Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students. To study in Australia, most international students need a Student Visa (subclass 500).
The visa allows eligible students to study in Australia, work under specified conditions and, in some circumstances, include eligible family members in their application.
If you are planning to study in Australia in 2026 or 2027, here are the main Australia Student Visa requirements you need to know.
Australia Student Visa Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Visa | Student Visa (subclass 500) |
| Admission | Acceptance into an eligible Australian course |
| Confirmation | Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) |
| Passport | Valid passport |
| Financial capacity | Evidence you can support yourself and eligible family members |
| English | Evidence may be required |
| Genuine Student | Must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement |
| Health | Must meet health requirements |
| Character | Must meet character requirements |
| Health insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
| Application | Online through ImmiAccount |
| Biometrics | Required for some applicants |
Requirements can vary depending on your nationality, course and personal circumstances. Always check the latest Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements before applying.
What Is the Australia Student Visa?
The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study a registered course in Australia.
Depending on your circumstances, the visa can also allow you to:
- Stay in Australia for the duration of your course.
- Work under the conditions attached to your visa.
- Bring eligible family members.
- Study an eligible full-time course.
You must comply with all visa conditions while in Australia.
1. Get Admission to an Australian Institution
Before applying for a Student Visa, you generally need to be accepted into a registered Australian education provider.
Your course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
After accepting your place and completing the required enrolment process, your institution will provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
You will generally need the CoE when submitting your Student Visa application.
2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
The CoE is an important document for your Australian Student Visa application.
It confirms that you have been accepted and enrolled in a registered course.
Your CoE normally contains information such as:
- Your name
- Course
- Education provider
- Course duration
- Start and end dates
- Enrolment details
Check the information carefully and make sure it matches your passport and visa application.
3. Meet the Genuine Student Requirement
Australia uses the Genuine Student (GS) requirement to assess whether an applicant genuinely intends to study in Australia.
You will be asked questions about your:
- Current circumstances
- Reasons for choosing the course
- Reasons for choosing Australia
- Education history
- Future plans
- How the course will benefit you
Your answers should be accurate, consistent and supported by relevant evidence where appropriate.
The Genuine Student requirement replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for Student Visa applications lodged from 23 March 2024.
4. Meet the Financial Capacity Requirement
You may need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Australia.
The financial requirement can cover:
- Travel costs
- Tuition fees
- Living costs
- Schooling costs for eligible school-aged dependants, where applicable
The amount required can change, so students should check the current financial capacity figure on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Do not rely on old figures found on websites or social media.
5. Provide Evidence of English Language Ability
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide evidence of English-language proficiency.
Australia accepts certain English-language tests and qualifications under its immigration rules.
The required score can depend on your circumstances and the type of visa application.
Students should check the current list of accepted English tests and minimum scores before booking a test.
Do not assume that IELTS is the only accepted test.
6. Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Most international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia.
OSHC helps cover certain medical and hospital expenses during your stay.
You generally need to arrange appropriate health insurance for yourself and any accompanying family members.
Your education provider may help arrange OSHC, or you may arrange it through an approved insurer.
7. Meet Australia’s Health Requirements
Student Visa applicants may need to undergo health examinations.
The examinations required depend on factors such as:
- Your age
- Your country of residence
- Your intended activities in Australia
- The length of your stay
- Your individual circumstances
If medical examinations are required, the Department of Home Affairs will provide instructions.
Applicants should use approved panel physicians or clinics where required.
8. Meet the Character Requirement
Applicants must meet Australia’s character requirements.
You may be asked to provide police certificates or other character documents depending on your circumstances.
Answer character-related questions truthfully.
Providing false or incomplete information can create serious problems with your visa application.
9. Provide a Valid Passport
Your passport is a fundamental document for your Student Visa application.
Make sure:
- Your passport is valid.
- Your name is entered correctly.
- Your date of birth is correct.
- Your passport details match your education and visa documents.
If your personal information differs between documents, resolve the discrepancy before applying where possible.
10. Provide Your Identity Documents
Depending on your circumstances, you may need documents confirming your identity and family information.
