---
title: "Australia Student visa 500 2026: savings AUD 29.7k+/yr needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/student-500/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Australia · Student

# Australia Student visa 500

**Savings needed:** AUD 30k+ a year ≈ $21k

Student visa (subclass 500)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Savings needed:** AUD 30k+ a year ≈ $21k (Income of at least AUD 87,856 a year (≈ $61,200) · Alternative evidence: parents' or partner's personal annual income in the 12 months before applying; AUD 102,500 if family members accompany. Savings of at least AUD 29,710 a year (≈ $20,700) · 12-month living costs for the student; AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 per child accompanying; plus first 12 months of course fees and travel costs. A fee of AUD 2,500 (≈ $1,740) · Base application charge, main applicant (standard). A fee of AUD 2,050 (≈ $1,430) · Base application charge for ELICOS or non-award course applicants, and for eligible ASEAN passport holders. A fee of AUD 745 (≈ $520) · Base application charge for Pacific-regional passport holders.)
- **First stay:** 6 yrs (Stay up to 6 years and in line with course enrolment; primary school students in years 1-4 generally granted up to 3 years.)
- **Renewal:** Renewable
- **Who can apply:** Any passport (No nationality restriction; lower charges for Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and eligible ASEAN citizens.)
- **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income: Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.)

## Key facts

Student visa 500 is a student route for Australia. Applicants need savings of AUD 30k+ a year ≈ $21k. You can stay 6 yrs, renewable. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** AUD 30k+ a year ≈ $21k
- **Government fees:** AUD 2,500 ≈ $1,740 · +2 more
- **First stay:** 6 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: 3 government fees listed below; savings to show AUD 30k+/yr ≈ $21k. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: AUD 2,500 ≈ $1,740 · +2 more**

- AUD 2,500 (≈ $1,740) Base application charge, main applicant (standard).
- AUD 2,050 (≈ $1,430) Base application charge for ELICOS or non-award course applicants, and for eligible ASEAN passport holders.
- AUD 745 (≈ $520) Base application charge for Pacific-regional passport holders.

**Shown, not spent: AUD 88k+/yr ≈ $61k · AUD 30k+/yr ≈ $21k**

- AUD 87,856 a year (≈ $61,200) Alternative evidence: parents' or partner's personal annual income in the 12 months before applying; AUD 102,500 (≈ $71,400) if family members accompany.
- AUD 29,710 a year (≈ $20,700) 12-month living costs for the student; AUD 10,394 (≈ $7,240) for a partner and AUD 4,449 (≈ $3,100) per child accompanying; plus first 12 months of course fees and travel costs.

**Citizenship: After 4 years of residence**

Time lawfully in Australia counts toward the 4 years, but you still need 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before applying. Citizenship by conferral needs 4 years lawfully in Australia, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months' total absence in the 4 years and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

[Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html)

**Where to apply: Abroad or in-country**

You can be inside or outside Australia when the visa is granted, as long as you are not in immigration clearance.

[Federal Register of Legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Needs a place at a school or university in Australia

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The student is enrolled in a course and holds a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when the visa is decided.
- The student is aged 6 or over; welfare arrangements apply if under 18.
- From 2 October 2026 a partner or child can apply as a family member only if the student is a Defence or Foreign Affairs student or holds a Pacific-regional or other listed passport, or the family member already held or had applied for a student visa, or is a child born in Australia after that date.

#### What you must show

- Living costs for 12 months are AUD 29,710 (≈ $20,700) for the student, AUD 10,394 (≈ $7,240) for a partner and AUD 4,449 (≈ $3,100) per child accompanying.
- The first 12 months of course fees and travel costs are also shown.
- Alternative evidence: parents' or partner's personal annual income in the 12 months before applying is AUD 87,856, (≈ $61,200) or AUD 102,500 (≈ $71,400) if family members accompany.
- The base application charge is AUD 2,500 (≈ $1,740) for the main applicant (standard).
- The base charge is AUD 2,050 (≈ $1,430) for ELICOS or non-award course applicants and eligible ASEAN passport holders.
- The base charge is AUD 745 (≈ $520) for Pacific-regional passport holders.

