Australia Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, Process & New Rules
-
Global Degrees
Although Australia is the world’s most sought-after destination, admission to its top universities is indeed challenging. Indian students are seeking Australian student visas, as admission to an Australian university is a life-changing process.
Students from India should understand that Australia values hard work. There is a “Hard Yakka” mentality, meaning that being focused and efficient is valued in Australia. Therefore, Indian students planning for Australia should know about Australian culture and how they value hard work.
The student visa for Australia paves the way for world-class education as well as multicultural exposure. The official Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to pursue full-time courses at registered institutions across Australia. But to receive the Subclass 500 visa, it is mandatory to have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and provide a financial capacity of AUD $29,210 per annum. They need to prove the financial capacity so that the living, tuition, and travelling expenses can be shown.
A student visa for Australia allows part-time work while studying. In this way the students can gain international work experience and also manage living expenses. In crux, it paves the way for success with quality education and work experience.
Who Needs an Australian Student Visa?
Indian students looking to improve their careers are pursuing education in Australia. To enter Australia, a valid student visa is required. International students should go for a subclass 500 visa whether they are applying for a bachelor’s degree, master’s program, diploma, or vocational course.
Australia is known for its quality Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. The TAFE institutes and private Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) provide practical and skill-based training. It is mandatory that Indian students should apply for an Australian visa once they receive an offer letter from an Australian university. They should have proof of enrollment (CoE), proof of English language proficiency training, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
In crux, if you have an earnest desire to study in Australia, then acquire a proper student visa for a secured journey.
Australia Student Visa Processing Time
| Programs | Training Time |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) | 3–6 weeks |
| Undergraduate | 4-8 weeks |
| Postgraduate | 4–10 weeks |
| Higher Risk Profiles | More than 12 weeks |
| Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) | More than 4 months |
Australia Student Visa Fees in Indian Rupees
The Australia student visa fees are:
| Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) | ₹1.15 lakh to ₹1.2 lakh INR |
| Base Visa Fee | ₹1,19,435 |
| Application Fee | ₹1.15 - ₹1.2 lakh |
| Flights | ₹1.2 lakh - ₹1.6 lakh |
| Pre-Arrival Cost | ₹1 - ₹2 lakhs |
Australia student visa fee in dollars is $2,000.
Australia Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
Australia is the most preferred destination for Indian students, as it boasts world-class universities and a diverse environment. For those students who are looking to build a strong career, Australian education will be helpful. It is important to know the Australia student visa requirements before beginning a journey to this largest island continent.
To meet the requirements for Australian education, it is mandatory to secure admission to a recognized Australian institute.
The following applications are important:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Financial capacity
- Enough finance to afford tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs
- English language proficiency tests like IELTS, GRE, PTE, TOEFL, and DUOLINGO
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- police clearance certificate
- Minimum age is 18 years.
Complete the application for an Australian student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs website. Students should upload all the important documents, like their passports, previous academic copies, financial proof, and English test results. All the documents should be accurately uploaded and submitted so that there is no delay. While the entire cost and budget are planned, it is important to consider the cost of a student visa for Australia.
The Australia student visa fee starts at AUD $710 approx.; there will be extra charges for medical exams, biometrics, or dependents added to AUD $710. Prepare well and make timely submission to ensure that the Australian student visa is secured successfully.
Documents Required for an Australia Student Visa
Australia student visa documents checklist:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Passport
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Proper Financial Documents
- Proper English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Academic & Work Experience Documents
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Under 18 is mandatory
- Employment History
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Visa Application Fee
Step-by-Step Australia Student Visa Application Process
Offer Letter: In the first step, you will receive an offer letter, and when you receive it, read the offer letter carefully. It gives all the details about the enrollment condition and fee that needs to be paid.
Confirmation of Enrollment (COE):
The education provider in Australia gives the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is an education document. It confirms that your enrollment is done for a particular course. Students will receive the CoE when the offer letter is accepted and the tuition fee is deposited.
The document has the course name, start and end dates, and institution name. The document is a license to study in Australia, and it is akin to admission to an Australian university.
Proof of English Proficiency
English fluency is very important, and Australia is an English-speaking country where the academic programs will be in English. The English language tests are IELTS, LANGUAGECERT, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
Genuine Student (GS) requirement
Students should give proper reasons for the questions:
- Ties with families
- Reason for choosing Australia as a destination
- Benefits in choosing the particular academic program
- Students holding any other visa besides student visas should disclose the reason why they are applying for student visas.
