Student visas / Subclass 500

What enrolment and course progress rules apply to a Student visa?

Student visa holders generally need to stay enrolled, keep satisfactory course progress and attendance, and stay at the same or a higher course level unless an exception applies.

Student visas Subclass 500 Needs review
Short answer

Student visa holders generally need to stay enrolled, keep satisfactory course progress and attendance, and stay at the same or a higher course level unless an exception applies.

In general, students need to be enrolled in a full-time registered course. They also need to keep satisfactory course progress and attendance.

Students usually need to stay at the same or a higher AQF level than the course linked to their visa. Some exceptions may apply.

Education providers may report course progress or attendance problems. If a deferral or suspension is approved and reported correctly, the student may still be meeting their visa requirements while they remain enrolled.

Students doing approved research or fieldwork outside Australia may still meet the requirement if they remain enrolled during that research or fieldwork.

Source

This answer is based on official Student visa information.

Home Affairs Student visa information Checked 2 August 2026