Key highlights:
- Types of Student Visa for Australia
- Australia Study Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Documents Required for Student Visa: Australia Edition
- Australian Student Visa Application Process and Timeline
- Processing Time and Outcome
- Financial Support for Students to Study in Australia
Australia is among the top destinations for international students owing to its quality education system, multicultural society, and strong career opportunities. To pursue studies in Australia in 2026, Indian students must apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500), which allows for full-time study at recognised Australian institutions and permits a stay in the country for the duration of the course. This visa also grants limited work rights and includes specific visa conditions that applicants must comply with. Here are the detailed Australian student visa requirements, with eligibility criteria, documents, the application process, and tips to improve your chances of approval.
Types of Student Visa for Australia
For international students planning to study in Australia, the primary visa option is the Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows for full-time study at recognised Australian institutions across various educational levels. Under Subclass 500, students may enrol in:
- Higher education programmes such as undergraduate or postgraduate degrees
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses
- Primary and secondary school studies
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Non-award and pathway courses
- International students sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) or Defence.
- Postgraduate research
Note: Students who wish to work in Australia after completing their studies may later be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). This visa is a post-study pathway and does not fall under any particular student visa category.
Australia Study Visa Eligibility Requirements
To successfully apply for an Australian Student visa (Subclass 500), you must satisfy the official eligibility requirements outlined by the Australian Government.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian education provider confirming your acceptance into a study programme.
- Genuine Student Requirement: You must demonstrate that you are a genuine student with the intention to study in Australia. Visa decision makers assess this based on your answers in the online application form.
- English Language Requirement: You may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (or equivalent) is 5.5 to 6.0.
- Financial Capacity: Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, travel, living expenses, and the costs associated with studying in Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia to meet visa requirements.
- Health and Character Requirements: As part of the visa process, you must meet health and character standards, which may include medical examinations and police checks.
- Application via ImmiAccount: Once all eligibility conditions are met, you must apply online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal and include your supporting evidence.
Documents Required for Student Visa: Australia Edition
When applying for Australian student visa, document requirements are as follows:
- Confirmation of Enrollment
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Passport
- Health Check Up and Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC)
- Proof of Funding
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Fulfilment
- Welfare Arrangement Proof (for under 18-year-olds)
- Employment History
- Credit or Debit Card Details for Application Fee
Australian Student Visa Application Process and Timeline
The process of applying for an Australian Student visa (Subclass 500) involves several key steps.
Step 1: Check Visa Applicability
Before applying, confirm whether you need to lodge your application directly or through a migration agent based on your passport’s country assessment level. Indian applicants typically apply online via the eVisa system.
Step 2: Apply Early
The Australian High Commission recommends lodging your student visa application at least 8 weeks before your course orientation date to avoid delays.
Step 3: Start Your Application Online
You must log in to the online visa portal (ImmiAccount/eVisa) and begin your Subclass 500 application, attaching all required documents.
Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents
While submitting your application, you will need to upload:
- A valid passport
- Academic certificates and English test results
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Travel documentation
- Personal details (address, email)
- Declarations about health, character, and acceptance of visa conditions
Step 5: Pay Fees and Submit
After completing the form and attaching the documents, pay the visa fees of AUD$2,000 online. Once payment is successful, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track the status of your application.
Step 6: Health Check
After submission, you may be required to download health forms and complete a medical examination before the visa decision is final.
Processing Time and Outcome
After submitting your Subclass 500 visa application online with all required documents, the processing time varies by country and factors such as the education sector, the completeness of your application, and seasonal demand.
The average processing time for Subclass 500 visas in 2025 is 35-61 days. This means that half of the applications are processed within this period, and most are finalised within a couple of months once the documents are complete and accurate.
Processing can take longer for some sectors, such as postgraduate research. It is recommended to apply well in advance (at least eight weeks before your course start date) to reduce the risk of delays. Once granted, you will receive your visa details electronically.
Also Read: Top Universities in Australia You Must Know
Financial Support for Students to Study in Australia
Australia offers several opportunities for students to manage their living expenses while studying. One of the most valuable forms of financial support for international students is the ability to work part-time. Students in Australia are permitted to work 24 hours a week or 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. This allows learners to gain industry exposure, build networks, and cover daily expenses without compromising their study commitments.
On average, part-time employees in Australia earn around AUD 35 per hour, depending on the job profile, location, experience, and employer.
Students can explore different kinds of part-time roles based on their skills and interests. Some of the most popular part-time job options for international students include:
- Tuition teachers
- Retail salespersons
- Administrative or hospitality staff in hotels or restaurants
- Clerical and office support roles
Australia remains one of the most preferred global education destinations thanks to its high-quality academics, multicultural learning environment, and excellent student support system. With the right information and timely planning, securing an Australian Student visa becomes a smooth and structured process.
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