Finance Required:
Finance is a vital aspect for students planning to study abroad. Indeed, sufficient finance is important to take care of various expenses like your tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, food, and other daily living expenses. The Government of Australia wants to be 100% certain about the finances and whether the student can afford the education in Australia. Indeed, the financial aspect remains pivotal.
All the international students and also Indian students should show proof of $29,710 in savings. With this amount in the bank, you will prove that you can afford a year’s stay in Australia, including tuition fees and living expenses.
Students should provide various documents like bank statements, education loan approval letters, or financial support letters from parents or sponsors. Proper documentation is required to secure a visa to Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- All the international students must have the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during their stay. If there is no insurance, then the visa application will be refused.
Health Requirement
- International students should be in excellent health while entering Australia. A health examination is mandatory; use the My Health Declaration service for a health examination.
Character Requirement
- The character requirement is mandatory for study in Australia. In the application it is important to answer basic questions about records, and in certain cases police verification is required.
Check travel requirements.
- Check the latest dates and flights before booking a ticket to Australia.
Stay Up-to-Date
- There might be some changes or sporadic changes; therefore, it is advisable to check the Department of Home Affairs’ student visa website for updated information.
Australia Student Dependent Visa New Rules
The USP about Australian education is the relaxed attitude it has towards bringing a spouse and children. However, there have been some amendments in applying for dependents. Only master’s (research/coursework) or Ph.D. students can bring partners. To bring the partner an additional AUD $6,515 per annum. If there are school-going students with you, then the estimated cost would be AUD $8,000 per year. Besides, the dependent should have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Applications should be processed through ImmiAccount.
English Language Requirements
English language proficiency is important for Indian students studying in Australia. All the academic programs would be in the English medium; therefore, one should understand speaking, reading, and writing the language effectively. Language criteria are important during the Australia student visa application process. It is a mandatory step and an important one.
Many Australian universities, institutions, and colleges require English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Other acceptable language tests are LANGUAGECERT, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
Highly preferable is the IELTS, which is common among many Indian students. The score that the students receive depends on the academic program and also the university. For instance, a diploma and undergraduate degree would require a 6.0 band, while postgraduate programs would require at least 6.5 bands and higher. The bands would vary according to the academic programs; for some courses, such as nursing, teaching, or medicine, the bands required are higher.
If your previous education was in English medium, you can expect an exemption; however, it depends on the institution’s policies and visa guidelines. Always submit your English test results along with the application; it is mandatory and is part of the visa requirements.
Proper English skills don’t just help secure admission and get a visa; they also help in adjusting to academic life in Australia. It helps in employment, as top companies in Australia and worldwide prefer fluency in English.
Australia Student Visa Fees and Additional Costs
On July 1st, 2025, there was a hike in the application fee to $2000.
Cost Breakdown for 2025-2026:
| Subclass 500 visa cost | $2000 |
| Additional Applicant Charge (Spouse) | $ 1,225 |
| Additional Applicant Charge (Child under 18) | $400 |
| Biometrics/Visa Application Centre Fee | Between $85–400 |
| Health Examination Fee | Between $300–500 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Very important for the stay in Australia |
| Police Clearance Certificate | $20–100 |
| English Language Tests (IELTS/PTE) | $250–400 |
| Visa Fee increase | From $710 to $2000 |
Top Courses for Indian Students in Australia:
- Engineering courses
- Business Analytics
- MBA courses
- Life Sciences courses
- Artificial intelligence courses
- Social sciences courses
- Medicine courses
Best Universities for Indian Students in Australia
| Institution | QS Ranking 2025 |
| The Australian National University (ANU) | 34 |
| The University of Sydney | 19 |
| The University of Melbourne | 14 |
| The University of South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 19 |
| The University of Queensland | 43 |
| Monash University | 42 |
| The University of Western Australia | 72 |
| The University of Adelaide | 89 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 90 |
| The University of Wollongong | 162 |
Academic Programs in Huge Demand from Indian Students in Australia
In 2026, Indian students focus on those courses that would fetch them jobs and Permanent Residency (PR). There is a dearth of skills in Australian markets in healthcare, technology, engineering, and education. Therefore, when choosing a profession, it is important to choose one that is in high demand in Australia. Eventually it will help in settling down in the country.
More nurses are required in Australia, and nursing courses are in demand. Australia needs nurses in hospitals, aged care centers, and community health services. Social work is another field in demand where there is a strong need for professionals who can support families and communities.
The demand for skilled technologists in South India is increasing, which is positive news. Australia requires skilled IT professionals, data science, and cybersecurity. The companies in Australia require skilled professionals who are in demand. The fields mentioned above are in huge demand with exceptional salary packages and career growth.
