The Subclass 500 Student visa lets you study full-time in Australia, work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and bring eligible family members. In 2026 there have been some important changes — a higher financial requirement, a new Genuine Student test, and a priority-based processing system — so here's an honest, up-to-date rundown of what students ask most.
How long does a student visa take to process in 2026?
It varies significantly, and the biggest factor is your education provider's priority status under Ministerial Direction 115, plus your country of origin. Applications tied to well-managed institutions can be processed in as little as one to two weeks, while complex cases or applicants from high-volume countries should realistically plan for several weeks to a few months. The safest approach is to apply early — well before your course start date — and make sure your application is complete and well-evidenced, because incomplete applications are what cause the longest delays. For current processing guidance, always check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
How much does a student visa cost?
The base Department of Home Affairs application charge for the Subclass 500 is AUD 2,000 for the main applicant (increased from AUD 1,600 on 1 July 2025). A partner aged 18 or over included in the application also pays AUD 2,000, and each dependent child pays a smaller charge. This government charge is separate from — and on top of — your tuition fees, health cover (OSHC), and living costs. Total first-year costs, including tuition, commonly run from around AUD 25,000 to AUD 55,000 depending on your course and city. (Figures current as of mid-2026; confirm the latest at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.)
How much money do I need to show? (The financial requirement)
As of 2026, you generally need to show evidence of access to AUD 29,710 to cover twelve months of living costs, with additional amounts for a partner (around AUD 10,394) and each child (around AUD 4,449). This is separate from your tuition and travel money. Importantly, this is not a fee you pay — it's evidence you must be able to demonstrate genuine access to, and the Department generally wants to see that the funds are genuinely available to you at the time of decision.
How many hours can I work on a student visa?
During study sessions, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (a fortnight being any 14-day period). Two things catch students out: the cap is measured across the whole fortnight, not topped up week by week, and it applies across all your jobs combined, not per employer. During scheduled course breaks, you can work unlimited hours. Students who have commenced a Masters by Research or a Doctoral degree have no work-hour limit. Breaching the work-hour condition can put your visa at risk, so it's worth understanding clearly.
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
In 2026, the Genuine Student requirement replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. In practice, you need to satisfy the Department through a structured set of questions that you are coming to Australia primarily to study, that the course makes sense for your background and goals, and that you meet the requirements. It's a more analytical assessment than before, so a thoughtful, well-evidenced response that genuinely reflects your circumstances matters more than ever.
Do I need IELTS, and what score?
Most student visa applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency, commonly through IELTS, PTE, or an equivalent test, unless an exemption applies (for example, certain passport holders or applicants who've studied in English). The exact score depends on your course and provider, and some providers set higher requirements than the visa minimum. Check your provider's requirements alongside the visa rules.
Can I bring my family on a student visa?
Yes — eligible family members (a partner and dependent children) can be included in your application or join you later, subject to additional charges and evidence requirements, including showing the extra financial capacity noted above.
Can a student visa lead to permanent residence?
Not directly — but it can be the first step on a longer pathway. After finishing an eligible qualification, many graduates apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa to gain post-study work experience, which can in turn support a skilled migration pathway (such as the 189, 190, or 491) down the track. Note the 485 charge rose to AUD 4,600 on 1 March 2026. It's a journey of several steps, and planning it well from the start makes a real difference.
This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Student visa rules and figures change regularly — book a consultation with Sirat, and we can also help with your education placement.