Australia Subclass 500 Student Visa (with Work Rights) 2026 Complete Guide
Bottom line: The Subclass 500 visa costs AUD 650, takes 4-6 weeks to process, and lets you work 20 hours/week during term (unlimited during breaks). After graduating, a Post-Study Work visa gives you 2-4 years of full-time work rights.
Australia is among the most popular study abroad destinations for Chinese students, and the Subclass 500 Student Visa is the core visa type for studying in Australia. Its biggest draw: holders can legally study AND work up to 20 hours per week during term, a genuine financial benefit.
2026 brings updates to the application process: annual inflation-adjusted financial proof thresholds, stricter OSHC health insurance reviews, and extended CoE processing at popular institutions.
What Is the 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 covers all international students in Australia — undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, language courses (ELICOS), or vocational training (VET). If you’re enrolled full-time at a government-recognized institution, you need a 500 visa.
500 vs. Other Common Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose | Work Rights | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 500 | Full-time study | 20 hrs/week (term), unlimited (holidays) | Course length + buffer |
| Subclass 590 | Student guardian | No work | Matches student |
| WHV (462/417) | Travel + work | Same employer max 6 months | Up to 1 year |
Tip: Register for a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as you arrive. Working without a TFN means your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate.
2026 Eligibility Requirements
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
You must first be accepted by a CRICOS-registered institution and receive a CoE. This is the foundational document for your visa application.
2. Financial Capacity
2026 reference standards:
| Cost Type | Annual Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Living costs (primary applicant) | 21,041/year |
| Accompanying partner | + 7,362/year |
| Accompanying child | + 3,152/year/child |
Bank statements must show 3+ months of sufficient funds covering first-year expenses plus tuition.
2026 Update: Immigration has intensified verification of financial proof authenticity. Fund sources must match income evidence; large deposits exceeding historical averages require source explanations.
3. English Language
Generally accepted: IELTS 5.5+, PTE Academic 42+, TOEFL iBT 46+. Scores valid for 2 years.
4. Health Requirements
Mandatory medical exam including chest X-ray at designated facilities.
Work Rights Explained
Working Hours
| Period | Legal Working Hours |
|---|---|
| During term | Max 40 hours per fortnight (~20/week) |
| Official university breaks | Unlimited |
| Before course starts | No work permitted |
Popular Part-Time Jobs
- Retail/hospitality (Coles, Woolworths, cafes): AUD 22-28/hr
- Campus jobs (library, admin): AUD 25-35/hr
- Tutoring: AUD 40-60/hr for math/science
- Minimum wage: AUD 23.23/hr (2026); casual workers get 25%+ loading, effective AUD 28-35/hr
Tax Obligations
Income under AUD 18,200/year is tax-free. Register for a Tax File Number (TFN) and report income legally. Cash-in-hand undeclared work is illegal and can result in visa cancellation.
Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)
| Qualification | PSW Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Up to 2 years |
| Master’s (coursework) | Up to 3 years |
| PhD | Up to 4 years |
Complete a master’s degree and you can work in Australia for up to three years, gaining valuable international experience.
Application Costs & Timeline
| Item | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa application (primary) | 650 |
| Minor dependent | 325/person |
| Adult dependent | 650/person |
| Biometrics (at VAC) | 100 |
OSHC (mandatory health insurance): AUD 400-600/year. Providers include Allianz Care, Medibank, Bupa.
Processing time: 4-6 weeks from mainland China; peak season (Nov-Feb) may extend 30%+.
Recommended Timeline (July 2026 intake)
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Select institution/program, prepare language test |
| Jan-Feb 2026 | Submit admission application, obtain CoE |
| Feb-Mar 2026 | Prepare financials, medical exam, purchase OSHC |
| Mar-Apr 2026 | Submit 500 visa application (3+ months before course) |
| May-Jun 2026 | Await result, book flights and accommodation |
| Jul 2026 | Arrive in Australia |
FAQ
Q: How is the 20-hour work limit tracked? A: Calculated per fortnight (2-week period), max 40 hours total. Employers report hours to tax authorities; Immigration can audit records. Exceeding limits is a serious violation that can lead to visa cancellation. Holiday periods have no limit.
Q: Can I change programs or transfer schools? A: Yes, but the new institution must be CRICOS-registered. If the new course significantly changes (e.g., master’s to diploma), you may need to apply for a visa variation.
Q: Can parents visit? What visa do they need? A: Parents can apply for a Subclass 600 visitor visa (tourist), processing ~2-4 weeks.
Q: Can OSHC be canceled for a refund? A: Yes, under strict conditions: visa refusal (with rejection letter), early departure from Australia (with itinerary proof), or switching to another OSHC provider.
Q: Options if PSW expires before finding a good job? A: Options include: employer-sponsored 482 visa, returning to study (stricter scrutiny for second student visa), points-based skilled migration (requires skills assessment), or WHV in eligible countries.
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