Student Visa Subclass 500 conditions explained

Before embarking upon your studies in Australia, it’s important to understand the rules of your visa.
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With a seemingly endless list of restrictions, it can prove daunting at first but there’s no need to panic. Our resident student blogger has broken down essential student visa conditions so you can happily study in Australia with peace of mind.

Below, find out everything you need to know about the Student Visa Subclass 500 from important work limitations and course requirements to important Covid-19 changes for students.

Sydney, Australia

Student Visa Subclass 500

The Student Visa Subclass 500 allows students to remain in Australia for up to 5 years for the purpose of full-time study. 
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With this visa, you can:
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• Take part in a CRICOS course/s (the CRICOS course is a registered course which allows international students to apply for a student visa in Australia) 
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• Include family members in your application
  
  
• Apply either onshore or offshore​
  
  
• Work up to 40 hours every fortnight once your course commences (you can work unlimited hours during specified student holidays)

The benefits of Student Visa Subclass 500

If you have always dreamed of studying in Australia, a Student Visa Subclass 500 is a brilliant option.
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Below, we’ve rounded up the benefits of a student visa:
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• With permission to work a maximum of 40 hours every fortnight (and unlimited hours when the course is out of session), you can gain experience alongside your studies.
  
  
• You have the right to enter the country multiple times.​
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• You have the possibility to bring a dependent with you to Australia.  

Uluru, Australia

How to check the conditions of your student visa

The conditions of your student visa are listed in your grant letter so make sure to store this somewhere safe.
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You can also refer to the conditions of your student visa at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.

Student Visa Subclass 500 conditions explained

Below, we have listed some of the Student Visa 500 Subclass conditions that must be obeyed whilst studying in Australia.

8105: Work limitations

One of the biggest factors to consider when applying for a student visa is the work limitations.
 
On a Student Visa Subclass 500, you must obey the following rules:
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• You must not start work in Australia before your course commences.

 

• You must not work for more than 40 hours a fortnight.
  
  

You are considered to be engaged in work if you meet the below criteria:

• You have ‘clocked on’ to an electronic system that records work activity

 

• You have attended a place of work for a period of time using a roster or timesheet

 

• You have received remuneration for work as indicated in a payslip

As previously mentioned, you can work unlimited hours during term break. You must ensure that you check your course timetable as these dates will vary between education providers.

To receive an income in Australia, you need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Visit the Australian Taxation Office online to find out more. 
  
8202: Meet course requirements

To maintain your student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must remain enrolled in a registered course 
  
  
• You must obtain a satisfactory attendance rate as required by your education provider
  
  
• You must make progress in your course as required by your education provider
  
  

8203: You must not change your course of study without approval

You can change your course of study if you are unsatisfied with your current education provider or wish to try another subject.

But in order to change your course of study on a student visa, you must seek approval from  your current education provider. 

Find out how you can change courses on a Student Visa Subclass 500.

Melbourne, Australia

8501: Maintain health insurance

When you apply for your student visa with Study Online Australia, we will organise OSHC on your behalf for the duration of your stay.

8503: Inform provider of change of address

If your residential address changes, you must inform your education provider within 7 days.

You will be contacted through your place of study so it’s crucial to keep your contact details up to date.

8516: Maintain eligibility 

In order to maintain your student visa, you must continue to meet the criteria stated in your visa grant letter.

For a full list of the Student Visa 500 Subclass requirements, please visit the official Department of Home Affairs website.
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Hunter Valley, Australia

Covid 19: Student visa conditions

As a consequence to the Covid-19 pandemic, work limitations for specific student visa holders have been changed.
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You can work more than 40 hours a fortnight if you meet the following criteria:

• You are employed by a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider. 

 

• You are enrolled in a health care related course and are supporting the effort against the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

• You are employed by an aged care approved provider or Commonwealth-funded aged care service provider with a RACS ID or a NAPS ID (before September 8, 2020).
  
  

​These conditions are subject to change so make sure to stay up to date via the official government website.
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You can also stay informed on student visa changes during the Covid-19 pandemic on our dedicated blog.

How can I extend my student visa?

Do you wish to stay in Australia? As long as your grant letter does not contain conditions such as ‘no further stay’, there is the option to apply for another student visa.

If you would like to extend your stay in Australia, make sure to allow at least 3 months to research your options and be sure to lodge your visa application prior to your current visa expiring.  

Get in touch with Study Online Australia today to discuss your options. 

Help and support whilst studying in Australia

One of the biggest advantages to applying for your student visa with Study Online Australia is that the team is always on hand to help.

Whether you have questions about enrolment, work rights or seeking extra help on your course, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Study better with Study Online Australia.

We go above and beyond to make sure that you have the best experience possible during your stay in Australia. For free help and advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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