Australia Student Visa Guide 2026: Subclass 500 Process, Costs and Requirements

Australia remains one of the leading destinations for international students, offering globally recognised universities, diverse cultural experiences, and strong pathways for personal and professional development. Before enrolling at an Australian university, every international student must secure the appropriate visa.

The most common option is the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which permits full-time study at a recognised Australian institution. The visa duration is generally aligned with the length of your course and can extend up to six years, provided you maintain valid enrolment and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

This guide walks through the full Australian student visa process for 2026, including the Genuine Student requirement, financial evidence thresholds, visa fees, processing times, and what happens after you arrive. If you are still comparing destinations, our guide on why study in Australia covers the wider case for choosing this destination.

Which Visa Do International Students Need to Study in Australia?

Most international students apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), but several other visa categories exist depending on your circumstances. The table below outlines the main options.

For almost all degree-seeking international students, the Subclass 500 is the right visa. The remainder of this guide focuses on that pathway.

How Much Does an Australian Student Visa Cost in 2026?

The Subclass 500 visa application charge increased to AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant from 1 July 2025, up from the previous AUD 1,600. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.

Additional applicants on the same application, such as a partner or dependent child, are charged separately. Beyond the visa fee itself, you should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover, health examinations, police clearance certificates, and any English language test fees if you have not already met the requirement.

You will also need to demonstrate access to sufficient funds to support yourself in Australia. As of 2026, single applicants must show evidence of at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, in addition to tuition fees and return airfare. This financial requirement is reviewed periodically, so always confirm the current figure at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.

For a full breakdown of tuition, accommodation, and living costs by city, see our guide to the cost of studying in Australia.

What Is the Genuine Student Requirement?

Since March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement has replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. This is one of the most heavily assessed parts of a Subclass 500 application, and a weak or generic response is one of the most common reasons for refusal.

Under the GS framework, you answer a set of structured questions directly within your online visa application, with each response limited to approximately 150 words. The questions typically cover your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, and employment in your home country, why you chose your specific course and education provider, how the course aligns with your academic background and career goals, why you chose Australia over other destinations, and your understanding of living costs and visa conditions.

Unlike the old GTE test, which focused purely on demonstrating temporary intent, the GS requirement acknowledges that you may eventually consider options such as skilled migration, provided your primary motivation for coming to Australia is genuine study. Visa officers assess whether your responses are specific, evidenced, and consistent with the rest of your application. Generic or templated answers are easy to identify and are a leading cause of refusal.

What Are the Steps to Apply for an Australian Student Visa?

The Australian student visa process follows a clear sequence. Working through each step in order helps avoid delays and reduces the risk of missing documentation.

Step 1: Choose your course and institution

Begin by selecting a course and institution that align with your academic interests and career goals. Australia offers a wide range of world-class universities and vocational education providers.

Research course content, duration, fees, and location using official university websites and government resources, and compare options using our guide to the top-rated universities in Australia.

Step 2: Meet the admission requirements

Review the entry requirements for your chosen course. These typically include academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and in some cases, relevant work experience. As of 2026, the minimum IELTS overall band score for most courses is 6.0, with no individual component below 5.5, though some institutions and high-risk profiles may require higher scores. Prepare your academic transcripts, certificates, and English test results well in advance.

Step 3: Apply to the institution

Submit your application directly through the institution’s online portal. Depending on the course, you may need to provide a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or a portfolio. Pay any application fees as required. If accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is essential for your visa application.

Step 4: Prepare your financial evidence

Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The Australian Government requires proof of financial capacity for at least the first 12 months of study, currently AUD 29,710 for living costs for a single applicant, plus tuition and return airfare. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, scholarship letters, education loan documentation, or financial support letters from parents or sponsors.

Step 5: Apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

With your CoE, you can apply online for the Subclass 500 visa through ImmiAccount. You will need to submit your CoE code, your Genuine Student responses, financial documents, English proficiency test results, evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover, passport-sized photographs, a completed visa application form, and payment of the visa application fee.

Step 6: Complete any required health examinations

You may be required to complete health checks with a panel physician approved by the Australian Government. This ensures you meet the health criteria for your visa and is a standard part of most applications.

