Student visas
Subclass 500 FAQs
Subclass 500 Australian visa FAQs, organised by topic with official source links and review dates.
Questions
16 FAQs for this subclass.
Can I apply for one Student visa for packaged courses?
Yes. You may be able to apply for one Student visa covering two or more courses if the courses fit together and show reasonable study progression.
Can I change to a lower-level course on a Student visa?
Changing to a lower-level course may cause problems for your Student visa. One listed exception is changing from AQF level 10 to AQF level 9.
Can my Student visa stop me from applying for another visa in Australia?
Some Student visas include a rule that can limit your ability to apply for another visa while you are in Australia. The effect depends on the exact rule on your visa and whether any exception applies.
Do I need evidence of enrolment for a Student visa?
Yes. Most students need to provide evidence of enrolment for each course or study-related activity when they apply.
Do I need to declare family members in a Student visa application?
Yes. You should include your existing family members in your first Student visa application.
Do people applying for a Student visa need English language evidence?
Some people applying for a Student visa need to provide English language evidence. Some people do not need to, and some may only be asked in particular situations.
Do people applying for a Student visa need Overseas Student Health Cover?
Generally, people applying for a Student visa and family members coming with them need adequate health insurance, usually Overseas Student Health Cover.
Do school-age children need education arrangements for a Student visa?
Yes. School-age children generally need suitable school arrangements, and school costs may need to be included when showing enough money for the visa.
How many hours can I work on a Student visa?
Most students cannot work before their course starts. While the course is in session, the usual limit is 48 hours per fortnight, unless an exception applies.
How much money do I need to show for a Student visa?
You need to show that you have real access to enough money for yourself and any family members coming with you for your planned stay in Australia.
What arrangements are needed if a Student visa student is under 18?
If the student will be under 18 in Australia, they generally need to show that suitable accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements are planned.
What does Home Affairs consider when deciding if I am a genuine student?
Home Affairs looks at your personal situation, immigration history, study plans, and whether you are likely to follow your visa rules.
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.
What funds must a Student visa family member show?
A family member applying later generally needs to show real access to enough money for themselves and any family members included in the application.
What happens if I finish my course early on a Student visa?
If you finish your main course early, your enrolment may end earlier than expected. Home Affairs generally allows up to three months after early completion before considering visa cancellation for this issue.
What work and study limits apply to Student visa family members?
Family members on a Student visa may have work limits. Adult family members are generally limited to no more than three months of study or training in Australia.