Australia’s Subclass 500 Student Visa remains the primary entry for international students in 2026, offering a clear bridge to post-study work and Permanent Residency (PR) via the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This guide details eligibility, application steps, and PR pathways, tailored for Indian students through Future Fly Services.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Overview 2026
The Subclass 500 allows full-time study at CRICOS-registered institutions, with work rights up to 48 hours per fortnight during terms and unlimited during breaks. Processing takes 1-3 months; apply up to 6 months before course start via ImmiAccount.
Key requirements include:
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Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved provider.
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Genuine Student (GS) statement proving study intent.
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English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band <5.5), PTE 50, or equivalent.
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Funds: AU$29,710+ for living (2026 rate), plus tuition and travel.
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for visa duration.
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Valid passport, health/character checks.
| Requirement | Details for Indians |
|---|---|
| English Test | IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 / TOEFL iBT 60 |
| Funds Proof | AU$29,710 living + 1st year tuition |
| Work Limit | 48 hrs/fortnight (unlimited in breaks) |
| Fee | AU$710 application |
Post-Study Work: Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
After graduation, apply for the 485 visa within 6 months to stay and work full-time, gaining experience for PR. Age limit: under 35 (up to 50 for PhD/research or HK/BNO holders). Streams offer 2-4 years based on qualification level (CRICOS-registered, min 2 years study in Australia).
| Stream | Qualification | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Bachelor’s/Master’s (coursework) | 2-3 years |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Diploma/Trade | 18 months |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Master’s (research)/PhD; regional study | +1-2 years |
Requirements: Skills assessment (if needed), IELTS 6.5, health insurance, no prior 485 in some streams.
PR Pathways After 485 Visa
Use 485 time to build points (age, English, experience) for PR via Skilled Migration. Target occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (e.g., healthcare, IT, engineering). Common routes:
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Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): Points-tested, no sponsor; invite via SkillSelect EOI.
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Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190): State nomination adds 5-15 points.
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Employer Sponsorship (Subclass 186 TRT): After 2 years on 485/TSS visa with employer.
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Regional (Subclass 491): Provisional PR after regional work/study, leads to 191 permanent.
| Pathway | Key Steps | Time to PR |
|---|---|---|
| Points-Tested (189/190) | EOI, 65+ points (age<45 ideal), skills assessment | 2-4 years post-grad |
| Employer (186) | 2 yrs work with sponsor on 485 | 3 years total |
| Regional (491→191) | Live/work regional 3 yrs | 4-5 years |
Ready to transform your study abroad dreams into reality with Australia’s unbeatable student-to-PR pathway? Don’t let visa complexities hold you back – Future Fly Services specializes in securing your Subclass 500 Student Visa with expert guidance on CoE applications, Genuine Student statements, and financial proofs tailored for Indian students