Understanding Australian Student Visa Conditions and Compliance Rules (Subclass 500)

Introduction

Australia isn’t just a study destination – it’s a dream for students who want world-class education, vibrant culture, and global career exposure.️
But every successful journey begins with one crucial step: understanding your student visa conditions.

These conditions are more than technical details; they define your work rights, study obligations, and compliance responsibilities while you’re in Australia. Knowing them helps you avoid mistakes that could affect your studies or future visa plans.

At Aussizz Group, our expert counsellors and MARA-registered migration agents simplify these rules so you can focus on what truly matters – achieving your academic and professional goals in Australia.

8104 – Work Limitation (for Family Members)

• Before the course starts: Family members cannot work until the primary student has officially commenced studies (unless they already held a visa with work rights).
• After the course starts: Dependants may work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If the primary student is studying a Master by Research or PhD, dependants can work unlimited hours.
• Tip for Employers: Always verify a dependant’s visa grant letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before hiring.

8105 – Work Limitation (for Primary Students)

• Before the course starts: You cannot work unless you previously held a visa with work rights.
• While the course is in session: You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight; unlimited work is allowed during official breaks or if you are enrolled in a research degree.
• Aussizz Tip: Track your hours over a rolling 14-day period – exceeding 48 hours in any fortnight breaches this condition.

8201 – Maximum 3 Months of Study

• What it means: Applies mainly to non-student visa holders such as visitor or guardian visas, limiting study or training to no more than three months.
• When it applies: If you plan to study long-term or pursue a qualification, you must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) from outside Australia, unless DHA policy allows an onshore application.

8202 – Maintain Enrolment and Progress

You must:

• Remain enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress.
• Stay within the same or higher AQF level as approved on your visa.

Aussizz Tip: Talk to your counsellor before deferring or switching courses — we handle CoE updates and DHA notifications properly.

8203 / 8204 – Restrictions on Study Changes

• What it means: Postgraduate students must not change their course, thesis, or research topic without Ministerial approval, which may involve a national-security assessment.
• Tip: Submit Form 1221 and an 8203/8204 Change of Study Assessment Request through ImmiAccount before making changes.

8208 – Critical Technology Approval

• When it applies: If your course started after 1 April 2024 and involves critical-technology research, you must obtain approval from the Minister for Home Affairs before starting.
• Aussizz Tip: Use ImmiAccount → Change of Course Approval (8208) and attach evidence of your topic and supervisor for review.

8303 – No Disruptive Behaviour

• What it means: You must not engage in activities that are disruptive or harmful to the Australian community or any group.
• Simply put: Maintain respectful conduct both on and off campus.

8501 – Maintain Adequate Health Insurance

• You must: Hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay in Australia.
• Aussizz Support: Renew your policy through GetMyPolicy.online to stay fully compliant with DHA requirements.

8516 – Continue to Meet Visa Grant Criteria

• What it means: You must continue meeting the criteria for which your visa was granted — correct sector, financial capacity, health, and character.
• Tip: If your sponsor withdraws support or your finances change, seek professional advice before making updates.

8517 – Schooling for Dependants

• You must: Ensure any school-aged dependants (5–18 years) staying in Australia for over 3 months are enrolled in school and fees are paid.
• Aussizz Tip: Budget for dependant tuition costs in advance to avoid compliance issues.

8518 – Maintain Arrangements for Your Education

• Requirement: You must maintain appropriate study arrangements – course load, attendance, and academic supervision must remain adequate.

8532 – Welfare Arrangements for Students Under 18

• You must: Have approved accommodation, support, and welfare – through a parent, eligible relative (21+), or education provider.
• Do not change these arrangements without written approval or travel before your welfare start date.

8533 – Inform Provider of Address Changes

• Requirement: Advise your education provider of your residential address within 7 days of arrival and update any change within 7 days.
• If you change providers, notify your current provider within 7 days of receiving a new CoE.
• Aussizz Tip: Keep your provider and VEVO/MyGov records updated to avoid missed notifications.

8534 – No Further Stay (Discretionary)

• What it means: You cannot apply for another substantive visa in Australia except for a 485 (Graduate), 590 (Guardian), or Protection visa.
• Waivers may apply only in limited circumstances.

8535 – No Further Stay (DFAT / Defence Students)

• When it applies: If you are sponsored by DFAT or Defence, you can apply only for a new student visa with official support or for a protection visa.

Important Note

These are possible visa conditions that may apply to the Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Not all conditions appear on every visa. Always check your visa grant letter or VEVO record to confirm which apply to you.

Details here are provided in a summarised format for easier understanding. For full and official descriptions of each condition, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website

If you’re unsure about your specific conditions, consult a MARA-registered migration agent for personalised advice.

How Aussizz Group Helps You Stay Compliant?

• Expert guidance for course changes, CoE management, and deferrals
• Clear advice on work rights for students and dependants
• OSHC setup and renewal through GetMyPolicy.online
• Assistance with Genuine Student (GS) statements and visa extensions
• Post-study visa (485) and PR pathway support (189/190/491)

Conclusion

Your student visa is your key to education and opportunity in Australia – but with it comes responsibility.

By understanding and following your visa conditions, you protect your future and ensure a smooth study experience.

Need help understanding your visa conditions or course options?
Contact Aussizz Group for personalised guidance from our counsellors and migration agents.

FAQs: Student Visa Subclass 500

• Can I work more than 48 hours a fortnight?
  No – doing so breaches Condition 8105 and may lead to visa cancellation.
• Can my dependant work full-time?
  Only if you are studying a Master by Research or PhD (Condition 8104).
• Can I change my course?
  Yes, if it’s at the same or higher AQF level; postgraduate researchers may need approval under 8203/8204/8208.
• Do I need OSHC for the whole visa period?
  Yes – Condition 8501 requires continuous coverage until visa expiry.
• What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
  It ensures you have genuine academic intent and financial capacity.
• What if I’m under 18?
  You must maintain approved welfare and accommodation (Condition 8532).