Australia remains a top destination for international students, offering world-class universities, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural experiences. The Student Visa is your key to unlocking these opportunities, allowing you to study at your chosen Australian university or college.

But if you’re applying under the Student Visa (Subclass 500), there are strict rules you need to follow, especially when it comes to working during your stay. Here’s a clear, updated breakdown of what this visa allows, how much you can work, and what’s changed in 2025.

What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?

The Subclass 500 Student Visa is designed for international students who aim to pursue higher education, Vocational Education and Training (VET), pathway programs, or English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Australia. It covers:

• University degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs)
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses
• Pathway programs and ELICOS (English courses)

With this visa, you can:

• Stay in Australia for the full length of your course (up to 5 years)
• Travel in and out of the country freely
• Bring your partner or children as dependents
• Work while studying, under certain limits

But here’s the thing: to get the visa, you need to first enrol in a course and get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved institution.

How to Apply for the Student Visa

• Enrol in a Course: Secure a place at an Australian education or training provider. You’ll need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you can apply.
• Gather Your Documents: Prepare your CoE, proof of financial capacity, English proficiency, and health insurance.
• Submit Your Visa Application: Apply online for the Subclass 500 Student Visa, attaching all necessary documents.

How Many Hours Can You Work on a Student Visa?

International students can legally work in Australia, but only under specific conditions. The current rules, updated as of 2025, are as follows:

During Study Periods

• You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight
• This limit applies even during exams or the start of the semester
• You cannot work before your course officially begins

During Official Breaks

• You can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (like summer holidays or semester gaps)

Exceptions for Research Students

If you’re enrolled in a:

• Master’s by Research, or
• Doctoral (PhD) program,

You’re allowed to work unlimited hours at any time, as long as your course has already started.

Can You Work After Finishing Your Studies?

Yes, Australia allows international students to stay and work after graduation under separate visas, like the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). However, while you’re still on the Subclass 500, you must follow the 48-hour rule during term time.

Other Important Visa Conditions

Violating your visa terms can result in cancellation. Here are some must-follow rules:

• Stay enrolled in a registered course
• Maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress
• Hold a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Work only within permitted hours
• Inform immigration authorities if your circumstances change

Can You Bring Family Members?

Yes. The Subclass 500 allows you to include:

• Your partner (spouse or de facto)
• Your dependent children

Just note that your partner’s work rights will usually be tied to the level of your study program. For instance, they can work full-time if you’re studying a master’s or doctoral degree.

Student Visa Fees Increased in July 2025

From 1 July 2025, the base application fee for the Subclass 500 Student Visa has increased from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000 per application—a 25% rise.

After this hike, Australia’s student visa is now the most expensive in the world.

Here’s what’s changed:

The increase is steep but smaller than the dramatic jump in 2024, when the visa fee more than doubled from AUD 710 to $1,600. Still, the new pricing puts Australia at the top globally when it comes to student visa costs. This makes getting your application right the first time even more important.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about studying in Australia, understanding the Subclass 500 visa and how it works is essential. You can work while studying, bring family, and experience life in one of the world’s top education destinations. But you need to follow the rules, especially the work limits and enrolment requirements.

And with the visa fees climbing higher, getting it right the first time matters more than ever.