The Subclass 500 is the student visa for almost all international students in Australia. Here's what it requires in 2025-2026.
Core requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay.
- Financial capacity, currently AUD 29,710/yr living costs plus tuition and travel.
- English evidence meeting the visa threshold.
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
The visa application fee rose to AUD 2,000 from 1 July 2025. You apply online through ImmiAccount.
The Genuine Student (GS) test
For applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, GS replaced the old GTE essay. Instead of one 300-word statement, you answer targeted questions (~150 words each) covering your circumstances, why this course and provider, and how the course fits your future.
Key change: GS does not hold a future intention to seek PR against you, but a course that doesn't match your academic or work background is still a major refusal trigger. Don't pick a random cheap course to get a visa.
Tips for a strong GS response
- Connect the course directly to your prior study or work.
- Be specific about why this university, not just 'Australia.'
- Explain your funding clearly and honestly.
- Avoid copied templates, assessors recognise them.
Processing
Processing times vary widely by applicant and the provider's risk rating, and some Indian regions face higher scrutiny. Check current times on the Department of Home Affairs site.
Want a mentor to review your GS answers before you submit? Get a review.