Study Abroad Visa Pathways
Australia Student Visa
Essential guide for international students planning their studies and work permit options.
Visa Requirements & Process
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is Australia's primary visa for international students, permitting full-time study at a recognized Australian education provider. The visa duration generally aligns with your course length and can extend up to six years, provided you maintain valid enrolment and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Visa Fees (2026):
Application charge: AUD 2,500 for most applicants (as of 1 July 2026), non-refundable 🔹 ASEAN passport holders: reduced fee of AUD 2,050 🔹 English language/non-award (ELICOS) courses: separate fee of AUD 2,050 🔹 Additional family members (partner/child) charged separately
Financial Requirements (2026):
Primary applicant: AUD 29,710/year for living costs 🔹 Spouse/de facto partner: additional AUD 10,394 🔹 Each dependent child: additional AUD 4,449 🔹 Must also demonstrate funds for tuition (first year) and return airfare 🔹 Accepted evidence: bank statements, loans, scholarships, or government funding
Health Insurance:
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa duration 🔹 Cost: approximately AUD 500–700/year for a single applicant 🔹 Must be purchased from an Australian government-approved insurer before lodging your visa application
Work Rights:
48 hours per fortnight during study terms 🔹 Unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks 🔹 Master's by Research and PhD students: no work hour restriction at any time
Requirements to Apply:
Valid Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from a registered Australian institution 🔹 Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement (replaced the old GTE statement in March 2024) — assessed on study commitment, visa compliance history, financial circumstances, immigration history, personal circumstances, and home country ties 🔹 English language proficiency proof (unless exempt) 🔹 Health examinations and police clearance certificates (as required)
Processing Times:
Standard: 4–6 weeks for 75% of applications 🔹 Peak season (June–August): can extend to 8–12 weeks
Total First-Year Cost Estimate
Including tuition, OSHC, visa fee, and living costs, total first-year costs typically range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 55,000 depending on your course and institution.
Application Process:
Receive an offer and obtain your eCoE from your Australian institution
Purchase OSHC from an approved provider
Prepare financial evidence, English proficiency proof, and required health/character documents
Lodge your application online via ImmiAccount
Pay the non-refundable visa application charge
Await processing (4–6 weeks standard) and respond promptly to any requests for additional information