuinely intend to study, why this course, why Australia, and how it fits your plans. We’ll tell you what good answers look like.
English level
Coming for English only? No test needed. Packaging English with further study (a pathway)? Minimum IELTS 5.0 with your ELICOS. Going straight into higher study: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent).
Passport & checks
A valid passport, plus the health and character requirements that apply to you (a health examination if Home Affairs asks for one).
What it costs
As at 2 July 2026, the visa charge is paid to the Australian Government when you lodge, and it’s non-refundable.
Visa application charge
$2,050, English-only (ELICOS) students
$2,500, most other student visas
+ $1,255–$1,530 partner (18+) · + $410–$500 per child
Eligible ASEAN, Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passports pay lower concessional rates. Check the pricing estimator for your exact amount.
Funds you’ll show (not pay)
$29,710 a year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and airfare: this is money you demonstrate, not a fee. Your Lexis quote gives you the exact tuition figure to use. OSHC (about $60/month) and any health examination are the other real costs.
How to apply · step by step
Build your plan
Find your experience, check your study plan and get your instant quote, course, weeks, campus and price.
Accept & enrol
Accept your Lexis offer and pay your deposit: we issue your CoE, the document your visa application is built on.
Get your documents ready
OSHC for your whole stay, evidence of funds, passport, and your Genuine Student answers.
Apply online
Lodge through your ImmiAccount and pay the visa charge. Apply as soon as you have your CoE.
Track it & pack
Most applications are decided within a month or two. Check current processing times. Don’t book non-refundable flights before the grant.
We’re with you
Our team helps with CoEs, OSHC and enrolment questions at every step, and can connect you with a registered migration agent for visa advice.
What you can do on it
Work while you study
Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. One rule to know: you can’t start working until your course has started.
Bring your family
The rules on including a partner or children in a Student visa application changed on 2 October 2026. Check the Student visa (subclass 500) page before you plan to bring family.
Under 18?
Students under 18 need approved welfare arrangements for their visa, living with a parent or eligible relative, or welfare arranged by the school. Our Junior programs include full supervision and welfare documentation (CAAW) as part of the package.
Common questions
Do I need a Student visa for a short course?
Usually not for 12 weeks or less, a Visitor visa often covers it, and a Working Holiday visa allows up to 17 weeks of study. The Student visa is the one for longer, full-time study.
Do I need IELTS to get the visa?
Not for English-only study. Standalone ELICOS students are exempt from the English-test requirement. Tests only come in when you package English with a degree or apply straight into higher study.
How early should I apply?
As soon as you have your CoE and documents: half of applications are decided in about a month, but some take longer, especially in peak season (October–February).
Can I work before my course starts?
No, work rights begin once your course has commenced. After that it’s 48 hours a fortnight in session, unlimited in the breaks.
Can I extend my stay to keep studying?
Yes, with a new CoE and usually a new visa. Where you can apply from depends on the visa you hold now, so check the Student visa (subclass 500) page first. Tell us your plans early and we’ll have the CoE for your next course ready in time.
Do I have to have OSHC?
Yes, health cover is required for your whole time on a Student visa, and you need it in place when you apply.
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