Australia's Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at a registered Australian institution. In 2025, Australia processed over 150,000 Indian student visa applications. With a 95%+ approval rate for well-prepared applications, getting the visa is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
Australia Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian university registered under CRICOS
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement — you must demonstrate intent to return to India
- Financial capacity: AUD 24,505/yr tuition + AUD 21,041/yr living + AUD 7,362/yr per dependent
- English proficiency: IELTS 5.5 minimum (most universities require 6.0–6.5)
- Health insurance (OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover) for the full study period
- Health and character checks
Step-by-Step Application Process
- 1Accept offer and pay tuition deposit — university issues CoE within 5–7 days
- 2Purchase OSHC — must cover full duration of your visa
- 3Create ImmiAccount on Australian Government portal
- 4Complete Form 157A online within ImmiAccount
- 5Upload all documents (see checklist below)
- 6Pay visa application fee — AUD 710 (₹38,500) for Student visa
- 7Biometrics: Not required from India (Australia removed biometrics requirement)
- 8Await decision — currently 4–8 weeks for Indian applicants
Documents Required for Australia Student Visa
- 📄 Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- 🛡️ OSHC policy (health insurance certificate)
- 🛂 Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
- 💰 Financial evidence: Bank statements for last 3–6 months, loan sanction letter, or parents' bank statements + proof of income
- 📝 English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score certificate
- 🎓 Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- ✍️ GTE statement (500–800 words explaining your study intentions)
- 📸 Passport-size photos
- 🏥 Health examination results (if requested by immigration)
⚠️ GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant): This is the most common reason for visa refusals. Your GTE statement must convincingly explain why you will return to India after your studies — family ties, career opportunities, property ownership etc.
Financial Requirements: How Much Proof Do You Need?
| Requirement | Amount (AUD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees for 1 year | Your actual CoE amount | Varies |
| Living costs per year | AUD 21,041 | ₹11.4L |
| Spouse/partner (if accompanying) | AUD 7,362 | ₹4L |
| Per child (if accompanying) | AUD 3,152 | ₹1.7L |
| Recommended bank balance to show | AUD 45,000–60,000 | ₹24L–32L |
Part-Time Work Rights for Students
From 2023, Australia removed the 40-hour cap on student work rights during term time. Students can now work unlimited hours during their studies (subject to visa conditions). After graduation, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) gives 2–4 years of work rights depending on your study location and field.