Students who belong to engineering, especially civil and mechanical, are in high demand. Australia is an island continent where engineers can make a big difference. There is a growing demand for ongoing infrastructure and construction projects throughout the country.
In the education sector, primary & secondary school teachers are in huge demand. Also, MBA programs and trade-related vocational courses such as construction, automotive, and hospitality management are gaining popularity. As they focus on practical skills. Australia has many TAFE institutes, which provide vocational training for practical skills. It eventually increases the employment.
Top Engineering Courses in Australia:
- Civil & Structural Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Mining & Petroleum Engineering
- Environmental & Chemical Engineering
- Mechatronics & Robotics
Top Universities for Engineering:
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Sydney
- RMIT University
Four-Year Bachelor of Engineering Fees
| Top Universities | $45,120 - $53,500 Per Year |
| Normal Range | $37,000 - $50,000 Per Year |
| Affordable fee | $35,600 Per Year |
Two Years Master on Engineer Fees
| Top Universities | $45,500 - $55,100Â |
| Normal Range | $39,000 - $43,200Â |
Top Health Care Universities in Australia:
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- University of Western Australia (UWA)
- University of Adelaide
Health Care Cost in Australia for Indian Students
| MBBS/Medicine | $40,000Â |
| Dentistry | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Public Health (Master's) | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Bachelor of Medical Science | $52,000 –$54,000 |
| Nursing Assistant | $10,000 – $38,000 |
Top Institutions for Nursing in Australia
- James Cook University
- Flinders University
- Deakin University
- University of Technology Sydney
- Monash University
Nursing Courses Fees in Australia
| Diploma of Nursing | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| Master of Nursing | $46,000 – $55,000 |
Top Universities for Social Work in Australia
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Other institutions like Griffith University, Deakin University, Curtin University, and Australian National University (ANU) are great places the obtain a social world certificate.
Courses and Fee of Social Work in Australia
| Masters (MSW) | $25,000 – $50,000 Per Annum |
| Bachelor’s (BSW) | $20,000 – $40,000 Per Annum |
Top Universities in Finance & MBA
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- Monash University
- University of Sydney
- Macquarie University
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of New South Wales (AGSM)
- Australian National University (ANU)
Fee for bachelor’s Finance courses in Australia
| Top Universities | $54,000 – $57,000 per Annual |
| Other Institutions | $30,000 – $45,000 per Annual |
Fee for MBA Program in Australia
| Top Business Schools | $100,750 - $126,000 per year |
| Affordable Options | $35,000 to $50,000 per year |
| Program Type | $30,000 – $70,000 |
GO8 Universities in Australia:
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- The University of Queensland (UQ)
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia (UWA)
What is GO8 Universities?
In the USA & UK, there are Ivy League and Russell Group universities. The Group of Eight (Go8) Universities are the best eight universities in Australia, which maintain high academic standards, research, and global reputation. Many students from India prefer Go8 universities for world-class education and career opportunities. All GO-8 universities are top-ranked in the world and attract international students from 100 countries.
Students from India willing to make a bright career in engineering, medicine, business, law, information technology, or science should opt for GO8 universities. Mostly GO8 universities depend on research and innovation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the university departments did stellar work on inventing a new vaccine. The Australian Government provides substantial funds for the GO8 universities. In fact, it had been generous to them, and the output is amazing. Almost 70% of funds go on research in those universities. The group of eight universities are indeed research-intensive universities.
The GO8 universities magnanimously return all the favors that they received from the Australian government. Besides creating 60,000 jobs, they contribute $66.4 billion annually to the Australian economy. The publication was 82,000 between 2018 and 2022. This shows the academic orientation of universities, where there are plenty of academic activities happening. Contact a professional student visa consultant in Hyderabad, and you will be guided step-by-step in every way.
Scholarships for Indians Students Studying in Australia
Government-Funded Scholarships:
- Â Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
- Endeavour Postgraduate Awards
Top University-Specific Scholarships for Indians:
University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University (ANU)
- Monash University
- Deakin University
- University of Adelaide
If you are planning to study in Australia, then scholarships will be helpful, as they considerably reduce the tuition fees and living expenses. The education will be more affordable. As you can see above, the Australian government offers scholarships, and some universities also provide them. A fully funded scholarship will cover tuition fees along with living expenses. Contact Australia’s student visa consultant in Bangalore for more information about scholarships.
