What is the Genuine Student (GS) test and how is it different from the old GTE?

The Genuine Student (GS) test replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement in March 2024. You answer targeted questions about your study choice, prior education and employment, ties to home, course-to-career relevance, and immigration history. Assessments are risk-weighted under Ministerial Direction 107, with provider-level enrolment caps applied under the National Planning Package (NPP) framework. The GS is now part of the application form rather than a separate statement.

What IELTS score do I need for a Subclass 500 student visa in 2026?

For higher-education and VET sectors the post-March 2024 threshold is IELTS overall 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5. ELICOS-package pathways (e.g. main course preceded by English study) may apply lower entry scores. Accepted alternatives at equivalent levels include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET. see Home Affairs for current rate

How much money do I need to show for the financial requirement?

The single-applicant living-cost base figure is $29,710 per year (as at 1 July 2024). On top of that you must evidence one year of tuition fees plus travel costs, and add prescribed amounts for any partner ($10,394/year) or child ($4,449/year) accompanying you, with school fees ($13,502/child/year) where relevant. Pro-rata applies for courses shorter than 12 months, and scholarships or prepaid fees are deductible. Use our free calculator for an exact figure. see Home Affairs for current rate

Can I work 48 hours per fortnight while studying?

Yes. During teaching periods, Subclass 500 holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight (a fortnight is any 14-day period beginning on a Monday). Work hours are unrestricted during official course breaks. PhD and Master's by Research students have unlimited work rights from day one. Work undertaken as a registered course requirement (e.g. clinical placements) does not count toward the 48-hour cap.

Can I bring my partner and children on a Subclass 500 visa?

Yes. Spouses, de facto partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants, either at lodgement or later by adding subsequent entrants. You must declare them in your GS responses and meet the additional financial-capacity amount for each. Partners of higher-education students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight; partners of PhD or Master's by Research students have unlimited work rights. School-age children must be enrolled in Australian schooling.

What is the post-study pathway from Subclass 500 to permanent residency?

The typical pathway is Subclass 500 → Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa → skilled or employer-sponsored permanent visa. Completing at least 2 years (92 weeks) of CRICOS-registered study in Australia satisfies the Australian study requirement and unlocks the 485. From the 485 you can target Subclass 189/190/491 skilled visas, or Subclass 482 / 186 employer pathways. We can map this journey from your first CoE through to PR grant.

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A common cause of refusal is insufficient or incorrectly calculated financial evidence. Application fees are non-refundable, so getting the numbers right matters. Our free calculator helps you show the exact amount required for your situation.

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Calculator Features:

Instant calculation of living costs, course fees, family expenses
Pro-rata calculations for short courses (auto-calculated)
Scholarship & prepaid fee deductions
2026 current rates ($29,710 student living-cost base, as at 1 July 2024)
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Why Use Our Financial Calculator?

A Common Cause of Student Visa Refusals

Insufficient or incorrectly calculated financial evidence. The Department requires precise amounts that vary based on your course duration, family situation, and other factors. Manual calculations often lead to errors. Our calculator handles all the complex pro-rata formulas, family additions, and deductions automatically—preventing costly mistakes and visa refusals.

Student Visa Overview

The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at an Australian educational institution. This visa provides an excellent pathway to gain world-class education and potentially transition to permanent residency.

Our migration agents have extensive experience helping students navigate the visa application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and maximize your chances of approval.

Authored by R. Weng — MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 1569835). LLM (Australian National University), LLB (Deakin), admitted to practice law in Victoria.

2026 Visa Application Fees

CURRENT RATES

Fee history: $1,600 → $2,000 from 1 July 2024

The Subclass 500 visa application charge was lifted from $1,600 to $2,000 on 1 July 2024 (current as at May 2026). Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens are exempt from this increase. see Home Affairs for current rate

Main Applicant

(Increased from $1,600 to $2,000 on 1 July 2024)

$2,000

Additional 18+

$1,225

Child Under 18

$400

Note: Fees are non-refundable if application is refused. Additional charges may apply for onshore applications while holding another temporary visa (+$700).

Student Visa Benefits

World-Class Education

Study at world-renowned institutions

Work While Studying

Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term

Unlimited Holiday Work

Unlimited work hours during breaks

Bring Your Family

Bring eligible family members

Student Support

Access to student support services

PR Pathway

Pathway to post-study work visa

Key Requirements

Enrollment Confirmation

You must be enrolled in a registered course at an Australian educational institution (CRICOS registered).

Genuine Student (GS)

Demonstrate genuine intention to study temporarily in Australia (the Genuine Student test replaced the GTE requirement in March 2024). Genuine Student (GS) assessment is risk-weighted under Ministerial Direction 107, with provider-level enrolment caps under the National Planning Package (NPP) framework. see Home Affairs for current rate

Financial Capacity

Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses (single applicant base figure $29,710/year, as at 1 July 2024; see Home Affairs for current rate), and travel costs. Use our free calculator below.

English Proficiency

IELTS overall 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 for higher-education and VET sectors (post-March 2024 thresholds). Accepted alternatives include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET at equivalent levels. Provider package pathways (e.g. ELICOS + main course) may apply lower entry scores. see Home Affairs for current rate

Health Insurance

Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

Character Requirements

Meet health and character requirements including police checks.

Understanding Financial Requirements

The most critical—and most complex—part of your student visa application

Living Costs (as at 1 July 2024 — current 2026)

Student (per year)$29,710

Partner (per year)$10,394

Child (per year)$4,449

School fees (per child)$13,502

Don't Calculate Manually!

Pro-rata calculations, family additions, prepaid deductions, and scholarship amounts make this complex. One error can mean visa refusal.

Calculate My Requirements

Our calculator automatically handles pro-rata calculations for courses under 12 months, adds family member costs, deducts prepaid fees and scholarships, and shows you both the 'available funds' option and the 'annual income' alternative. Get your exact requirement in 2 minutes.

Work Rights While Studying

During Study Period

hours per fortnight

A fortnight is a 14-day period. This gives you flexibility to work part-time while maintaining your studies.

During Course Breaks

∞

unlimited hours

No work hour restrictions during official course breaks. Perfect for gaining full-time work experience during holidays.

PhD & Master's by Research Students:Unlimited work rights from day one—no hour restrictions during term or breaks. Your family members also have unlimited work rights.

Key Requirements

Enrollment Confirmation

You must be enrolled in a registered course at an Australian educational institution (CRICOS registered).

Genuine Student (GS)

Financial Capacity

English Proficiency

Health Insurance

Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

Character Requirements

Meet health and character requirements including police checks.

Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Study for 2+ years in Australia

Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

2-4 years post-study work experience

Permanent Residency

Skilled visas (189, 190, 491) or Employer Sponsored (186)

This is the most common pathway for international students. Completing at least 2 years (92 weeks) of study in Australia makes you eligible for the Graduate visa (485), giving you time to gain work experience and apply for skilled migration. We can help you plan this entire journey from student to permanent resident.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Subclass 500 student visa — common questions answered

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