What it costs
The Subclass 500 application charge increased meaningfully in the past year. The primary applicant fee rose to AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026, a jump worth building into your total budget planning early, since it's paid at the point of application, well before you know the outcome.
At a glance: The four numbers to plan around for the Subclass 500.
| Item | Figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application charge | AUD 2,500 (primary applicant) | In effect from 1 July 2026. |
| Work limit | 48 hours per fortnight | Applies while your course is in session. The cap is lifted during official course breaks. |
| Financial capacity | About AUD 29,710 (primary applicant) | Roughly AUD 10,394 more for a partner and AUD 4,449 for each child. Confirm with Home Affairs. |
| Visa length | Matches your Confirmation of Enrolment | Up to a maximum of five years. |
Work hour limits
Subclass 500 holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with the cap lifted during official course breaks. This is a hard limit tied to your visa condition, not a guideline, and it's worth planning your part-time work and budget around it from the start rather than discovering it mid-semester.
48 hours per fortnight averages to roughly 24 hours a week during term — enough for meaningful part-time income, but not a substitute for the savings requirement below.
The financial requirement
For 2026, the commonly cited financial capacity figure for the primary applicant sits around AUD 29,710, with additional amounts required for a partner (roughly AUD 10,394) or dependent children (roughly AUD 4,449 each). This figure is reviewed periodically by the Department of Home Affairs, so treat it as a current estimate to confirm directly, not a fixed number to rely on without checking.
How long it lasts
The Subclass 500 is granted for the duration of your enrolled course as shown on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), up to a maximum of five years. A one-year master's and a three-year PhD are issued visas of correspondingly different lengths, tied directly to your actual study plan rather than a flat standard term.
The Genuine Student requirement
Since 23 March 2024, Subclass 500 applications are assessed against the Genuine Student requirement. It replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant test.[4] [5] Instead of one long statement, you answer targeted questions in the application form. Each answer must be in English and no longer than 150 words.
The questions cover your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and your economic situation, why you chose this course with this provider, and how completing it will benefit you. Study Australia says the change removes confusion about whether applicants may mention a wish to migrate.[5]
With 150 words a question, specifics do the work. Name the course, the provider and what you plan to do with the qualification, and keep every answer consistent with your documents.
Health cover: OSHC is compulsory
You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members travelling with you. Cover must start at least one week before your course begins and run for your stay, and at minimum it must cover the length of your course. Without proof of OSHC, the visa application is refused.[6] See our health insurance comparison for how it compares with the UK and US.
Key takeaways
- Application fee: AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant, as of 1 July 2026.
- Work limit: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unrestricted during breaks.
- Financial requirement: roughly AUD 29,710 for the primary applicant in 2026, plus more for family.
- Duration: tied to your CoE, up to a maximum of 5 years.
- Confirm all figures directly with Home Affairs before budgeting, since amounts are reviewed periodically.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Australia Subclass 500 student visa cost?
The primary applicant application charge rose to AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026. Additional family members applying alongside you incur their own separate charges.
How many hours can I work on a Subclass 500 visa?
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with unrestricted hours during official course breaks.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?
For 2026, the commonly cited financial capacity figure for the primary applicant is around AUD 29,710, with additional amounts required for a partner or dependent children. This figure is reviewed periodically, so confirm the current amount directly with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
How long does a Subclass 500 visa last?
It's granted for the duration of your enrolled course, up to a maximum of five years, tied directly to your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
What is the Genuine Student requirement for the Australian student visa?
It is the assessment that replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test for applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. You answer targeted questions in the application form, each in English and up to 150 words, about your circumstances, why you chose this course and provider, and how it will benefit you.
Is health insurance compulsory for an Australian student visa?
Yes. You need Overseas Student Health Cover for yourself and any accompanying family members, starting at least one week before your course begins and covering at least the length of your course. Applications without proof of OSHC are refused.
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Sources & further reading
- Subclass 500 Student visa (official) — Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Student Visa Application Charge increase (official) — Study Australia, Australian Government
- Student visa (subclass 500), work and study conditions (official) — Study Australia
- Genuine Student requirement (official) — Department of Home Affairs
- The new Genuine Student requirement (official) — Study Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (official) — Study Australia