Australia Student Visa: Requirements, Costs and How to Apply

The Australia Student Visa, officially known as the Student visa (subclass 500), allows eligible international students to study with an Australian education provider. It can cover university degrees, vocational courses, English-language study, school and other eligible programmes.

Before applying, students normally need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from their provider. They must also meet requirements concerning finances, health insurance, English ability and their genuine intention to study. This guide explains the documents and steps in clear language.

Australia Student Visa Details

Australia Student Visa Benefits and Eligibility

What Does the Visa Allow?

An approved Australia Student Visa lets you study your eligible course in Australia and travel in and out of the country while your visa remains valid. It may also allow eligible family members to be included in an application if they meet the relevant rules.

Most student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Different conditions apply to some students. For example, students who have started a master’s degree by research or doctoral degree are not subject to that work-hour limit. Always check the conditions of your own visa before working.

Who Can Apply?

You must generally be enrolled in an eligible course and have a CoE from an Australian education provider. You also need to meet the visa’s Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which asks why you chose your course and Australia and how the study fits your circumstances.

Other requirements may include sufficient financial capacity, English-language evidence, health and character checks, and OSHC for your stay. The documents requested can depend on your passport country, education provider and personal situation.

If you are still deciding where to study, our UK Student Visa guide explains the separate UK requirements and application process.

Australia Student Visa Financial Requirements

Applicants may need to show that they can cover travel, course fees and living costs. If family members are accompanying them, additional costs may apply. The evidence requested depends on their circumstances and the Home Affairs document checklist.

Study Australia’s application guide lists AUD 29,710 as the minimum financial capacity amount for an international student visa applicant. This figure is not a complete budget: tuition, travel and any family costs need separate consideration, and actual living expenses may be higher. Check the current Home Affairs requirements before calculating your funds.

Acceptable financial evidence may include funds held with a financial institution, an eligible loan or scholarship support. In some circumstances, a parent’s or partner’s qualifying annual income can be used instead. If your document checklist requires financial evidence, attach it before submitting your application.

For a different approach to proving study funds in Europe, read our Germany Student Visa guide. Germany’s requirements are separate from Australia’s.

Required Documents

Prepare the documents shown by the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool and your ImmiAccount application. Common documents and evidence include:

• A valid passport
• Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Evidence supporting your Genuine Student answers
• Financial evidence, if required
• English-language test results or other accepted evidence, if required
• Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover
• Health examination results, if requested
• Character documents, if requested
• Additional documents for accompanying family members, where applicable

Use the checklist for your passport country and education provider. Even when a document is not requested at submission, Home Affairs may ask for it while assessing your application.

How to Apply for an Australia Student Visa

Follow these steps to prepare an Australia Student Visa application.

Step 1: Choose a Course and Provider

Find an eligible course that matches your study goals. Check the provider’s entry requirements, fees and course dates before applying for admission.

Step 2: Accept Your Offer and Receive a CoE

If admitted, read the provider’s Letter of Offer carefully, including its fees and refund conditions. After you accept the offer and meet the provider’s enrolment conditions, it issues a CoE for your visa application.

Step 3: Check English and Financial Evidence

Use the official document checklist to see what evidence you must submit. If English-language or financial evidence appears on your required list, prepare and attach it with the application.

Step 4: Prepare Your Genuine Student Answers

The online form asks about your circumstances, course choice, reasons for studying in Australia and how the course will benefit you. Answer honestly and use documents that support what you say.

Step 5: Arrange Health Insurance

Arrange OSHC for the period required for your stay. Check the policy dates against your planned arrival and visa application.

Step 6: Complete Health and Character Requirements

Follow any instructions for a health examination. You may also be asked for character information or a police certificate.

Step 7: Apply Through ImmiAccount

Create or sign in to ImmiAccount, complete the Student visa (subclass 500) form, attach the required documents and pay the charge shown for your application. Review your answers and uploads before submitting.

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

Check ImmiAccount for messages or requests for further evidence. Processing times vary, so avoid assuming your decision will arrive on a particular date.

If you are comparing study permit processes across countries, our Canada Student Visa guide explains Canada’s separate rules.

Australia Student Visa Deadline and Processing Time

There is no single annual deadline for the Australia Student Visa. Your course start date and the time needed to receive an offer and CoE will shape your application schedule.

Study Australia says you can submit a Student visa application at any time, but recommends checking current processing times and leaving enough time before your planned arrival. Missing documents or incorrect information can delay the decision or lead to refusal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name of the Australia Student Visa?

It is the Student visa (subclass 500).

Do I need a CoE before applying?

Yes. You generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment from your Australian education provider for the Student visa application.

How much does the visa cost?

Under the fee schedule effective July 2026, the Student visa application charge starts at AUD 2,500, with limited concessions or exemptions. Check the amount shown by Home Affairs when you apply.

Can I work on a Student visa?

Most students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Different rules apply to students who have started a master’s by research or doctoral degree. Check your individual visa conditions.

Is health insurance required?

Overseas Student Health Cover is generally required for Student visa holders for their stay in Australia.

How long does visa processing take?

There is no processing time that applies to every applicant. Check the current Home Affairs processing information and apply with enough time before your course starts.

Final Thoughts

The Australia Student Visa application starts with choosing an eligible course and obtaining a CoE. Prepare your Genuine Student answers and supporting documents carefully, arrange OSHC, and submit the application through ImmiAccount.

Visa charges and evidence rules can change. Use the Department of Home Affairs instructions for the requirements that apply on the day you submit your application.

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