Student Visa 500 Guide

Everything you need to know about applying for your Australian Student Visa. Follow these steps and use the official links below.

🚀 Quick Start

1. Read the requirements below

2. Gather your documents

3. Fill out the form on VisaMate

4. Submit through ImmiAccount

Start Your Application →

Official Government Links

Student Visa (Subclass 500) Overview

Official visa overview, eligibility, and requirements

Overview

Create ImmiAccount

Create your account to apply online (required)

Apply

Login to ImmiAccount

Login to submit your application or check status

Apply

Document Checklist Tool

Official tool to see what documents you need

Documents

Visa Processing Times

Check current processing times for Student Visa 500

Processing

Health Requirements

Find approved panel doctors for health examinations

Health

Character Requirements

Police checks and character requirements explained

Character

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

How to write your GTE statement

GTE

Financial Evidence

How much money you need to show

Financial

English Language Requirements

Accepted English tests and minimum scores

English

OSHC (Health Insurance)

Overseas Student Health Cover information

Insurance

Visa Conditions

Your rights and restrictions on Student Visa

Conditions

What You Need (Checklist)

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months

💡 Tip: Renew your passport now if it expires soon

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

From your Australian university or college

💡 Tip: You'll receive this via email after paying your tuition deposit

OSHC (Health Insurance)

Overseas Student Health Cover for your entire stay

💡 Tip: Your university can arrange this, or buy directly from approved providers

Financial Evidence

Proof you can afford tuition, living expenses (~$24,505 per year)

💡 Tip: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor declarations

English Test Results

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted test

💡 Tip: Some universities offer English exemptions - check with your institution

GTE Statement

Write why you want to study in Australia (very important!)

💡 Tip: Be honest, explain your career plans and why you'll return home

Educational Documents

Transcripts, certificates from previous studies

💡 Tip: Get official certified translations if not in English

Health Examination

Medical check from approved panel doctor

💡 Tip: Book early! Can take 2-4 weeks to get results

Police Clearance

Character certificate from your country (if required)

💡 Tip: Usually required if you lived somewhere for 12+ months in last 10 years

Passport Photos

Recent color photos (45mm x 35mm)

💡 Tip: Most photo shops know the requirements for Australian visas

Processing Times

75%
processed in 29 days
90%
processed in 4 months

⚠️ Processing times can vary. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your course starts.

Visa Application Costs

$710AUD

Main applicant base fee

• Additional fees for dependents (if applicable)

• Health examinations: $300-$500 AUD (approximate)

• OSHC (Health Insurance): ~$600 AUD per year

• Biometrics fee: $85 AUD (if required)

Note: Fees are current as of December 2025. The student visa base fee increased from $650 to $710 AUD in July 2024. Always check the official Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date fees.

Important Tips

✅
Apply early: Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 2 months before your course starts.
✅
Be honest: Provide truthful information. False information can lead to visa refusal and future bans.
✅
Keep copies: Save copies of all documents you submit. You'll need them later.
✅
Check your email: Department of Home Affairs will send updates to your email. Check spam folder too.
✅
GTE Statement: Take your time writing why you want to study in Australia. This is very important!

Ready to Start?

Use VisaMate to fill your application in simple English. We'll guide you through every question.

Start Your Student Visa Application →