The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full time in a registered course in Australia for up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.
The rules changed on 2 October 2026. Most Student visa applications must now be lodged from outside Australia, and most students can no longer include their partner or children. If you are in Australia on a Student visa now and need another one, check whether you meet an exemption before you lodge anything.
The Student visa charge is A$2,500 for most main applicants (from 1 July 2026).
What Changed on 2 October 2026
| Before 2 October 2026 | From 2 October 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Inside or outside Australia | Outside Australia, unless you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption |
| Further Student visa onshore | Generally allowed | Only if you meet one of a small number of exemptions |
| Including partner and children | Generally allowed | Only if you meet a family exemption |
| Family joining later | Possible as subsequent entrants | Not possible in any circumstance |
Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the old rules. People on some visas (for example Working Holiday, visitor and temporary work visas) can't apply for a Student visa in Australia at all.
Important: An application lodged in Australia by someone who isn't eligible to apply here is invalid, and an invalid application can't be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal. If your current visa expires while you wait, you could become unlawful. The exemptions are narrow and depend on your course, provider and visa history. Get advice from a registered migration agent before you apply onshore.
Home Affairs lists the exemptions on the Student visa page.
Who Can Get a Student Visa
You must:
- be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course and provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for every course when you apply (no CoE means an invalid application)
- be a genuine student, with study as the main reason for coming to Australia
- have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless exempt
- meet the English language requirement if it applies to you (fully online "at-home" tests are not accepted)
- show you have enough money for your stay
- be at least 6 years old, and have welfare arrangements if you are under 18
- meet health and character requirements
How Much Money You Need
Home Affairs sets the minimum funds you must show for 12 months:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Your living costs for 12 months | A$29,710 |
| Partner coming with you | A$10,394 |
| Each school-age child (schooling) | A$13,502 |
On top of this, you need your course fees and travel costs. Instead of savings, you can show that your parents or partner earn at least A$87,856 a year (A$102,500 if family members are coming). These are minimums. Actual costs in Sydney and Melbourne are often higher.
What the Student Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Most main applicants (higher education, VET, schools, research) | A$2,500 |
| Independent ELICOS or Non-Award main applicants | A$2,050 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over (where family can be included) | A$1,530 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$500 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge (if eligible to apply in Australia) | A$700 |
Some Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN citizens pay a lower charge.
Working on a Student Visa
- Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session
- No limit during scheduled course breaks
- Master's by research and PhD students (and their families) have no work limit
After Your Studies
Most graduates move to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which you must apply for in Australia within 6 months of finishing your course. Plan this before your Student visa ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a new Student visa while I'm in Australia?
From 2 October 2026, only if you hold an eligible visa and meet one of the exemptions listed by Home Affairs. Most students must apply from outside Australia. Check before lodging, because an invalid onshore application can leave you without a bridging visa.
How much does a Student visa cost in 2026?
A$2,500 for most main applicants from 1 July 2026. Independent ELICOS and Non-Award students pay A$2,050.
How much money do I need to show?
At least A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus course fees and travel. More is needed if family members come with you.
How many hours can I work on a Student visa?
Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during course breaks.
Can I bring my partner and children?
From 2 October 2026, only if you meet a family exemption (for example PhD students, some government-sponsored or scholarship students, and some Pacific and ASEAN nationals). Family members can no longer join later as subsequent entrants.
Get Help With a Student Visa
With the October 2026 changes, lodging in the wrong place or without an exemption can cost you your visa status. A registered migration agent can check whether you can apply in Australia and plan your next step. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Student visa (subclass 500), Department of Home Affairs.