Aus Visa 500 2025 Guide: Complete Australian Student Visa Requirements

The aus visa 500, officially known as the Student Visa Subclass 500, represents the gateway for international students seeking world-class education in Australia. This comprehensive visa allows students to pursue full-time study at registered Australian educational institutions while offering exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth. With Australia hosting over 713,145 international students as of 2024, the aus visa 500 continues to be one of the most sought-after pathways for global education. Whether you’re planning undergraduate, postgraduate, or research studies, understanding the intricacies of the australian visa 500 is crucial for a successful application. A Square Migration specializes in guiding students through this complex process, ensuring maximum success rates for visa approvals while providing personalized attention to each client’s unique circumstances and educational goals.
Table of Contents
- What is the Aus Visa 500?
- Key Benefits of Education Visa Australia
- Essential Requirements for Australian Visa 500
- Work Rights and Study Permissions
- Dependent Visa Australia Subclass 500
- Application Process and Documentation
- Processing Times and Success Rates
- Financial Requirements and OSHC
- Conclusion
What is the Aus Visa 500?
The aus visa 500 is Australia’s primary student visa category that enables international students to live, study, and work in Australia for the duration of their chosen course. This education visa australia covers all levels of study, from primary school through to doctorate degrees, making it the most versatile student visa option available.
Duration and Validity
The visa 500 australia duration depends on your course length and type:
- Courses longer than 10 months finishing November-December: visa valid until March 15 of the following year
- Courses longer than 10 months finishing January-October: visa valid for two additional months beyond course completion
- Courses 10 months or less: visa valid for one additional month beyond course completion
- Maximum duration: Generally up to 5 years for tertiary students, with some exceptions allowing up to 6 years
Course Coverage
The australian visa 500 allows you to study:
- Higher education (universities)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Schools sector
- Postgraduate research
- Non-award courses
Key Benefits of Education Visa Australia
The education visa australia offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for international students:
Study and Work Flexibility
Students holding the aus visa 500 can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks. Master’s by research and PhD students enjoy unlimited work hours once they commence their research component.
Family Inclusion
The visa allows you to include eligible family members in your application, providing a pathway for family unity while pursuing education
Healthcare Access
Through mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), visa holders access Australia’s quality healthcare system at affordable rates.
Post-Study Opportunities
The visa 500 australia serves as a stepping stone to post-study work visas and potentially permanent residency pathways.
Essential Requirements for Australian Visa 500
To successfully obtain your australian visa 500, you must meet several critical requirements:
Academic and Enrollment Requirements
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from a registered Australian education provider
- Meeting minimum academic qualifications for your chosen course
- Demonstrating English language proficiency through approved tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
Effective March 23, 2024, the aus visa 500 requires meeting the Genuine Student criterion, replacing the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. This assessment considers:
- Your circumstances in home country
- Potential situation in Australia
- Value of the course to your future
- Immigration history
- Course relevance to career goals
Health and Character Requirements
All education visa australia applicants must:
- Complete health examinations if required
- Provide police clearance certificates for character assessment
- Meet Australia’s health and character standards
Financial Capacity
Demonstrating sufficient funds is crucial for visa 500 australia approval. Current requirements include:
- Primary applicant: AUD $29,710 annually
- Partner: AUD $10,394 annually
- Dependent child: AUD $4,449 annually
- School costs: AUD $13,502 per child annually
- Travel costs: AUD $2,000-$3,000 depending on location
Work Rights and Study Permissions
The aus visa 500 provides excellent work opportunities while studying:
Standard Work Limitations
- 48 hours per fortnight during study terms
- Unlimited hours during official study breaks
- No restrictions for Master’s by research and PhD students after commencing research
Dependent Work Rights
Family members on dependent visa australia subclass 500 have varying work entitlements:
- Undergraduate dependents: Same 48-hour fortnight limit
- Master’s/PhD dependents: Unlimited work hours
Employment Protections
Australian workplace laws protect all workers, including australian visa 500 holders, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and proper entitlements.
Dependent Visa Australia Subclass 500 {#dependent-visa}
The dependent visa australia subclass 500 allows eligible family members to join students in Australia, creating opportunities for family unity during the education journey.
