Study and work in Australia, Student Visa 500, Pacific Center
SUBCLASS 500

Study and work in Australia

The Student Visa 500 opens the door to one of the world's top education destinations, and gives you experience that genuinely stands out on your CV.

from A$2,050Application fee
48 hWork per fortnight
UnlimitedWork during breaks
5+ yrsMax visa length

What the Student Visa 500 covers

The Student Visa 500 covers the full range of study in Australia: English, vocational (VET) courses, and university. It lasts the length of your main course plus 1 to 2 months. Studying multiple courses back to back? One application covers them all.

Alongside study, the Student Visa 500 gives you work rights, free travel in and out of Australia, and the option to bring your partner.

How much study costs

Indicative market averages for 2026. Actual cost depends on the school, course length, and city. We'll go through this with you in a consultation.

Type of study
Tuition cost
English courses (ELICOS)
A$200 to 300 / week
VET courses
from A$5,000 / year
University (Bachelor, Master)
A$20,000 to 50,000 / year

Visa application fee

Course type
Fee
ELICOS (English courses)
A$2,050 + CC surcharge
VET / Higher Education
A$2,500 + CC surcharge
Our service is free for students. Course enrolment, visa application, and post-arrival support are covered by the commission we receive from the school. You pay only the school, OSHC, and the visa fee.

What the Student Visa 500 allows

Study what you want
English, VET certificates, Bachelor, Master, or PhD. One visa covers them all.
Work legally
48 hours per fortnight during semester. Unlimited during breaks, ideal for seasonal work.
Bring your partner
Your partner can come with you. On a Master's or PhD program, your partner can work without restriction.
Travel freely
In and out anytime without losing your visa. Perfect for Christmas at home or a holiday across Asia.

How it works with Pacific Center

1
Free consultation

We talk through what you want to study, your budget, and when you want to fly. We then recommend a school from our network of 400+ partners.

2
Course enrolment

We prepare and submit the application for you. The school then issues the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which we use to lodge the visa.

3
Visa application preparation

We build the full application, including the Genuine Student statement, OSHC, and all supporting documents. We review everything with you before lodgement.

4
Lodgement and approval

We lodge through ImmiAccount and monitor progress on your behalf. For European applicants, approval typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.

5
Approval and departure

We get you ready for departure. When you land, we meet you at the airport and drive you to your accommodation. We then sit down with you in Australia to walk through everything you need to set up so the start is as smooth as possible.

What you need to meet

Six requirements, no surprises. We help you prepare each one correctly the first time.

Course enrolment (CoE)
Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered school. Studying multiple courses in a package? You need a CoE for each one.
Genuine Student
Australia wants to see that you genuinely intend to study. Officers assess your motivation, finances, and the logic of your education plan. This is where applications most often fail, so we prepare it carefully with you.
Financial capacity
You need to show you can cover tuition, living costs, flights, and insurance. A$29,710 per year for the primary applicant (partner and children add to this).
English
The level depends on school and course. Typically IELTS 5.5, PTE 42, TOEFL iBT 46. University requires a higher score.
OSHC insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover for the full visa period. We arrange it for you. Roughly A$650 per year for a single applicant.
Health and character
Medical examination and police clearance, only when required. For most European applicants this is straightforward.

FAQ

Can I work straight after I arrive

No. Your work rights start once your main course officially begins. If you have an ELICOS course in your package before the main course, you can only work once the main course starts, not during the language program.

How much money do I need to show

For 2026, count on at least A$29,710 per year for the primary applicant, plus A$10,394 for a partner and A$4,449 per child. On top of that, 12 months of tuition and return flights.

What if I change course after lodgement

If you change to a higher AQF level (for example from VET to a Bachelor), you'll likely need a new visa. If you change to the same or lower level, a new visa isn't needed, but you must notify Home Affairs.

Can I study English on a tourist visa

Yes, up to 12 weeks of study. If you want to study longer or take a VET or university course, you need a Student Visa 500.

How long does processing take

A few weeks to a few months, depending on course level, country, and completeness of the application. For European applicants, usually 4 to 8 weeks on a well-prepared file.

What if my visa is refused

You can lodge an appeal at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within 21 days of refusal, provided you were in Australia when the application was lodged. If you applied from offshore, ART is usually not available, and a fresh application with better preparation is the option to consider.

I don't meet every requirement, can anything be done

Often yes. In a consultation, we identify exactly what's missing and map out how to close the gap so the application succeeds the first time.

Ready to start studying in Australia

10+ years of experience. MARA-registered agent. Our student service is free (the school pays the commission). English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Czech support available.

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Information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice under the Migration Act 1958. Tailored advice on your situation can be provided by a registered migration agent in an individual consultation. Fees, quotas, and requirements may change; the official source is immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.