Student visa
- Undertake an eligible registered course
- Stay generally in line with enrolment, up to 6 years
- Travel in and out while the visa remains valid
- Usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session
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Student visa subclass 500 and Student Guardian visa subclass 590
Student visa planning
One study plan, two visas with very different roles.
Subclass 500 is for the student. Subclass 590 is for an eligible adult who provides care and support to a student under 18. The course, welfare and visa arrangements need to fit together.
Choose the right role
500 is not a guardian visa, and 590 is not a study visa.
A parent and child may need linked applications, but each person must independently meet the criteria and conditions of their own visa.
Student Guardian visa
- Provide care and support for a student under 18
- Usually be a parent, custodian or eligible relative aged 21 or over
- Show funds, accommodation and appropriate insurance
- The primary purpose is guardianship and work is not permitted
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Subclass 500
What does a student applicant need to show?
Enrolment and CoE
Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment for each course in the study package when the visa is decided.
Genuine Student
Explain why this course, provider and Australia fit your current circumstances and how the study will benefit you.
English evidence
Meet the applicable English requirement or establish that an exemption applies. Admission and visa evidence may differ.
Financial capacity
Show funds for travel, tuition and living costs for the relevant period, including accompanying family where applicable.
OSHC and health
Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover for the required period and meet health and character requirements.
Age and welfare
School students must meet age rules. Applicants under 18 also need parental consent and approved welfare arrangements.
Genuine Student
A credible study decision needs evidence, not a generic statement.
For applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, the GS assessment focuses on whether studying is the primary reason for the visa. A future intention to apply for permanent residence does not by itself count against an applicant.
01
Current circumstances and ties to family, community, employment and finances
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Why this course and provider in Australia, including your understanding of study and living arrangements
03
How completing the course will benefit you
04
Any other relevant information, supported by documents where possible
02
Financial planning
The visa minimum is an evidence threshold—not a full living budget.
Also allow for travel and the first 12 months of tuition (or the pro-rata amount for a shorter course), less amounts already paid. An annual-income alternative may apply: AUD 87,856 without accompanying family or AUD 102,500 with family. Figures checked against Home Affairs information on 2 August 2026; the department may change them.
03
Subclass 590
When a student needs a guardian in Australia
Who may be nominated?
Generally a parent, legal custodian or eligible relative aged 21 or over, of good character and able to provide accommodation, general welfare and financial support. A 500 and related 590 application should be timed and documented consistently.
What must be planned?
- Relationship and identity evidence
- Funds for the guardian, student and accompanying family
- Accommodation and day-to-day welfare
- Health insurance for the guardian
- Care arrangements for any children not travelling
- Visa duration and departure arrangements when guardianship ends
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Application process
From course confirmation to visa conditions
Confirm the course plan
Settle the provider, intake, course package and budget before the visa narrative is drafted.
Receive and check the CoE
Accept the offer only after checking tuition, refund terms, OSHC and all enrolment conditions.
Map the evidence
Identify the GS, English, financial, welfare, health and family evidence required for this application.
Prepare and lodge
Complete the online application consistently and attach required evidence at lodgement.
Complete post-lodgement steps
Respond to health examinations, biometrics or further-information requests within the stated time.
Read the grant conditions
Check study, work, welfare and insurance conditions before travel and throughout the stay.
Government charges
Subclass 500 starts from AUD 2,500.
The standard Visa Application Charge for a primary subclass 500 applicant is AUD 2,500, effective from 1 July 2026. Additional family applicants are charged separately. Concession categories, some onshore applications and a possible Subsequent Temporary Application Charge can change the total.
Visa charges do not include OSHC, tuition or school fees, health examinations, police certificates, translations or professional fees.
Fee information checked August 2026. Confirm the amount payable for the exact application before lodgement.
Plan before lodging
Let the course, evidence and visa tell the same story.
We can review course progression, GS evidence, funds, family arrangements and the 500/590 timing as one coordinated plan.
General information only; it is not immigration advice or a decision by Home Affairs. Rules and charges can change.