Step 7: Wait for your visa decision

Visa processing times vary depending on your institution’s priority status and your country of application. As of 2026, approximately half of all applications are processed within around 29 days, with 90 per cent processed within 56 days, though applications from higher-volume countries or with incomplete documentation can take significantly longer. Track your application status through ImmiAccount, and respond promptly if the Department of Home Affairs requests additional documents.

Step 8: Prepare for departure

Once your visa is granted, begin planning your move. Book flights, arrange accommodation, and familiarise yourself with Australian customs and student regulations. Attend any pre-departure briefings offered by your institution or local Australian consulate.

Step 9: Arrive in Australia

On arrival, complete immigration and customs procedures. Carry essential documents including your passport, visa grant notice, CoE, and financial evidence. Participate in your institution’s orientation programme to settle in, meet fellow students, and learn about available support services.

Step 10: Settle into your studies

Engage fully in your academic programme and take advantage of extracurricular opportunities. Maintain a balance between study and social life, and use university career services early to start preparing for internships or part-time work.

Step 11: Plan for graduation and beyond

As you approach graduation, start thinking about your next steps, whether that is returning home, applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), or continuing your education. Attend career fairs, connect with industry professionals, and seek guidance from academic advisors to explore your options. Our guide to post-study work and the highest-paying jobs in Australia is a useful starting point.

How Long Can International Students Work on a Subclass 500 Visa?

International students holding a Subclass 500 visa can work while studying. You are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term, with unlimited hours during official course breaks. Work cannot commence until your course has officially started.

Students enrolled in a master’s by research or doctoral programme have unlimited work rights throughout their course. These work rights can help offset living costs, but they are not intended to fund your entire education. For more detail on budgeting alongside part-time work, see our guide to the cost of studying in Australia.

What Happens After You Graduate?

Many international graduates apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain professional experience in Australia after completing their studies. This visa is valid for between 18 months and 4 years, depending on your qualification level and where you studied.

Graduates in fields with strong demand, including engineering, nursing, IT, and accounting, often find that post-study work experience strengthens later applications for skilled migration. Planning your subject choice with these outcomes in mind from the outset can make a meaningful difference to your long-term options in Australia.

Get Expert Visa Support

The Australian student visa process involves several interlinked steps, from choosing the right course through to the Genuine Student assessment and financial evidence requirements. Getting each stage right the first time helps avoid delays, additional costs, and the risk of refusal.

StudyIn’s counsellors support international students through every stage of this journey, from shortlisting universities and preparing a strong Genuine Student response to managing your financial documentation and visa lodgement. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate programme, or exploring pathway options, full-cycle guidance can help you arrive in Australia prepared, on time, and with confidence in your application.

Contact StudyIn about your application

FAQs

Do I need IELTS for an Australian student visa?

You do not need IELTS specifically, but you must provide evidence of English language proficiency through an approved test. As of 2026, Australia accepts IELTS Academic or General Training with an overall band score of 6.0 and no component below 5.5, alongside PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and other approved tests. Some institutions or course types may set higher minimums than the visa requirement.

How long is the Subclass 500 student visa valid for?

The Subclass 500 visa is generally valid for the duration of your course, up to a maximum of six years. The exact length depends on your enrolment and course type. You must maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover and meet all other visa conditions throughout your stay.

How much does the Australian student visa cost in 2026?

The Subclass 500 application charge is AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant as of 1 July 2025. Additional applicants on the same application, such as a partner or dependent children, are charged separately. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

The Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test in March 2024. It asks you to answer structured questions within your visa application, each limited to around 150 words, covering your background, course choice, career goals, and understanding of life in Australia. Responses should be specific and evidenced rather than generic.

Can I work in Australia on a student visa?

Yes. Subclass 500 visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during official course breaks. Students on a master’s by research or doctoral programme have unlimited work rights once their course has commenced.

How long does it take to get an Australian student visa?

Processing times vary by institution and country of application. As of 2026, roughly half of applications are processed within about 29 days, with 90 per cent processed within 56 days. You can apply for your visa up to 124 days before your course begins, and you may enter Australia up to 90 days before your course start date.

How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?

Single applicants must demonstrate access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, in addition to funds for tuition fees and return airfare. This figure is reviewed periodically by the Department of Home Affairs, so confirm the current amount before applying.

What happens after my course finishes?

Many graduates apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows between 18 months and 4 years of work experience in Australia depending on your qualification and study location. This can support longer-term skilled migration options for graduates in shortage occupations.