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Student Visa 500 Australia 2026: Requirements, Work Rights and Study Rules
The subclass 500 Student visa allows eligible international students to undertake registered study in Australia. The visa is temporary, and the length of stay depends on the course type and duration.
Core Student visa requirements
Home Affairs states that applicants generally need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when the visa is decided, must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement, must hold Overseas Student Health Cover unless an exemption applies, and must meet health, character and any age-specific welfare requirements.
Work rights
Student visa holders generally can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. Students studying a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree have different work settings, and family-member work rights can also differ depending on the primary student's course.
Read the detailed Student Visa Work Rights 2026 guide.
Course progress and enrolment
Our Visa Condition 8202 guide explains the continuing study, enrolment and progress requirements that can apply to Student visa holders.
Health insurance
Student visa applicants generally need Overseas Student Health Cover for the relevant period unless an exemption applies. Visa conditions and health-insurance obligations should be checked against the grant letter and current rules.
Official sources
This article provides general information only. Student visa criteria, financial evidence, English requirements, processing priorities and onshore application restrictions can change and should be checked at the time of lodgement.
