Student 500 is for eligible study in Australia, but the application must also be supported by the right enrolment, Genuine Student, financial, English, health-cover and case-specific evidence. A genuine document can still be the wrong evidence if it does not answer the decision-maker’s question.
EYM examines how the proposed course fits your circumstances, previous study, funding, future plans and immigration history. The objective is not to make the story sound better. It is to determine whether the evidence and explanation actually support each other before submission.
EYM separates universal requirements from evidence that becomes necessary only when the applicant’s circumstances or processing requirements make it relevant.
Student visa holders have limited work rights in Australia. For the primary Student 500 holder, work is generally limited to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session, subject to statutory exceptions.
The primary visa holder generally must not work before the course commences unless the applicable prior-visa exception applies. Condition 8105 governs the primary Student 500 holder; different work restrictions can apply to accompanying family members.
Eligible members of the family unit may be included as additional applicants in a Student 500 application. Their visa charges, work conditions and supporting requirements depend on their circumstances.
Student 500 allows eligible family to apply with the student or later as subsequent entrants. But relationship timing, earlier declarations, financial capacity and work conditions materially change the pathway and evidence.
An eligible partner or dependent child should be declared in the Student 500 application even if they are not travelling initially. If the relationship began after lodgement but before grant, Home Affairs says the change should be notified before the visa is decided.
A family member joining after the student visa is granted applies separately in ImmiAccount. If they already existed as family but were not declared, Home Affairs says a new Student application including them may be needed, with an explanation. An exception applies where the person became family after grant.
Subsequent entrants must attach evidence of financial capacity. It needs to cover the relevant student-cost context, secondary applicants’ living costs, schooling where applicable and travel costs. Home Affairs warns that missing evidence can lead to a decision without a further request.
The general family limit is up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session. Family of students in certain master’s by coursework or Extended programs can work more, while research-master’s and doctoral study carries broader rights. The individual visa conditions and VEVO control the actual case.
Student visa pricing changed from 1 July 2026 and lower-cost arrangements apply to certain cohorts. Family members can also qualify for the lower cost on the applicable primary-applicant basis. EYM resolves the current charge from the facts instead of publishing one universal “additional partner” amount.
Focused guide
Review the cost categories, recognised evidence forms and how to build a consistent funding story.
See the financial-capacity guideUse the dedicated guide for the GS questions, the 150-word response limit, evidence alignment and assessment factors. General Student 500 requirements stay on this page.
Complete the assessment and EYM will identify the Student 500 evidence, case risks, government-charge context and services relevant to your circumstances before you decide how to proceed.
