Higher Education Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within 15 Days, while 90% were finalised within 7 Months.
Clear data for a calmer wait
Subclass 500 processing time, without the guesswork.
Use the stream and lodgement date shown in your application to compare your wait with current Home Affairs checkpoints.
Official benchmarksHome Affairs source
No account neededStart immediately
Current figuresLatest published data
Choose your visa subclass
Your selected visa
Subclass 500
Student Visa
For international students enrolled in an eligible full-time course in Australia.
Eligibility, costs and application stepsChoose your pathway
Enter your lodgement date
See today's timeline
Build your waiting timeline
Two details are enough to compare your wait with current Home Affairs benchmarks.
Published benchmarks
Current Processing Times
Compare how long 50% and 90% of recently decided applications took in each pathway.
What do 50% and 90% processed mean?Current data
Higher Education Sector
For eligible bachelor and coursework postgraduate study.
15Days
50% processed
7Months
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Current data
Vocational Education and Training Sector
For eligible certificate, diploma and advanced diploma vocational courses.
7Months
50% processed
7Months
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Current data
Postgraduate Research Sector
For eligible master's by research and doctoral degree study.
27Days
50% processed
3Months
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Current data
Independent ELICOS Sector
For standalone English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.
6Days
50% processed
62Days
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Current data
Schools Sector
For eligible primary and secondary school study.
22Days
50% processed
7Months
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Current data
Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector
For students sponsored by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Defence.
4Days
50% processed
31Days
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Current data
Non-Award Sector
For eligible non-award foundation, exchange or other non-award study.
Less than 1Day
50% processed
21Days
90% processed
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Stream-specific guide
Subclass 500 Student visa processing time by education sector
Student visa processing times vary by education sector, including Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training (VET), ELICOS, Schools, Postgraduate Research and Non-Award study. Select the sector that matches the principal course in your application.
Vocational Education and Training Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within 7 Months, while 90% were finalised within 7 Months.
Postgraduate Research Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within 27 Days, while 90% were finalised within 3 Months.
Independent ELICOS Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within 6 Days, while 90% were finalised within 62 Days.
Schools Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within 22 Days, while 90% were finalised within 7 Months.
Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within 4 Days, while 90% were finalised within 31 Days.
Non-Award Sector
Current Home Affairs data shows 50% of recently decided applications were finalised within Less than 1 Day, while 90% were finalised within 21 Days.
Your education sector matters more than one headline timeframe
Different Subclass 500 sectors can move at different speeds. Check the course and provider information associated with your Confirmation of Enrolment if you are unsure which option best matches the lodged application.
Which date should I enter?
Use the date the Subclass 500 visa application was lodged, then select the education sector attached to that application.
50% processed does not mean your application is half complete
These percentages describe recently decided applications, not progress inside one individual case.