About Australia study visa
Australia offers the Student Visa Subclass five hundred for international students who want to pursue full-time studies at registered educational institutions across the country. This visa allows students to work up to forty-eight hours every two weeks during study terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, while also providing a clear pathway to post-study work opportunities through the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass four hundred eighty-five. The program supports bachelor’s, master’s, and vocational courses at universities, colleges, and technical institutes, helping students gain qualifications that align with Australia’s skilled migration needs.
Recent updates for the two thousand twenty-six intake have introduced stricter requirements to ensure genuine student intent, including higher English language benchmarks such as International English Language Testing System overall score of six point zero, proof of living expenses amounting to Australian dollars twenty-four thousand five hundred and five per year for a single student, and mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover for the entire course duration. Applicants must secure a Confirmation of Enrolment from their chosen provider, demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and travel, pass health and character checks, and typically be under fifty years old, with processing times ranging from four to twelve weeks through the online ImmiAccount system.
Australia Study Visa Eligibility criteria 2026
1. Age: Under 50 years at application time (under 35 years for high-risk student visa assessment levels).
2. English Proficiency: Competent level – IELTS 6 overall (no band below 5.5); or equivalent in PTE 50, TOEFL iBT 60, or Cambridge English 169.
3. Confirmation of Enrolment: Must secure from CRICOS-registered provider for main course of study.
4. Financial Capacity: Proof of funds for first year tuition plus AUD 24,505 living costs, travel, and school fees; bank statements or sponsor documents required.
5. Genuine Student Requirement: Demonstrate primary purpose is study through course-career alignment and personal statement.
6. Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover mandatory for entire course duration.
7. Health & Character: Medical examination clearance if requested; police certificates from countries lived in over 12 months.
Australia Study visa Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Step 1: Choose Course and Secure Confirmation of Enrolment
Select a Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students-registered course and institution, apply for admission, pay deposit, and receive your official Confirmation of Enrolment document from the provider.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Collect passport, Confirmation of Enrolment, English test results (International English Language Testing System/Pearson Test of English), academic transcripts, financial proof (Australian dollars twenty-four thousand five hundred five plus tuition), Genuine Student statement, and Overseas Student Health Cover policy.
Step 3: Create ImmiAccount and Start Application
Register on the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal, select Subclass five hundred visa, complete online form, and upload all documents accurately.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee and Submit
Pay Australian dollars seven hundred ten visa fee (Australian dollars five hundred thirty base plus passenger charges), review application, submit, and receive Transaction Reference Number for tracking.
Step 5: Complete Biometrics and Medical (if requested)
Attend Visa Application Centre for fingerprints/photos if required by your country; complete health examination via panel physician to get Health Assessment Portal Identification.
Step 6: Respond to Requests and Track Progress
Monitor ImmiAccount for additional information requests; processing takes four to twelve weeks (Priority one: one to four weeks, Standard: five to eight weeks); receive visa grant letter if approved.
Australia Study visa Processing fees & Time 2026
| Fee Type | Amount & Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant Visa Fee | AUD 2,000 (increased July 2025) |
| Adult Dependent (18+) | AUD 1,190 |
| Child Dependent (under 18) | AUD 390 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | AUD 500-900 per year |
| Living Expenses Proof | AUD 24,505 per year (single student) |
| Priority Processing | 1-4 weeks (research/postgraduate) |
| Standard Processing | 4-8 weeks (80% applications) |
| Extended Processing | 8-12 weeks (high-risk countries) |
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