Blog / Student visas
How long does an Australian student visa take?
Short answer
As of 9 November 2026, Home Affairs decided half of Higher Education student visa (subclass 500) applications within 25 days and 90% within 7 months. Vocational education took 7 months for 90%, and postgraduate research 66 days. Times vary widely by sector, so check the one your course belongs to.
Key facts
- Higher Education sector: 50% within 25 days, 90% within 7 months.
- Vocational Education and Training: 90% within 7 months. Schools: 7 months. Independent ELICOS: 49 days. Postgraduate Research: 66 days.
- After study, the 485 Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Higher Education Work) took 33 days for 90%; Post-Vocation Education Work took 4 months.
- Source: Home Affairs figures published 9 November 2026, for applications decided in the period ending 30 September 2026.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “How long does an Australian student visa take?.” Updated 9 November 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/blog/how-long-does-a-student-visa-take-australia/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
Student visa processing times by sector
| Visa | 50% decided within | 75% | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Student visa Higher Education Sector | 25 days | 61 days | 7 months |
| 500 Student visa Vocational Education and Training Sector | 4 months | 7 months | 7 months |
| 500 Student visa Schools Sector | 24 days | 6 months | 7 months |
| 500 Student visa Independent ELICOS Sector | 11 days | 29 days | 49 days |
| 500 Student visa Postgraduate Research Sector | 25 days | 48 days | 66 days |
Why the median and the 90% figure are so far apart
For the Higher Education sector, half of applications were decided within 25 days, but 90% took up to 7 months. Most straightforward applications are quick; a minority take months longer, often when more documents or checks are needed.