Subclass 500 Student Visa – Document Checklist (2025)

To apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa, students must provide a complete and decision-ready application through ImmiAccount. Before lodging, ensure you complete the Genuine Student (GS) Form with MyCourseFinder, which gathers all the key information required to demonstrate genuine intent, financial capacity, and visa eligibility.

General Document Requirements

1. Identity Documents

• A valid passport (including all pages with personal details)

• National identity card (if applicable)

• Evidence of any name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, divorce order)

• Passport-size photograph (meeting Australian standards)

2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

• A CoE is mandatory for each course being studied

• Students applying for packaged courses must provide CoEs for all programs at the time of application

• CoE exemptions apply only to:

  • Secondary exchange students (AASES form)

  • DFAT or Defence-sponsored students (Letter of support)

  • Postgraduate research students awaiting thesis marking (Letter from provider)

3. Genuine Student (GS) Documentation
All applicants must address the Genuine Student requirement.

• Submit detailed answers in the visa application (150 words max per question)

• Supporting documents must include:

  • Current and detailed resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Sponsor declaration (if applicable) and proof of relationship

  • Academic history and progression

  • Evidence explaining any gaps in study or employment

  • Previous visa records (if any)

4. English Language Evidence
Unless exempt, students must provide valid English test results taken within the last 2 years. Minimum scores required (if no ELICOS is packaged) are:

• IELTS: Overall 6.0

• TOEFL iBT: 64

• PTE Academic: 50

• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169

• OET: B in each test component

Not accepted: IELTS Online, PTE Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, OET@Home

Exemptions apply to:

• Passport holders from UK, USA, NZ, Canada, Ireland

• Students who completed 5+ years of study in English

• Postgraduate research students

• ELICOS-only applicants

• Secondary exchange students

• Certain Defence and DFAT programs

Financial Capacity (Updated as of March 2025)

Visa applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover travel, tuition, and living costs for the first 12 months (or the full course if shorter). There are two options to demonstrate financial capacity.

Option A – Funds Evidence

This is the most commonly used and preferred option. You must show:

• Deposited or available funds to cover the first 12 months of study

• Funds for travel to and from Australia

• Living and tuition costs

• Financially sustainable plan (e.g., assets) for the remainder of the course (if longer)

Minimum Amounts Required (2025):

• Living costs – Student: AUD $29,710

• Living costs – Partner: AUD $10,394

• Living costs – Per child: AUD $4,449

• Schooling for each child: AUD $13,502

• Travel costs: AUD $2,000 (Asia), AUD $3,000 (Africa), AUD $1,000 (if in Australia)

• Tuition: As per your CoE

Acceptable Evidence Includes:

• Recent bank statements (preferably 3–6 months history)

• Approved education loans (with confirmation letter, disbursement plan, and stated purpose)

• Sponsor's financial documents, such as payslips, tax returns, employment letters

• Fixed deposit certificates (must show availability before travel)

• Official documents verifying origin of large cash deposits

Not accepted as standalone evidence:

• Undeclared cash

• Cryptocurrency wallets or unregulated digital assets

• Anonymous donations or unverifiable transfers

Tangible Assets (Important Note)

Real estate, gold, or shares are not accepted as standalone financial proof. However, they may be used as supporting documents to demonstrate overall financial strength and income generation.

To be accepted:

• Provide certified ownership documents (e.g., land title, gold invoices, share certificates)

• Submit official valuation/appraisal reports

• Include tenancy or lease agreements (for real estate)

• Show how income generated from these assets will support the applicant’s stay in Australia

Students must still show banked funds to cover the first 12 months of study and living. Tangible assets may be used to justify how the applicant or sponsor can continue to financially support the student beyond the initial period.

Option B – Annual Income Evidence

Instead of showing cash funds, applicants may provide evidence of personal or sponsor income.

• Minimum annual income: AUD $87,856 (single applicant)

• Minimum annual income with family: AUD $102,500

• This must be evidenced via an official government-issued tax assessment

• It must be from the most recent financial year

Employer letters, payslips, or unaudited business records are not accepted under this option.

Health and Insurance

• Applicants must have valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period

• If applicable, health examinations may be requested during processing

• Submit OSHC policy number, insurer name, and policy dates

Character Requirements

Applicants must:

• Complete Form 80 if requested (Personal particulars for assessment)

• Submit police clearance certificates for any country lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years

• Make a declaration regarding any criminal history

Students Under 18 Years of Age

Additional documents required:

• Form 1229 – Parental consent

• Copy of parents’ passport (photo and signature pages)

• Birth certificate listing both parents

• Welfare arrangements must be made via:

  • A CAAW letter (issued by provider), or

  • A nominated guardian in Australia

If nominating a guardian, also provide:

• Form 157N – Nomination of student guardian

• Guardian’s passport

• Guardian’s visa details or application

Family Members (Dependants)

To include a spouse, de facto partner, or children, you must submit:

• Marriage or de facto relationship certificate

• Birth certificates for children

• Police clearance for all family members aged 16 or over

• CoE for school-aged children (if enrolling in Australia)

• Evidence of funds to support family members’ stay

Application Overview

• Lodgement: All applications must be submitted online via ImmiAccount

• Visa Application Charge: As of March 2025, the base fee for the primary applicant is AUD $1,600

• Biometrics: Required for most offshore applicants

• Processing Time: Check global visa processing times for current estimates

If you are unsure which financial option or documentation applies to your case, or need support drafting your Genuine Student statement, begin by completing the Genuine Student (GS) Form.