Our Services
Comprehensive student visa services — from enrolment to extensions and family members.
Student Visa — Subclass 500
The Student (Subclass 500) visa allows international students to study full-time in Australia for the duration of their course — up to 6 years. The visa costs from AUD 2,500 for the main applicant (concessions apply for eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN citizens, and for ELICOS and Non-Award sector applicants). Important rule changes took effect on 2 October 2026 — see below for how these affect your application.
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Students enrolled in a Master's by Research or Doctoral degree, and their family members, have no work limit.
Check if you qualify for a Student visa
Check eligibilityImportant changes from 2 October 2026
Significant new rules for Student visas (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visas (subclass 590) came into effect on 2 October 2026. These changes affect who can apply in Australia and whether family members can be included.
!Most applicants must now apply from outside Australia
From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applications must be lodged from outside Australia. You can only apply in Australia if you hold an eligible visa AND meet one of six exemption categories (e.g. needing up to 12 extra months to complete your course, applying for a PhD, or progressing to a higher AQF-level course). Holders of subclass 482, 485, 600, 417, 462, and other listed visas cannot apply in Australia — there are no exceptions for these visa holders.
!Family members can no longer be included in most applications
Most Student visa applicants can no longer include partners or dependent children in their application. Exemptions apply for PhD students, DFAT/Defence-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, and eligible Pacific Island or ASEAN nationals. Family members cannot apply as subsequent entrants in any circumstance unless an exemption is met.
!Further student visa applications in Australia are restricted
Current Student visa holders who want to lodge another Student visa while in Australia must meet one of six specific exemptions. If you do not qualify, you must apply from outside Australia. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the rules in place at the time of lodgement.
How we can help
University and college enrolment and visa process
We assist you in finding the best university or college courses to meet your requirements, obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), lodge your Student visa application, and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Under the new rules, most applications must be lodged from outside Australia — we guide you through the correct process for your situation.
Assessing your eligibility to apply in Australia
From 2 October 2026, only students who meet a specific exemption category can lodge a further Student visa application while in Australia. We assess your circumstances against all six exemption categories and advise you on the correct lodgement location to avoid an invalid application.
Changing your education provider
If you have not completed six months of your principal course and want to transfer to a different education provider, you generally need a letter of release from your current provider. We guide you through the transfer process and advise on any impact on your visa.
Student visa extension
If your visa is expiring and you need to continue studying, you may need to apply for a new Student visa. Under the new rules, most extensions must be lodged from outside Australia unless you qualify for an exemption. We help you prepare a complete, decision-ready application to minimise delays.
Adding family members (student dependants)
From 2 October 2026, most applicants can no longer include family members in their Student visa application. Exemptions apply for PhD students, DFAT/Defence-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, and eligible Pacific Island or ASEAN nationals. We assess whether you qualify and advise on the correct process.
Subsequent entrant applications
Under the new rules, family members can no longer apply as subsequent entrants in any circumstance unless an exemption is met. We advise on the options available to your family and help plan the best pathway for your circumstances.