If you are a student visa (subclass 500) holder in Australia, you may be wondering whether your family members who are here as dependents can also study. The answer is generally yes — but the rules differ depending on whether the dependent is a school-age child or an adult, and the type of course they want to study.

Who Is a Student Visa Dependent?

A dependent is a family member included on your subclass 500 student visa application. Eligible dependents include:

• Spouse or de facto partner of the main visa holder
• Children under 18 of the main visa holder or their spouse

When your student visa is granted, your dependents receive the same visa subclass (500) with the same conditions — including the right to study in Australia.

School-Age Dependent Children — Can They Attend School?

Yes — without restriction. Dependent children listed on your student visa can enrol in:

• Government primary and secondary schools
• Private or independent schools
• Catholic schools

They do not need a separate Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or student visa — their study rights are covered by being listed as your dependent. You will need to pay school fees if enrolling in a private or independent school, as international students typically do not access free government schooling for dependents.

In Victoria, school fees for dependent children of international students range from approximately $5,000 to $20,000 per year depending on the school. Contact your chosen school directly for their fee schedule for dependent visa holders.

Adult Dependents — Can They Study a Vocational Course?

Yes — adult dependents can study vocational and higher education courses, subject to the following:

• The main applicant's student visa must remain valid for the dependent to maintain their own visa status
• The dependent may need their own CoE if they enrol in a separate course at a different provider
• The dependent's study does not extend the main applicant's visa conditions
• The dependent can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods (same as the main applicant)

At Clinton Institute (RTO 41597 | CRICOS: 03540C), adult dependents of student visa holders are eligible to study any CRICOS-registered vocational course, including:

• CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — aged care pathway
• SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery — hospitality pathway
• BSB50120 Diploma of Business — business pathway

Can a Dependent Work While Studying?

Work rights for dependent visa holders:

• Adult dependents (18 and over): generally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with unlimited hours during course breaks. This is the same as the main student visa holder.
• School-age dependents: not permitted to work in Australia

Always check the specific work conditions on your dependent's visa grant notice, as conditions can vary depending on the specific visa stream and when the visa was granted.

Dependent vs. Co-Applicant — What Is the Difference?

It is worth clarifying the difference:

• Dependent: Listed on the main applicant's visa application as a family member. Included in the same visa grant. Study rights are automatic.
• Co-applicant: Applies separately but simultaneously for the same visa subclass. Each co-applicant has their own visa application with their own CoE and study plan.

Both can study in Australia, but co-applicants apply as independent students with their own CoE. Dependents study as part of the main applicant's visa grant.

What Happens When the Main Student's Visa Ends?

If the main student visa holder's course ends or their visa is cancelled:

• Dependent visa holders generally must also cease study unless they have their own valid visa
• Dependents may be able to apply for their own student visa or another visa subclass to continue their studies
• It is important to plan ahead — seek migration advice if the main student's visa is at risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student visa dependant study in Australia?

Yes. Dependent family members included on a subclass 500 visa can study in Australia. School-age dependents can attend schools; adult dependents can study vocational and higher education courses.

Can a dependent child attend school in Australia on a student visa?

Yes. School-age dependent children can enrol in government or private schools in Australia. They are covered by the main applicant's subclass 500 visa and do not need a separate CoE.

Can a student visa dependent study a full vocational course?

Yes. Adult dependents can study CRICOS-registered vocational qualifications at Clinton Institute. They may need their own CoE if applying separately from the main applicant.

Can a dependent work while studying in Australia?

Adult dependents can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. School-age dependents cannot work. Check your specific grant conditions.

What is the difference between a dependent and a co-applicant?

A dependent is listed on the main applicant's visa grant. A co-applicant applies separately with their own CoE and study plan. Both can study, but co-applicants are independent visa holders.

Does your dependent want to study a vocational course in Melbourne?

Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS: 03540C) welcomes student visa dependents for all CRICOS-registered courses. Apply now or contact our admissions team.

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Clinton Institute is a registered training organisation (RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS: 03540C). Learn more about us.