Types of Student Visas for Australia 2026: Visa Subclass 500 & 485, Eligibility, Work Permit

If you are going to apply to Australia soon for higher education, you should know which student visa type applies. While one is for study, another is for post-study and work. This article will shed light on the different types of student visas in Australia with details.

Broadly, international students fall under two visas for students in Australia. One is the Student visa (Subclass 500) for those enrolling in a full-time course. The other is the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) for those continuing their stay in Australia and looking for work after completing their studies. Though the main student visa in Australia is Subclass 500, the other is also for students but looking for post study work in Australia.

Each comes with its eligibility, visa duration, and work rights - and, notably, very different (and steadily rising) application fees. This article breaks down the difference between Subclass 500 and 485 visas. We have covered costs, processing times, stay duration, and work permissions.

Types of Student Visas in Australia

There are different types of student visas in Australia which vary on the basis of study, post-study work permit, living in Australia and working in Australia. There are two broad visas which are applicable to international students based on the aforementioned areas. These are

• Student Visa (Subclass 500): This visa is for international undergraduate/postgraduate applicants applying for a full-time course of study in Australia. The Subclass 500 Visa is for new and international applicants coming to study in Australia.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): This visa is applicable for international applicants continuing their education in Australia only after graduating with their first degree while they look for work side by side as well. This temporary (Subclass 485) visa is technically applicable to international students to work in Australia after graduating from Australian universities. 

Note: The TGV or Subclass 485 visa is not meant to start a new primary degree or major course of study. International students can apply for this visa while looking for a job or when they have a job in hand.

Difference Between Subclass 500 & Subclass 485 Visa in Australia

The table below lists what the different visas mean for international students. Including the eligibility criteria associated with different visa subclasses and which courses you must enrol on for that visa. As working both while studying and after working is also an important aspect of a student’s decision, we have also included the same. Check out about TGV in Australia along with the Subclass 500 visa:

It is highly recommend students check whether the Australian University offers that particular course/program students have applied for is registered with CRICOS. This information is readily available and should be enquired about before a student commits to the institute/ university.

Also, international students must note that visa subclasses (570, 572, 573 and 574) are no longer applicable. Hence, applicants applying for a study visa in Australia must make sure that they apply for the above-mentioned visas only. 

Australia Student Visa Fees 2026

Here are the current Australia student visa costs based on DHA (Australia):

• The Subclass 500 fee is now AUD 2,500 (AUD 2,050 for ELICOS/non-award courses). Applicable from 1 July 2026.
• The Subclass 485 fee is now AUD 5,750 for primary applicants.
• Secondary applicant charges (partners, children) apply to both visa subclasses.

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