Australia remains a top destination for international students, offering world-class universities, vibrant cities, and a culturally rich environment. The Subclass 500 Student Visa is your gateway to these opportunities, enabling you to study in Australia while following specific legal requirements—particularly regarding work rights.
Here’s a complete overview of what the 2025 visa changes mean for students.
Table of Contents
What Is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows non-citizens to pursue:
- University degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, PhDs)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Foundation and pathway programs
With this visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to five years)
- Travel in and out of the country freely
- Bring your spouse or children as dependents
- Work under restricted hours during study periods
To apply, you must first enroll in a course and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved Australian institution.
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How to Apply for a Student Visa
- Enroll in a Course
Apply and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered Australian education provider. - Prepare Documents
Gather documents including financial proof, English proficiency results, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). - Submit the Visa Application
Apply online for the Subclass 500 visa and upload all required documents.
Work Caps for Student Visa Holders in 2025
Australia allows student visa holders to work—but with clear limits.
During Academic Sessions
- You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight (2 days per week)
- The cap applies even during exams or course orientation
- You cannot work before your course officially begins
During Holidays
- You may work unlimited hours during recognized breaks (e.g., summer, winter)
Research and Postgraduate Students
If enrolled in a:
- Doctoral (PhD) or
- Master’s by Research program
You may work without hourly limits once your course has started.
Work Options After Graduation
Upon completing your studies, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to stay and work in Australia for a specified period depending on your qualification level.
Note: Until you obtain this visa, you are still subject to Subclass 500’s work restrictions.
Additional Visa Conditions You Must Follow
To maintain compliance, you must:
- Remain enrolled in your course
- Meet attendance and academic progress requirements
- Maintain valid OSHC coverage
- Work only within the allowed hours
- Report changes in personal circumstances to immigration authorities
Violating any of these may result in visa cancellation.
New Student Visa Fees in 2025
As of 1 July 2025, the visa application fee for the Subclass 500 has increased from $1,041.69 to $1,302.11.
This adjustment makes it one of the most expensive student visas in the world.
Conclusion
The Subclass 500 visa provides a valuable opportunity for international students to study and work in Australia—but it comes with strict conditions. With the new work caps, rising fees, and digital compliance requirements in 2025, staying informed and following the rules is more important than ever.
