Australia Student Visa in 2023 - SubClass, Requirements, Fees

Applying for an Australian student visa? Here’s help!

Australia is a popular study destination for international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. Studying in Australia can provide access to top-ranked universities, a wide range of academic programs, and opportunities for post-graduation employment. With a high standard of living, welcoming communities, and stunning natural scenery, Australia offers a unique and rewarding study experience for students from around the globe. 

The Australian Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first to enter the country and start your studies. The visa you need will depend on the course level, the type of study you want to pursue, and the duration of the program. As an international student, you would require a student (subclass 500) visa, regardless of your field of study, the university you applied to, and the tuition fees. 

Help me study in Australia

Student visa (subclass 500)

Coming into effect on July 1, 2016, a student subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is mostly up to five years and in line with your enrolment date. For a smooth stay, you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and that you abide by the student visa conditions mentioned on your student visa. You can read up in detail about this kind of visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Scope of your subclass 500 visa 

• You can enrol in your desired study program and university

• You can be accompanied by your family members to Australia

• Dependents can apply for a dependent visa to seek permission to travel with the main applicant

• Simple and streamlined visa requirement for all students

•  You can apply in or outside Australia through an online portal

Basic checks before you apply 

• You should be enrolled in your desired study program in Australia

• You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or for the duration of your program

• You must be equal to or more than 6 years of age

• An evidence of welfare arrangement done in Australia (in case you are less than 18 years of age)

Documents required for an Australian student visa

When applying for your student visa to study in Australia, you will generally need: 

• Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment eCOE)

• A valid passport

• Your visa application fee

• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement 

• Academic and work experience documents 

• Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores) 

• Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)

• Details of your health insurance policy (OSHC)

• Passport-sized photographs

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

*Please speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

Also Read- Tips & format for writing a Statement of Purpose for Australia Visa

Applying for your Australia student visa online

You will need to create an account using the Department of home Affairs (DHA) online application system – ImmiAccount - to complete and submit your student visa application. You can also track the status of your visa through ImmiAccount once you have submitted it. You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks.

How can IDP help with your visa applications?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Australia, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your student visa.

Australia Student Visa fee

As an international student you must pay visa fees as per the below category you fall in:

English language requirements for Australia student visa

To gain your Australia student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills. 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 11,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

While the minimum IELTS requirement for student visa is 5.5, you will need to aim for a higher score to get into top universities. Moreover, the IELTS requirement may vary from course to course. For instance, courses like Business, IT and Engineering usually require 6.5 IELTS score. The requirement for Nursing, Physiotherapy, and teaching is 7.0 or sometimes even higher. So, it is always advisable to get expert insights on the score you should be aiming for and how you should prepare for the same. IDP’s international education specialists can be of great help to you in this area. 

Know more about IELTS

Making sure your Australia student visa remains valid

Making sure your visa remains valid

Once you get your visa, there are several things you need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:

• Remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance

• Provide your Australian address to your university or college so they can contact you (don’t forget to let them know if you move)

• Continue to be able to financially support yourself while in Australia

• Don’t breach the working conditions that apply to your visa

If you want to change your qualification level, you will need to apply for a new student visa.

You can always contact us for a free counselling session, and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Australia?

Ans. You will need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies. The exact amount you will need to show will depend on the length of your course and where you will be studying in Australia.

Q2. How long does it take to get a student visa in Australia?

Ans. The processing time for a student visa application can vary depending on where you are applying from, and the volume of applications being processed at the time. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as the process can take several weeks or even months.

Q3. What type of health insurance do I need for a student visa in Australia?

Ans. You will need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your studies in Australia. OSHC covers basic medical treatment and hospital care, but you may need to purchase additional insurance to cover extras such as dental or optical care.

Q4. Can I change my course or educational institution after I have been granted a student visa?

Ans. Yes, you can usually change your course or educational institution after you have been granted a student visa, but you will need to inform the Australian government of the change and provide updated information about your new course or institution.

Q5. Can I apply for permanent residency in Australia after studying on a student visa?

Ans. Yes, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing your studies, depending on your individual circumstances. There are several pathways to permanent residency, including the Skilled Independent visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

Talk to our Australia education experts

Updated on March 16, 2023

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