Originally published: September 2024 | Last reviewed and updated: June 2026
Australia is one of the world’s top three destinations for international students, behind only the United States and the United Kingdom. In 2026, Australia hosts more than 650,000 international students across its universities, vocational colleges, English language schools, and secondary institutions. For prospective students, understanding the Subclass 500 Student visa requirements, financial thresholds, work rights, and post-study pathways is essential before committing to an application. This guide covers all of these in detail, updated for 2026. For personalised advice, book a consultation with Augustine and Co.
Choosing the Right Institution
Selecting the right institution is the first step in the student visa application process. The institution and course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Only CRICOS-registered courses are eligible for the Subclass 500 Student visa.
Key factors to consider when selecting an institution:
CRICOS registration status
Rankings and accreditation in your chosen field
Location and proximity to employment opportunities in your industry
Availability of student support services including counselling, career services, and cultural adjustment programs
Tuition fee structure and scholarship availability
Australia has eight Group of Eight (Go8) research universities that consistently rank in the global top 100: the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Western Australia, and University of Adelaide.
For students whose study goals are tied to a longer-term migration pathway, our guide on strategic degrees and courses that lead to Australian permanent residency is a useful starting point.
Visa Requirements
The Subclass 500 Student visa is the primary visa pathway for international students in Australia. As of 2026, the following requirements apply:
Genuine Student (GS) requirement
From 23 March 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Applicants must demonstrate that their primary purpose in coming to Australia is to study. See our detailed guide on mastering Australia’s Genuine Student criterion for a full breakdown of what the Department of Home Affairs assesses.CRICOS-registered course enrolment
You must be enrolled full-time in a course registered on CRICOS. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is required before lodging the visa application.English language requirements
As of 2026, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score) is required for most courses. Some institutions and course levels require higher scores.Financial capacity
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and return travel. See the updated financial requirements in the section below.Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All Subclass 500 visa holders must hold OSHC for the full duration of their course. OSHC must be arranged before lodging the visa application and must cover all accompanying family members.Health and character requirements
All applicants must meet standard health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances.
Visa application charge: AUD 2,000 per application (increased from AUD 1,600 from July 2025).
For assistance with your Subclass 500 Student visa application, book a consultation with our immigration lawyers.
Cost of Living
The financial requirements for the Subclass 500 Student visa as of 2026 are as follows:
| Applicant | Annual Living Cost Requirement |
|---|---|
| Primary student | AUD 29,710 |
| Accompanying spouse or de facto partner | AUD 10,394 |
| Each accompanying dependent child | AUD 4,449 |
| School-aged child tuition (additional) | AUD 13,502 per child per year |
In addition to living costs, applicants must demonstrate funds to cover:
First 12 months of tuition fees (as stated on the CoE)
Return travel costs (approximately AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,000 depending on country of origin)
OSHC premiums for the full course duration
For a single student with no dependants, the minimum total funds required (excluding OSHC) is approximately AUD 55,000 or above for a 12-month course, depending on tuition costs.
Financial evidence must typically be held for at least three months before lodgement. Large deposits made within 90 days of visa lodgement may trigger a Request for Further Information (RFI) from the Department of Home Affairs.
Working While Studying
As of June 2026, international students on a Subclass 500 Student visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. During official academic holidays, students may work unlimited hours.
Note: A proposal by the Coalition in the 2025 federal election commitments suggested increasing the work limit from 48 to 60 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2026. As of June 2026, this proposal has not been legislated and the 48-hour limit remains the current legal requirement. Breaching work hour conditions is a visa condition breach and can result in visa cancellation.
Practical guidance for working while studying:
Register for a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation Office before starting work
Keep records of hours worked per fortnight across all employers
Lodge an annual Australian tax return — you may be entitled to a tax refund depending on your earnings and residency status
Use university career services and SEEK, LinkedIn, and Indeed for student-friendly employment opportunities
Also note: Australia has a skills recognition framework that may apply if you intend to work in your professional field during or after your studies.
Post-Study Work and Migration Options
Completing a degree in Australia opens pathways to remain in the country for work and, in many cases, permanent residency. The primary post-study work pathway is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, which allows graduates to live and work in Australia after completing a CRICOS-registered qualification.
