Australia student visa (Subclass 500): complete guide for Indians 2026

Australia remains one of the top three study destinations for Indian students, with eight universities in the world's top 100, a post-study work visa of up to four years, and a structured pathway to permanent residency. Here is everything you need to know about the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) for 2026.

Subclass 500 eligibility requirements

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
• English proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.5 overall (varies by institution and course)
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement — intent to return after study
• Financial capacity: tuition + AUD 21,041 living costs per year
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full visa period
• Health examination and character clearance (police certificate)

The GTE requirement: most common reason for refusal

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is where many Indian students' applications fail. You must demonstrate that your primary reason for studying in Australia is to gain an internationally recognised qualification — not to use it as a migration pathway. Ironically, Australia does offer PR routes, but you cannot make that your stated primary motivation at the visa stage. Our counsellors help you frame your Statement of Purpose to satisfy GTE while remaining entirely truthful.

Work rights while studying

From late 2023, the Australian government removed the previous 40-hours-per-fortnight work cap for most student visa holders. However, as of 2025, a 48-hour per fortnight cap is in place during term time. During scheduled breaks, you can work unlimited hours. This makes part-time work a viable way to supplement living costs — most students in our cohort earn AUD 800–1,200 per month from part-time work.

Post-study work and PR pathway

After completing a degree in Australia, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The duration depends on your qualification and where you studied — Metro graduates get 2–3 years; regional graduates get up to 5 years. During the 485, you accumulate points for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) SkillSelect system toward a permanent visa.

• Bachelor's degree: 2 years Subclass 485 (metro) or 3 years (regional)
• Master's by coursework: 2 years (metro) or 4 years (regional)
• PhD: 4 years (metro) or 5 years (regional)
• Regional study gives 5 additional points toward GSM PR

Choosing a CRICOS course in a regional city can meaningfully accelerate your GSM points profile while reducing your living costs.