What Happened to Subclasses 572 to 576? The Subclass 500 Explained

Minh lives in Adelaide on a temporary work visa. Years ago, he finished a diploma here, and his old grant letter describes his visa as a Subclass 572. He now wants to return to study, and a friend has told him to apply for a Subclass 573 for his degree. When Minh searches the Home Affairs website, he cannot find either subclass. This guide explains what happened to the old student visa subclasses, how the Subclass 500 works today, and what to check if you plan to study from inside Australia.

Where did the old student subclasses go?

On 1 July 2016, Australia closed the old sector-based student visas, subclasses 570 to 576, to new applications. It replaced them with a single Student visa (Subclass 500). The Student Guardian visa (Subclass 580) was replaced by the Subclass 590 at the same time. Today, the Subclass 500 covers almost every type of full-time study, from school to a PhD, so there is no separate visa for each education sector.

The old student visa system before 2016

Before July 2016, the student visa subclass depended on the level of your main course. A student enrolling in a vocational diploma applied for a Subclass 572, while a student starting a bachelor’s degree applied for a Subclass 573. Each subclass had its own requirements, and requirements also varied by the applicant’s country of citizenship.

This created a complicated system. Students had to work out the right subclass for their principal course, and the rules could differ depending on which sector they studied in.

The change in 2016 was part of the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). It brought all students under one visa and introduced a single immigration risk framework that looks at both the student’s country and their education provider. It also made online lodgement the standard and allowed students in Australia to apply for a student visa if they held a substantive visa.

What the Subclass 500 covers today?

The Subclass 500 now covers the study types that once had their own visas. These include primary and secondary school, English language courses (ELICOS), vocational education and training, higher education, postgraduate research, non-award study, and study sponsored by the Australian Government’s foreign affairs or defence programs.

You can also study two or more courses on one Subclass 500 visa where there is a clear progression from one course to the next, such as an English course followed by a diploma and then a degree.

Current rules for Subclass 500 holders

From 1 July 2026, the student visa application fee starts at about AUD 2,500 for the main applicant, unless an exemption applies. Additional charges apply for family members included in the application.

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session, with unlimited hours during official course breaks. Students in a master’s by research or doctoral program may work more than this once their course has started. Check VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) for the conditions that apply to you.

Applicants must also meet the Genuine Student requirement, English language requirements, financial capacity requirements and health insurance requirements, usually through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Where old information causes confusion?

Much of the confusion comes from older documents and websites. Some students see a subclass number on an old grant letter and assume they need to apply for the same one again. Others follow advice from older blogs that still describe the sector-based system. Some expect to extend their current student visa, when a student who needs more time applies for a new Subclass 500 visa, even if their current visa still has time left.

For example (illustrative only, not a real case): Priya studied a Certificate IV in Sydney on a Subclass 572 visa in 2015. In 2026, she holds a skilled work visa and wants to start a master’s degree. She applies for a Subclass 500 from inside Australia, using her new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and her old subclass number plays no part in the application.

If you are planning further study and are unsure how the current rules apply to you, The Migration’s team can review your situation. Book a consultation.

Planning further study from inside Australia

Studying from inside Australia is possible for many people, and planning helps you stay lawful throughout. Start by checking your current visa. Students already on a Subclass 500 can apply for another student visa to continue or extend their studies, as long as they apply before their current visa ends.

Some visa holders cannot apply for a student visa while in Australia. These include holders of Visitor, Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) and Maritime Crew visas. If you hold one of these, you would need to apply from outside Australia.

Next, secure your Confirmation of Enrolment for the new course and prepare your Genuine Student responses. Explain how the new course fits your study history and plans, especially if it is at a lower level or in a different field.

Finally, gather evidence of financial capacity and arrange OSHC for the full visa period. Keep following your current visa conditions, including work limits, until your new visa is granted.

The Migration team helps onshore students plan their next student visa application. Talk to the team about your study plans.

Old subclasses and where they sit now

This table shows the former student visa subclasses and how the same study is covered today.

Things to check before you apply

Fees and financial requirements are reviewed regularly, so confirm the current figures on the Home Affairs website close to the time you lodge. The financial capacity amount for living costs is set by Home Affairs and applies on top of tuition and travel costs.

If you have had a visa refused or cancelled since you last arrived in Australia and do not hold a substantive visa, the section 48 bar may stop you applying for a student visa onshore. Check this before planning a new application.

Finally, choose a course that clearly fits your background and goals. The Genuine Student requirement looks closely at why you chose the course and how it links to your past study and plans.

Frequently asked questions