Student Visas (500, 485, 476)
Study at Australian institutions with work rights, then transition to graduate and skilled visas. The student pathway is one of the most popular routes to long-term migration.
Quick Answer:
- 500 visa: Study full-time with work rights up to 48 hrs/fortnight. From A$2,500.
- 485 visa: Post-study work visa. 2-3 years of full work rights for graduates.
- 476 visa: 18-month visa for engineering graduates under 31.
- Pathway: Study and Australian work experience both add skilled migration points.
3
Visa Subclasses
1-3mo
500 Processing
48h/fn
Work Rights
2-3 yrs
485 Stay
We are not registered migration agents. This information is for general guidance only. For personalized immigration advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
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Each subclass suits different circumstances. Compare requirements, costs and outcomes below.
Subclass 500 — Student Visa
The primary visa for international students enrolling in a registered full-time course of study in Australia, with work rights during and between study periods.
Quick Answer for Subclass 500:
Lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution for the length of your course. Base charge A$2,500 from 1 July 2026. Work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. Requires Confirmation of Enrolment and Genuine Student evidence.
Key Benefits
- Study a full-time CRICOS-registered course
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying
- Include family members in your application
- Pathway to the 485 Temporary Graduate visa after study
- Travel in and out of Australia during your course
Requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered provider
- Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
- Sufficient funds to cover tuition, living and travel costs
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa period
- Meet English language, health and character requirements
- International students of any age
- Those seeking an Australian qualification
- Students aiming for a graduate or skilled visa later
- Those wanting full-time work rights
- Applicants without genuine study intent
- Those seeking immediate permanent residency
Residency
Temporary
Processing Time
1-3 months
Base Application Fee
A$2,500
Visa application charges shown are the base charge for the main applicant, checked against the Department of Home Affairs on 2026-07-31. They are indexed every 1 July and additional charges apply for family members, so confirm the current charge with Home Affairs before budgeting.
Studying in Australia as a Pathway to Migration
Australia is one of the world's most popular study destinations, and for many people an Australian qualification is the first step toward longer-term migration. The student visa program is built around a clear progression: study on a 500 visa, gain post-study work experience on a 485 graduate visa, and use that Australian study and experience to claim valuable points toward a skilled migration visa.
The 500 student visa is the foundation. It allows you to study a registered full-time course and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. To be granted the visa you must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment, satisfy the Genuine Student requirement, and demonstrate you have the funds to support yourself.
After graduating, the 485 Temporary Graduate visa gives you full work rights for two to three years, depending on your qualification. This period is invaluable: Australian work experience and study both attract points under the skilled migration points test, and time spent in regional areas can attract additional points and pathways.
From Student to Permanent Resident
While student visas are temporary, they form part of a well-trodden route to permanent residency. Many graduates use their 485 visa period to complete a skills assessment, sit a high-scoring English test, and accumulate the Australian work experience needed to lift their points score for a 189, 190 or 491 skilled visa.
Engineering graduates have an additional option in the 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate visa, which is open even to those who studied abroad, provided they graduated recently from a recognised institution and are under 31. Whichever path you take, planning your study and post-study work strategy early — with your end migration goal in mind — makes the transition far smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can I work on a student visa?
Student visa (500) holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Postgraduate research students and those working in certain sectors may have different arrangements.
Can a student visa lead to permanent residency?
Not directly, but it is a common first step. Many students progress to a 485 Temporary Graduate visa after finishing their course, gain Australian work experience, and then apply for a points-tested skilled migration visa such as the 189, 190 or 491.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement asks applicants to demonstrate that their primary intention is to study in Australia. It replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement and is assessed through your study history, course choice, and circumstances.
Who is eligible for the 485 Temporary Graduate visa?
The 485 visa is for international students who have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course that meets the Australian study requirement. You must apply within six months of completing your studies and hold an eligible visa at the time of application.
What makes the 476 visa different from other student visas?
The 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate visa is unique in that it is open to engineering graduates from recognised institutions worldwide, not just those who studied in Australia. It provides 18 months of full work rights for graduates under 31 who finished their degree within the last two years.
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