Eligible Family Members
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children under 18
- Adult children with disabilities requiring ongoing support
Benefits for Dependents
Family members on the dependent visa australia subclass 500 can:
- Live in Australia for the visa duration
- Work (with specific hour limitations)
- Study in Australian schools
- Access healthcare through OSHC
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
Application Requirements
To include family members on your aus visa 500 application, you need:
- Relationship evidence (marriage certificates, birth certificates)
- Financial capacity for additional family members
- Health insurance coverage for all dependents
- Character assessments for adult dependents
Processing Times
The dependent visa australia subclass 500 typically processes within:
- 50% of applications: 41 days
- 90% of applications: 3 months
Application Process and Documentation
Applying for your education visa australia requires careful preparation and attention to detail:
Step-by-Step Process
- Research and apply to Australian educational institutions
- Receive Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your chosen provider
- Complete health examinations before lodging your visa application
- Use the Document Checklist Tool to determine required evidence based on your country and institution
- Submit online application through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount
- Attend biometrics appointment if required
- Wait for visa decision
Essential Documents
For a successful visa 500 australia application, ensure you have:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English language test results
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement responses
- Financial evidence
- Health examination results
- Police clearance certificates
- OSHC policy details
- Passport-sized photographs
Expert Assistance from A Square Migration
A Square Migration, led by experienced migration agent Anisha Gupta, provides comprehensive support throughout your australian visa 500 journey. Their services include eligibility assessment, document preparation, application submission, and ongoing support until visa approval.
Processing Times and Success Rates
Understanding current processing timeframes helps you plan your aus visa 500 application effectively:
Current Processing Times
Processing times vary by education sector:
- Higher Education: 50% processed in 34 days, 90% within 5 months
- VET Sector: 50% processed in 6 months, 90% within 7 months
- Postgraduate Research: 50% processed in 27 days, 90% within 4 months
- Schools Sector: 50% processed in 21 days, 90% within 69 days
Success Rates
The education visa australia maintains strong approval rates:
- Overall success rate: 85.1% to 86.7% in 2024
- Subclass 500 specific: Up to 89.99% success rate
- Rejection rate: Approximately 13.3% to 14.9%
Factors Affecting Success
Key elements influencing australian visa 500 approval include:
- Academic qualifications and course relevance
- Financial stability and genuine access to funds
- English proficiency meeting course requirements
- Genuine Student requirement compliance
- Complete documentation at time of submission
Financial Requirements and OSHC
Financial planning is crucial for your visa 500 australia success:
Visa Application Costs
- Application fee: AUD $2,000 (increased from AUD $1,600 in July 2024)
- Additional charges: Biometrics, health examinations, document translations
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Mandatory OSHC requirements for aus visa 500 holders include:
Coverage Duration
OSHC must cover your entire visa period, not just course length.
Current Costs (2025)
Allianz Care Australia OSHC rates:
- 12 months single: AUD $806
- 12 months couple: AUD $4,597
- 12 months family: AUD $8,917
- 24 months single: AUD $1,668
- 24 months family: AUD $17,518
Approved Providers
The Australian Government approves these OSHC providers:
- Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare)
- BUPA Australia
- Medibank Private
- ahm OSHC
- NIB OSHC
- CBHS International Health
Coverage Benefits
- Doctor consultations
- Hospital treatments
- Limited pharmaceuticals
- Ambulance services
- Some prosthetic devices
- Private hospital access
Final Thought
The aus visa 500 represents an exceptional opportunity for international students to access world-class education while experiencing Australia’s multicultural society and high quality of life. With careful planning, thorough documentation, and expert guidance, your education visa australia application can achieve success rates exceeding 85%.
The australian visa 500 not only provides educational opportunities but also offers work rights, family inclusion through dependent visa australia subclass 500, and pathways to future residency. Whether pursuing undergraduate studies, postgraduate degrees, or research opportunities, the visa 500 australia opens doors to transformative educational experiences. With processing times varying from weeks to months depending on your chosen sector, early application and meticulous preparation are essential for timely visa approval and smooth transition to Australian student life.
Ready to begin your Australian education journey? Contact A Square Migration today for expert guidance on your aus visa 500 application. Our experienced team, led by registered migration agent Anisha Gupta, provides personalized support to maximize your visa success. Don’t let complex requirements hold you back from achieving your educational dreams in Australia – let our proven expertise guide you to success!