Australia Student Visa Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about the Student visa (subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — requirements, the Genuine Student rules, fees, and expert tips for a clean grant.
Australian Visas for Students & Graduates
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The main visa for full-time study at an Australian institution
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement
- Financial capacity evidence
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+)
- OSHC health cover
Temporary Graduate (485) — Post-Higher Education Work
Post-study work visa for degree-level graduates
- Recent Australian degree
- Aged 35 or under (exceptions apply)
- IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5)
- Apply from within Australia
485 — Second Post-Higher Education Work
Extension for graduates of regional campuses who live and work regionally
- Currently hold a first 485 visa
- Degree from a regional campus
- Lived & worked in a regional area
485 — Post-Vocational Education Work
For associate degree, diploma and trade qualification graduates
- Eligible VET qualification
- Occupation-related criteria apply
- Aged 35 or under (exceptions apply)
Visa application charges are revised every 1 July — always confirm your exact charge with the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
Since March 2024, the Genuine Student requirement has replaced the old GTE statement. Instead of a free-form essay, the visa form asks targeted questions — and your answers are weighed against your documents.
What case officers look at
- Why you chose this course and this university, and how it connects to your academic or work history
- Your circumstances in India — family, financial and career ties that support your study plan
- What the qualification realistically does for your career, with a coherent plan after graduation
- Consistency: your SOP-style answers, funds, academic record and English scores should all tell one story
Post-Study Stay for Indian Graduates
Under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), Indian nationals get enhanced stay periods on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485):
You must generally be aged 35 or under when you apply, with a recent qualification and IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent. Graduates of regional campuses may qualify for a second, 1-2 year extension.
Student Visa Application Process
Get Your CoE
Accept your university offer and pay the initial tuition deposit. The university then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — the anchor document of your visa application.
Buy OSHC
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover for your entire intended stay. Your university can arrange it, or you can buy directly from an approved provider (roughly AUD 500-700 per year for a single student).
Prepare GS & Financial Documents
Draft clear answers for the Genuine Student questions and compile evidence of funds: AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs plus first-year tuition and travel, from genuine, documented sources.
Lodge Online via ImmiAccount
Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs portal, complete the subclass 500 form, upload documents, and pay the visa application charge (from AUD 2,500 as of 1 July 2026).
Biometrics & Health Examination
Give biometrics at a visa application centre if directed, and complete your medical examination at a Home Affairs approved panel clinic in India.
Wait for the Decision
Track your application in ImmiAccount and respond quickly to any requests for further information. Processing times vary by season — check current times on the Home Affairs website.
Required Documents
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Issued by your university for each course you'll study
Valid Passport
Valid for your intended stay, with blank pages
Financial Evidence
Funds for living costs (AUD 29,710/yr), tuition and travel — or parental income evidence
English Test Result
IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 or equivalent, taken in person at a test centre
Genuine Student Responses
Answers about your course choice, ties to India and career plans
OSHC Policy
Health cover for the full length of your visa
Academic Documents
Transcripts, certificates and mark sheets matching your CoE
Health & Character Evidence
Panel-clinic medical and police clearance, if requested
Visa Costs Breakdown
Figures reflect the schedule effective 1 July 2026 and are indicative — the visa application charge is non-refundable, so verify current amounts on the official Home Affairs website before paying.
Need Visa Assistance?
Our visa experts have a 97% success rate. From GS documentation to financial evidence, we guide you through every step of the subclass 500 application.