CoE from a registered institution
A Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered education provider. Must cover the entire course duration.
Subclass 500 · GS Test · Financial Capacity · 2026 Rules
The Subclass 500 is the main student visa. And the rules have tightened.
Financial capacity thresholds have risen. The Genuine Student test replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test. English requirements are sharper for some sectors. Here is the current 2026 picture for the Subclass 500. Our QEAC-certified education specialist Vishal Sharma handles student applications.
Core eligibility
Six requirements.
Every Subclass 500 application is assessed against these six requirements.
Genuine Student test
Applicant must genuinely intend to study. Replaced the old GTE test. Stronger focus on study intent, course alignment, and return plans. See GS guide.
Financial capacity
Updated threshold in 2024-2025. Living cost benchmark exceeds AUD $29,000 annually, plus tuition and travel. See financial capacity guide.
English language
Varies by course. VET: IELTS 5.0-5.5 typical. Universities: IELTS 5.5-6.5 typical. Institutions may set their own requirements above these.
Health requirement
Medical examination for most applicants. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the full visa period.
Character requirement
Police clearances from every country lived 12+ months in the last 10 years. See character test.
2024-2025 changes
What shifted for 2026 applicants.
Recent reforms changed multiple aspects of student visa processing.
Financial capacity threshold increasedLiving cost benchmark rose significantly. 2026 figures sit above AUD $29,000 annually for primary applicants.
GTE replaced with Genuine Student testStronger focus on study intent and course alignment. Higher-level scrutiny of course change patterns.
Visa application charge increaseStudent visa application fee rose significantly in 2024-2025. Now one of the more expensive visitor-type visas.
Risk rating changesInstitution and country risk ratings continue to drive processing priority and evidence requirements.
Common pitfalls
Three frequent refusal patterns.
Even qualified applicants get refused when these pitfalls are not addressed.
Weak GS statement
The GS statement explains why the applicant wants this course at this institution at this time. Generic statements fail. See GS guide.
Unverified funds
Bank statements from sources not well-documented. Sudden deposits without explanation. Funds need a clear origin trail.
Course change patterns
Moving from higher-level to lower-level courses, or too-frequent course changes, raises GS concerns. See course change guide.
GS statements are often the single deciding factor.
Department officers rely heavily on the GS statement to assess whether the applicant is genuine. A thin, generic, or inconsistent statement triggers refusal even where other evidence is strong. Time invested in a clear, personalised GS statement is the highest-value preparation step.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For student visa applications, book with Vishal Sharma or Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I include family on my student visa?
Yes. Subclass 500 allows dependent family members (spouse, children) on the same application with additional evidence of capacity.
How long does Subclass 500 processing take?
Varies by country of citizenship and institution risk rating. 4-12 weeks typical for standard applications.
Can I apply from inside Australia?
Yes if you currently hold an eligible visa. Section 48 considerations apply if you have had a recent refusal.
What if my Subclass 500 is refused?
21 days to appeal to the ART for onshore refusals. Offshore refusals generally have no ART rights. See student appeals.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.