These may include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- National identity document
- Marriage certificate, where applicable
- Evidence of name change, where applicable
The exact documents requested can vary between applicants.
11. Provide Academic Documents
Your education history can be important when applying for an Australian Student Visa.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- Academic certificates
- Transcripts
- Previous qualifications
- Evidence of current or previous study
- Employment documents where relevant
Make sure the information you provide is consistent with your education history and your Genuine Student answers.
12. Prepare Your Genuine Student Supporting Documents
Your application should accurately explain why you want to study in Australia.
Useful supporting evidence can include:
- Previous academic records
- Employment evidence
- Evidence of professional experience
- Evidence of financial circumstances
- Information about your chosen course
- Evidence explaining your study and career plans
Not every applicant will need every document.
The Department of Home Affairs considers the information provided in the application and supporting evidence when assessing the Genuine Student requirement.
13. Include Family Members Correctly
If eligible family members are accompanying you, you must declare them in your Student Visa application as required.
Eligible family members can include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your dependent children
Family members may have additional documentation and health insurance requirements.
Do not assume that bringing dependants is automatically permitted without checking the current visa rules.
14. Complete the Visa Application Online
Australian Student Visa applications are generally submitted online through ImmiAccount.
You should:
- Create or access your ImmiAccount.
- Select the Student Visa (subclass 500).
- Enter your information.
- Upload the required documents.
- Provide your CoE.
- Provide financial and other evidence where required.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Complete any requested health or biometric requirements.
- Monitor your application for further requests.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Australia Student Visa Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Academic documents
- English-language evidence, if required
- Financial evidence, if required
- Genuine Student information and supporting evidence
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Health examination documents, if requested
- Character documents, if requested
- Identity documents
- Family documents, if applicable
- Translations for documents where required
- Visa application fee
How Much Does an Australian Student Visa Cost?
The Student Visa application charge can change, so applicants should check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the current amount immediately before submitting an application.
Other expenses may include:
- Tuition fees
- OSHC
- English-language testing
- Medical examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics, where applicable
- Travel expenses
How Long Does an Australian Student Visa Take?
Processing times vary.
The Department of Home Affairs considers applications individually, and processing can be affected by factors such as:
- Whether the application is complete
- Whether additional documents are requested
- Health checks
- Character checks
- Verification of information
- Application volumes
Do not rely on an old processing-time figure when planning your travel.
Common Reasons an Australian Student Visa Application Can Have Problems
Students should avoid:
- Providing false information.
- Submitting inconsistent documents.
- Giving weak or unclear Genuine Student answers.
- Failing to provide requested documents.
- Providing insufficient financial evidence when required.
- Ignoring health or character requirements.
- Using documents that cannot be verified.
- Failing to disclose relevant information.
Always provide truthful information and respond to requests from the Department of Home Affairs within the required timeframe.
Australia Student Visa Tips for International Students
Before applying:
- Choose a CRICOS-registered course.
- Obtain your CoE.
- Read the Genuine Student requirements carefully.
- Prepare your financial evidence early.
- Arrange OSHC.
- Check whether you need an English test.
- Prepare your academic documents.
- Check whether health examinations are required.
- Make sure your information is consistent across all documents.
- Submit a complete application.
FAQs
What is the Australia Student Visa subclass?
The main Australian visa for international students is the Student Visa (subclass 500).
Do I need a CoE for an Australian Student Visa?
Yes. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is generally required for a Student Visa application.
Do I need IELTS for an Australian Student Visa?
Not necessarily. English-language requirements depend on your circumstances, and Australia accepts certain approved English-language evidence.
How much money do I need for an Australian Student Visa?
The financial capacity amount can change. It can cover living expenses, travel, tuition and schooling costs for eligible dependants. Check the latest Department of Home Affairs figure before applying.
Can I work in Australia on a Student Visa?
Student Visa holders may be allowed to work, but work rights are subject to visa conditions. Check your current visa conditions before starting employment.
Can I bring my spouse or children to Australia?
Eligible Student Visa holders may be able to include or subsequently bring eligible family members, subject to the applicable rules and requirements.
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