#### Documents

- Overseas Student Health Cover is held unless exempt.

#### Steps

1. Apply online from outside Australia; from 2 October 2026 a current Student visa holder applying for a further Student visa must also be outside Australia unless in an exempt class.

## When you become tax resident

How Australia decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **Up to 6 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** Residence is determined by the resides, domicile, 183-day and Commonwealth superannuation tests.
- **Foreign-source income:** **Temporary residents** Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.
- **Special regime:** **Temporary resident exemption** · Tax relief

[All tax rules for Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026

## What you need to arrange

- **Health insurance** Overseas Student Health Cover is held unless exempt
- **Money to show** This route asks for savings of AUD 30k+ a year ≈ $21k.

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

**Full official text**

Temporary visa to study a registered course in Australia. New rules from 2 October 2026 change who can apply from within Australia and whether family can be included. (sources 1, 2, 3)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least AUD 87,856 a year (≈ $61,200) · Alternative evidence: parents' or partner's personal annual income in the 12 months before applying; AUD 102,500 (≈ $71,400) if family members accompany. (source 1)
- Savings of at least AUD 29,710 a year (≈ $20,700) · 12-month living costs for the student; AUD 10,394 (≈ $7,240) for a partner and AUD 4,449 (≈ $3,100) per child accompanying; plus first 12 months of course fees and travel costs. (source 1)
- A fee of AUD 2,500 (≈ $1,740) · Base application charge, main applicant (standard). (sources 1, 2)
- A fee of AUD 2,050 (≈ $1,430) · Base application charge for ELICOS or non-award course applicants, and for eligible ASEAN passport holders. (source 2)
- A fee of AUD 745 (≈ $520) · Base application charge for Pacific-regional passport holders. (source 2)

#### Requirements

- The student is enrolled in a course and holds a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when the visa is decided. (source 1)
- The student is aged 6 or over; welfare arrangements apply if under 18. (source 1)
- From 2 October 2026 a partner or child can apply as a family member only if the student is a Defence or Foreign Affairs student or holds a Pacific-regional or other listed passport, or the family member already held or had applied for a student visa, or is a child born in Australia after that date. (source 3)
- Living costs for 12 months are AUD 29,710 (≈ $20,700) for the student, AUD 10,394 (≈ $7,240) for a partner and AUD 4,449 (≈ $3,100) per child accompanying. (source 1)
- The first 12 months of course fees and travel costs are also shown. (source 1)
- Alternative evidence: parents' or partner's personal annual income in the 12 months before applying is AUD 87,856, (≈ $61,200) or AUD 102,500 (≈ $71,400) if family members accompany. (source 1)
- The base application charge is AUD 2,500 (≈ $1,740) for the main applicant (standard). (sources 1, 2)
- The base charge is AUD 2,050 (≈ $1,430) for ELICOS or non-award course applicants and eligible ASEAN passport holders. (source 2)
- The base charge is AUD 745 (≈ $520) for Pacific-regional passport holders. (source 2)
- Overseas Student Health Cover is held unless exempt. (source 1)
- Apply online from outside Australia; from 2 October 2026 a current Student visa holder applying for a further Student visa must also be outside Australia unless in an exempt class. (sources 1, 3)

#### Stay

- Stay up to 6 years and in line with course enrolment; primary school students in years 1-4 generally granted up to 3 years.
- First stay: up to 72 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

No nationality restriction; lower charges for Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and eligible ASEAN citizens.

#### Work

Work up to 48 hours per fortnight when the course is in session; unlimited in breaks.

#### Family

Partner and children generally cannot be included from 2 October 2026 unless exempt; student guardian visa (590) exists separately.