Common Reasons for Australia Student Visa Rejection
Students should explicitly understand the various reasons for rejection. Many applications are rejected because of common mistakes. You can overcome all these common mistakes. The first major reason for rejection is incorrect documentation. All the required documentation should be appropriate, like the academic certificates, financial proof, or Genuine Student (GS). If the documentation is incorrect or incomplete, the visa could be rejected. Another reason for rejection is the insufficient financial evidence. In front of the visa officer, the students must show that there are enough funds that they can take care of the tuition fee, living expenses, and travel expenses.
Low English language test scores could be the reason for rejection. The university requirements are important, and the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL score should meet the university standard. If the score does not meet the visa requirement and the university standards, then the visa will be rejected.
When there are serious issues in the form, like gaps in education, then the visa officer might reject the form.
Sometimes, failure to explain previous visa refusals or immigration history can also affect the decision. Providing false information or fake documents will result in immediate rejection and possible bans. To avoid this rejection, it is always advised to follow the guidelines. Consulting a professional Australia student visa consultant in Chennai is quite helpful. They will help you in every step right from career counseling to pre-departure guidance. Also, they will conduct mock interviews to ensure that the students receive enough practice so that they are confident in the final round of the interview.
How Global Degrees Consultancy Helps with Australia Student Visa
Global Degrees Consultancy is South India’s number one consultancy. Our Australia student visa consultant in Guntur provides academic guidance and helps to choose the right course that aligns with the career goal of the student. Indeed, the Global Degrees Australia student visa consultant in Udupi is in collaboration with 250 universities worldwide, and many representatives from the foreign universities visit our offices in South India. Students can meet with our representatives and discuss with them scholarships, bursaries, or waivers on admission form fees.
In Australia, we have ties with Charles Darwin University, La Trobe University (Sydney), and CQ University. There is a list of Australian universities that we are in collaboration with. Hence, if you are applying to Australia, then with Global Degrees the admission will be smooth. The expert Australia student visa consultant in Kerala guides students right from career guidance to pre-departure guidance. Global Degrees pre-departure guidance includes health & travel insurance, tickets, airport pickups, accommodation, an international SIM, and a debit card.
We provided proper services for career counselling, free English proficiency training, bank loan assistance, quick admission assistance, important documents, statement of purpose, scholarship assistance, mock interviews, and pre-departure guidance.
We have 19 overall branches in various cities and have guided around 20,000 students since 2010. Many students who are leaving abroad have given a testimony, which is there on the Global Degrees website.
We understand that financial issues are there in every household, but don’t be perturbed, as we have networks in various banks and non-banking financial corporations. As Global Degrees wants to keep a 100 percent visa success rate, we will go out of our way to ensure that the student receives the loan.
Contact Global Degrees, as we are there in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. We are there in IT hubs like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. Our offices are there in Guntur, Vijayawada, Nellore, and Calicut. On social media platforms, we are there on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
FAQs About Australia Student Visas
The cost of Australian student visas varies depending on the university and courses offered. However, as per the Subclass 500 student visa, the cost will be $2000. The additional application charges will be $545 for 18+ and $180 if the applicants are under 18.
The Australian student visa depends on what kind of visa you are applying for.
- Â Higher Education: 29-42 days
- Vocational Education and Training (VET): 43-77 days
It is applicable for a 6-year-old student. For graduation the minimum age is 18 years, and you will be approved for welfare and accommodation. There is no cap, but a 40-year-old will find it harder to get a student visa.
The requirements for receiving a student visa are:
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Passport
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Proper Financial Documents
- Proper English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Academic & Work Experience Documents
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Under 18 is mandatory
- Employment History
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Visa Application Fee
Please find the breakdown of cost:
- The subclass 500 visa costs $2000.
- Â Additional Applicant Charge (Spouse): $1,225
- Â Additional Applicant Charge (Child under 18): $400
- Â Biometrics/Visa Application Centre Fee Between $85 and $400
- Â Health Examination Fee Between $300 and $500
- Â Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (very important for the stay in Australia)
-  Police Clearance Certificate $20–100
- English Language Tests (IELTS/PTE) $250–400
- Visa fee increase from $710 to $2000
The student visa fee has increased to $2000, and the student should show financial proof of $29,710. Also, the GTE rule is replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, where the immigration officer will check the applicant’s genuineness.
Yes, there are rejections because India is now changed to high risk.
No, the maximum working hours are 24 hours per week. PhD and postgraduate students can work for unlimited hours after they complete the course.
Yes, for an Australian visa, IELTS/PTE is required.
Global Degrees consultants help students in every step, right from career guidance to pre-visa application. We do assist the student during their visa application.
