Dos and don’ts to increase your student visa approval in Australia

1. Start early

Give yourself plenty of time. Apply three to five months before your course starts. This helps you gather documents, fix mistakes, and respond to any additional requests without stress. Submitting too late increases the risk of missing intake deadlines and may result in incomplete applications. 

2. Check eligibility requirements: 

Before applying, ensure you meet all the requirements for a Student Visa (subclass 500). This includes: 

• A valid passport 

• A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered Australian institution 

• Proof of financial capacity 

• Minimum IELTS score 

• Health insurance cover 

3. Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP):

Your SOP should explain why you want to study in Australia, how the course fits your career plans, and how studying in Australia will help you achieve your career goals in your home country. Be clear that you plan to return home after completing your studies. Also, briefly mention that you can afford your studies and living expenses. Be honest and give specific examples– generic statements won’t help. 

4. Check the minimum IELTS score required:

The minimum IELTS score for an Australian student visa varies by course. Generally, undergraduate programs require an overall band score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5, while postgraduate programs require an overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. Always check the specific requirements for your chosen course and institution. 

5. Show financial proof:

Show enough funds for tuition, living, travel, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For an Australian student visa, you must prove you have AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses, plus funds for your tuition and travelling in and out of Australia. Provide recent bank statements, Fixed Deposit (FD), or other documents like loan approval letters, sponsor documents, and scholarship letters.  

6. Meet the GS (Genuine Student) requirement:

Australia welcomes international students who are genuinely committed to studying during their stay. Demonstrate you are a genuine student through meeting the Genuine Student Requirement, showing your intention to return home after your course. Mention your family ties, job opportunities, or other commitments in your home country. For example, you can say that after completing your degree, you want to work in the technology sector and contribute to its growth in your home country.  

7. Keep track of your application:

Check your ImmiAccount regularly. Respond quickly to any requests for additional documents or information. Do not wait for the deadline (usually 28 days). Staying on top of updates speeds up the process. Also, ignoring or delaying responses can cause rejection. You can always contact your IDP counsellor if you need any help.  

8. Prepare for a visa interview (if required):

Be confident and honest. You may be asked about your course, plans, or finances. Clear, truthful answers help officers understand your purpose for studying. Don’t worry, IDP counsellors always run mock interviews to help you prepare for the real one.

9. Check the government website:

IDP is here to guide you and keep you updated on what’s needed for your visa. However, it's a good idea to stay informed about any changes that might affect your visa application by regularly checking official sources like the Department of Home Affairs website.  

1. Don’t skip health insurance (OSHC) 

A valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all Australian student visa applicants. Skipping this step can lead to visa refusal, even if all other documents are correct. Arrange OSHC for the full duration of your course and show proof with your application to comply with visa rules.

2. Don’t rely on letters of offer 

The Australian government no longer accepts a letter of offer as valid evidence for a student visa application. You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is issued by your Australian education provider after you accept the offer and pay the required tuition fees. Any student visa application submitted without a CoE will be considered invalid.  

3. Don’t submit incomplete applications 

Missing documents like a CoE, financial proof, or passport copies can lead to delays or rejection. Always double-check before submitting. 

4. Don’t misrepresent information 

Be upfront about details like previous visa refusals, low grades, or study gaps. Misrepresentation can lead to visa denial and future travel restrictions. Provide accurate information in every section of your application, from personal details to past education or visa history. Honesty shows credibility and prevents future problems. 

5. Don’t include family members prematurely 

Adding partners or dependents to your initial application can complicate your case and increase the chances of delays or refusal. Immigration officers may require extra documents, financial proof, and explanations for each family member. Apply individually first and add family members later if necessary, once the visa is approved. 

6. Don’t submit low-quality documents 

Blurry scans, incomplete forms, or unlabeled files make it harder for officers to review your application. Always ensure your files are readable, complete, and correctly named, such as “Passport.pdf” or “BankStatement.pdf.” This simple step helps your application look professional and improves your chances of approval. 

7. Don’t assume part-time work covers costs 

While student visas allow limited part-time work, you cannot rely on it to cover tuition or living expenses. Immigration authorities expect you to show sufficient funds upfront. Part-time work can help with small daily costs, but it is not a substitute for financial proof.  

8. Don’t ignore health and character requirements 

Complete health and background checks to avoid delays or visa refusal. Provide medical exam results, police clearance certificates and make sure all details are accurate.  

9. Don’t neglect your social media image 

Immigration officers might review your online presence, so avoid. posting anything offensive, illegal or misleading.  A clean, professional profile helps show you’re a genuine and trustworthy applicant. 

Getting your Australian student visa approved isn’t about luck. It’s about being prepared, honest, and organised. That’s where IDP comes in. 

IDP guides students through every step of the application process. Our expert counsellors help you prepare the right documents and meet the criteria for the student visa (subclass 500). We help you understand financial proof, Genuine Student (GS) criteria, and health insurance requirements. Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), we’ll make sure your visa application is accurate and on time.  

With a 92% visa approval success rate for Australia in 2024, IDP remains a trusted partner in helping students achieve their study goals with ease. 

Talk to an IDP expert today for free guidance.