Australia Isn’t Hard to Enter, Unless You Get the Visa Wrong

An Australian student visa is a formal authorisation issued by the Australian government that permits foreign students to reside and pursue their studies there for the term of their studies.

It is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning to enrol in a full-time educational course at any university, college, or vocational institution in Australia. This visa not only permits you to attend classes but also allows you to work part-time during your studies and travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.

Essentially, the student visa is the gateway to turning your study abroad dream into reality, and understanding its purpose, benefits, and obligations is the first step toward a successful application.

NOTE: Visa rules, costs, and requirements are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, students should refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website.

Australia mainly offers one type of visa for students from across the world, and that visa is the subclass 500 visa. There are a few variations of this visatype depending on the students’ study and situation

• Student Visa (Subclass 500): For overseas students who have enrolled in full-time courses such as university courses, vocational courses, English language courses, and research courses for postgraduate degrees, it is the most sought-after visa. In addition, with some room for extra courses, it is valid for the duration of the course.
• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): This kind of visa is also available for parents or guardians who want to accompany their students. Although this visa does not allow full-time work, it does allow the parents to stay in the country while their students are pursuing their studies.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Although this is not technically a student visa, this visa is an optional post-study visa and is available for new graduates to stay and work in Australia. This visa offers work experience.

For most international students, the main type of visa is subclass 500. It is crucial to note that one understands the right type of visa in order to avoid delays in the application.

NOTE: Visa types and eligibility criteria are defined by the Department of Home Affairs and may vary based on the applicant’s course and circumstances.

Before applying for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500), you must meet the basic eligibility requirements set by the Australian government.

Basic Requirements to Qualify

• Must be enrolled in a full-time course at a registered Australian institution
• Must hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay
• Must meet health and character requirements
• Must have sufficient funds for tuition, living, and travel costs
• Must meet English language requirements
• Must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement

Who Can Apply

This visa is open to international students of all nationalities, including:

• School students (primary or secondary level)
• Undergraduate and postgraduate university students
• Vocational education and training (VET) students
• English language course students
• Postgraduate research students

NOTE: Students under 18 must provide proof of proper welfare arrangements during their stay in Australia.

• Valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)
• Bank statements or financial evidence
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Genuine Student statement
• Police clearance certificate (if required)
• Health examination results (if required)

The Australian government wants to ensure that a student has enough money to support him/herself during their stay. Evidence of sufficient funds is required for approval of your visa application.

Tuition Fees:

Evidence that you have paid or can pay your fees for at least the first year of your course

Living Expenses:

• You need to show evidence that you have at least approx AUD 29,710 for yourself
• Approx AUD 10,740 for a spouse or partner who is accompanying you
• Approx AUD 4,449 for each dependent child who is accompanying you

Travel Costs:

You need to show evidence that you have enough money to pay your return airfare to and from Australia

Acceptable Financial Documents:

• Personal or family bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Education loan approval letter
• Scholarship or sponsorship letter
• Fixed deposit certificates

NOTE: Financial requirements, including minimum living expenses, are subject to change as per Australian government guidelines. Students are advised to refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest updates. It is recommended that borrowed money or money recently deposited in your account without a proper source should not be considered for this purpose.

However, since all courses are conducted in English in Australia, it is a requirement that you need to prove that your English skills are good enough for your studies in Australia. This is done through language tests. However, the score differs depending on the course and institution you are applying to. It is always recommended that you check directly with your university or college what score is required for your course.

Tests accepted and their required scores; these may vary depending on courses

• IELTS: 5.5 – 6.5
• PTE Academic: 42 – 58
• TOEFL iBT: 46 – 79
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 162 – 176

NOTE: Minimum English language score requirements may vary depending on the course, institution, and level of study. Students should check the specific requirements set by their chosen university and the Department of Home Affairs.

The Genuine Student (GS) test is one carried out by the Australian government to ensure that you are seeking a student visa for the right reasons. In other words, they just need to be satisfied that you are going to Australia for the sole purpose of studying, and not for anything else.

The Genuine Student test is an essential part of your application. In fact, it is given considerable weight in your application. Even if your other application materials are excellent, your chances of being accepted can be at risk by an inferior GS test.

As part of your application, you will be required to write a Genuine Student statement. Below is what your statement ought to include:

• Your reasons for choosing this particular course
• Your reasons for choosing Australia over other nations
• How your course is connected to your future ambitions
• Your connection to your home country (property, family, job prospects)
• Your understanding of your course requirements and expenses

Tips for a Strong GS Statement:

• Be honest and specific in your statement. Avoid generic answers.
• Connect your previous learning to your chosen course.
• Show them that you have a clear idea for your future.

Step 1: Receive Your Offer Letter: Apply to an Australian institution, receive your offer letter, accept it, and pay the tuition fees.

Step 2: Get Your CoE: Your institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) once payment is confirmed.

Step 3: Purchase OSHC: Buy your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before submitting your application.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents: Collect all required documents, including passport, financial evidence, English test results, and GS statement.

Step 5: Create an ImmiAccount: Register on the official Department of Home Affairs website to access the visa application portal.

Step 6: Submit Your Application: Fill in the application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee.

Step 7: Complete Health Examination: You may be asked to undergo a medical examination through an approved physician.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision: You will be notified of the visa decision through your ImmiAccount.

The processing of the Visa application may vary based on your nationality and the completeness of the application. It may also vary based on the time of year. On average:

• 75% of the Visa applications are processed in 29 days
• 90% of the Visa applications are processed in 46 days

It is always recommended that the application be made well in advance of the course commencement date to avoid any last-minute delays.

Cost of Application:

• The current application fee for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 710 for the Main Applicant
• There are additional fees for family members who are included in the application

Small mistakes in your visa application can lead to unnecessary delays or even rejection. Here are the most common errors to watch out for.

Errors That Lead to Rejection

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
• Providing financial proof that does not meet the minimum requirements
• Writing a weak or vague Genuine Student statement
• Using an expired passport or CoE
• Not meeting the minimum English language score
• Failing to disclose previous visa refusals or travel history
• Submitting low-quality or illegible scanned documents

Tips to Improve Approval Chances

• Double-check every document before submitting
• Make sure your financial funds are stable and clearly sourced
• Write a strong, honest, and specific GS statement
• Apply well before your course start date
• Seek guidance from a registered migration agent if you are unsure

Applying for a student visa in Australia may seem daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At My Study Offer, we offer a free global education platform for students, personalised assistance and consultation to ensure that all aspects of your student visa application are taken care of. From knowing your eligibility, gathering your documents, financial, and English language preparation, to filing your application, we are here to assist you in all ways possible.

1. What is the main student visa for Australia?

The primary visa for international students is the Subclass 500 visa, which allows full-time study, part-time work, and travel in and out of Australia during your course.

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

Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of course and completeness of documents.

3. What documents do I need to apply?

You need:

Passport and identity proof

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution

Academic transcripts and certificates

Financial documents proving tuition and living costs

English proficiency test scores (IELTS, PTE, etc.)

Other supporting documents, like health insurance and character certificates

4. Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes, most student visas allow part-time work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during holidays.

5. What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

The Australian government requires proof that you are genuinely coming to study and not primarily for work or migration. Evidence includes course relevance, prior academic records, and future career plans.