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [Student visa (subclass 500)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation current at 1 July 2026): Part 1 definitions, Schedule 1 visa application charges](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01347)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01347/asmade/2026-10-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-10-01
4. [Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2 (points system notes: pass marks set by ministerial instrument under section 96)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-07-01
5. [Australian Citizenship Act 2007, section 22 (general residence requirement)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government · checked 2026-10-11

## Student visa 500 and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Student visa 500 | Needs savings of AUD 30k+ a year ≈ $21k | 6 yr, renewable | – |
| [Study visa (ED)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/thailand/nonimmigrant-ed-study/) Thailand | – | 3 mo, renewable | No |
| [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/student/) Japan | – | 4.3 yr, renewable | Limited |
| [Student visa · Non-formal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/indonesia/e30-education/) Indonesia | – | 4 yr, renewable | No |
| [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-arab-emirates/student-visa/) United Arab Emirates | – | – | – |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Student visa 500?

Income of at least AUD 87,856 a year (≈ $61,200). Alternative evidence: parents' or partner's personal annual income in the 12 months before applying; AUD 102,500 (≈ $71,400) if family members accompany. Savings of at least AUD 29,710 a year (≈ $20,700). 12-month living costs for the student; AUD 10,394 (≈ $7,240) for a partner and AUD 4,449 (≈ $3,100) per child accompanying; plus first 12 months of course fees and travel costs. A fee of AUD 2,500 (≈ $1,740). Base application charge, main applicant (standard). A fee of AUD 2,050 (≈ $1,430). Base application charge for ELICOS or non-award course applicants, and for eligible ASEAN passport holders.

### How long can I stay on the Student visa 500?

Stay up to 6 years and in line with course enrolment; primary school students in years 1-4 generally granted up to 3 years.

### Can I work on the Student visa 500?

Work up to 48 hours per fortnight when the course is in session; unlimited in breaks.

### Can I bring my family on the Student visa 500?

Partner and children generally cannot be included from 2 October 2026 unless exempt; student guardian visa (590) exists separately.

### Is there a tax break for Student visa 500 holders in Australia?

Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income: Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

## Tax

Special regime

### [Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/#tax-au-temporary-resident-foreign-income)

Tax relief

Foreign-source income: Temporary residents

**Details**

- On: Most foreign-source income (exempt)
- Who: Hold a temporary visa

Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.

#### Taxed on

Most foreign-source income (exempt); Australian-source income and capital gains on taxable Australian property remain taxable.

#### Who it applies to

- Hold a temporary visa.
- Neither the individual nor their spouse (if any) is an Australian resident under the Social Security Act 1991 (not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or protected Special Category visa holder).

#### Exclusions

- Income from employment or services performed overseas while a temporary resident can still be taxed in Australia, depending on facts and any tax treaty.
- Not available to someone who has at any time after 6 April 2006 been an Australian resident without a temporary visa and with an Australian-resident spouse.

#### Tax residence

A temporary resident can be an Australian resident or a foreign resident for tax purposes; the four statutory residency tests (resides, domicile, 183-day, Commonwealth superannuation) decide residence separately.

#### Visas

Requires a temporary visa; no particular subclass carries the exemption itself.

#### Other taxes

Foreign tax paid on income declared may qualify for a foreign-source income tax offset; foreign-source income and deductions are converted to AUD.

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

[Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/)

## More in Australia

[National Innovation 858](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/national-innovation-858/) [Skilled Independent 189](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-independent-189/) [Skilled Nominated 190](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-nominated-190/) [Skilled Regional 491](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-work-regional-491/) [Work and Holiday 462](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/work-holiday-462/) [Working Holiday 417](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/working-holiday-417/) [Employer Nomination 186](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/employer-nomination-186/) [Employer Regional 494](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/employer-sponsored-regional-494/)

## Study visas elsewhere

[🇰🇷 D-4 language study](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/south-korea/d4-language-trainee/) [🇭🇰 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/hong-kong/student-visa/) [🇳🇿 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/fee-paying-student/) [🇰🇭 Student extension (ES)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cambodia/es-student-extension/) [🇱🇰 Education visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/sri-lanka/education-residence-visa/) [🇮🇳 e-Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/india/e-student-visa/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 5 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Student visa (subclass 500)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation current at 1 July 2026): Part 1 definitions, Schedule 1 visa application charges](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01347)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01347/asmade/2026-10-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-12
4. [Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2 (points system notes: pass marks set by ministerial instrument under section 96)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10
5. [Australian Citizenship Act 2007, section 22 (general residence requirement)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.