The two streams of the Subclass 485 as of 2026 are:
Graduate Work stream: For graduates whose qualification is closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Stay of 18 months to 4 years depending on qualification level.
Post-Study Work stream: For bachelor, masters, or doctoral graduates from an Australian institution. Stay of 2 to 6 years depending on the qualification level and location of study.
Regional study bonus: Graduates who complete at least two years of study in a regional area may be eligible for an additional two years on the Subclass 485, and may progress to the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Regional) visa.
For students whose career goals involve employer-sponsored or skilled migration pathways after graduation, our General Skilled Migration and Employer Sponsored services pages provide an overview of available options.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation options for international students in Australia include:
On-campus housing: University-managed residences offer convenience and a built-in social network. Places are limited and competitive. Apply as early as possible, ideally at the same time as your course application.
Private rental: Off-campus apartments and shared houses offer more independence. Expect to pay between AUD 200 and AUD 450 per week for a room in a shared house in most major Australian cities, with Sydney and Melbourne at the higher end.
Homestay: Living with an Australian family provides cultural immersion and a structured living arrangement. Typically costs between AUD 250 and AUD 350 per week including meals.
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): Purpose-built complexes are increasingly common in major cities and offer furnished rooms with shared facilities, positioned close to university campuses.
Students in Sydney and Melbourne should budget for higher accommodation costs. Students considering regional universities will typically find accommodation significantly more affordable, and regional study also carries migration advantages for post-study pathways. See our page on skilled regional work visas for more detail.
Student Support Services
Australian universities offer a wealth of support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These include academic support, counseling, and career services. Institutions are enhancing their support programs to include mental health resources, cultural adjustment assistance, and networking opportunities. Taking advantage of these services can greatly enhance your study experience.
Cultural Adjustment
Adapting to life in Australia involves understanding the local culture and lifestyle. Australians value diversity, and being open to new experiences can help you integrate smoothly. Building a social network, whether through student clubs, community events, or social media, can ease homesickness and enrich your time in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Subclass 500 Student visa?
The Subclass 500 Student visa is the primary visa pathway for international students who wish to study in Australia. It allows full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course and includes automatic work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. To discuss your eligibility, book a consultation with Augustine and Co.
Q. How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa in 2026?
The minimum living cost requirement for 2026 is AUD 29,710 for the primary student applicant. In addition, you must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees, return travel costs, and OSHC. Total funds typically required are AUD 55,000 or above for the first 12 months depending on tuition costs.
Q. How many hours can I work on a student visa in Australia?
As of June 2026, international students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During official academic holidays, there is no work hour restriction. A proposal to increase this to 60 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2026 has not been legislated as of the date of this article.
Q. What English language score do I need for an Australian student visa?
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score) is required for most courses under the Subclass 500 visa in 2026. Individual institutions and higher-level courses may require higher scores.
Q. Can I stay in Australia after finishing my degree?
Yes. Most graduates are eligible for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia for 2 to 6 years after graduation. Students who study in regional areas may also progress to the Subclass 191 visa. For general skilled migration pathways after graduation, see our General Skilled Migration page.
Q. What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement from 23 March 2024. Applicants must demonstrate that their primary purpose in coming to Australia is to study. Read our full guide on mastering Australia’s Genuine Student criterion.
Q. Do I need health insurance for a student visa in Australia?
Yes. All Subclass 500 visa holders must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their course and for all accompanying family members. OSHC must be arranged before lodging the visa application.
Conclusion
Studying in Australia in 2026 involves navigating updated financial requirements, the new Genuine Student assessment, English language thresholds, and work rights conditions that have changed significantly since 2023. Understanding these requirements before lodging your visa application reduces the risk of delays, requests for further information, or refusal.
Augustine and Co. Immigration Lawyers advises international students on all aspects of the Subclass 500 Student visa application process, from initial eligibility assessment through to post-study work visa options. Book a consultation with our team to discuss your student visa options. You may also find our pages on General Skilled Migration and Employer Sponsored visas useful if you are planning your study-to-work transition.
Author
Calvin Augustine is the founding solicitor of Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers. He graduated with Honors from the University of London law school, before being admitted to practice in Malaysia and Australia (admitted in SA, appears in all Victorian Courts and Tribunals, at trial and appellate levels).
