How to get a Australia student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Student visa (subclass 500) at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Student visa (subclass 500) |
| Application fee | A$2,000 (from July 2025) |
| Health cover | Overseas Student Health Cover for the full visa period, budgeted above |
| Funds to show | A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs plus first-year tuition and travel (figure indexed each year) |
| Validity | Course length plus 1 to 2 months; longer for courses ending in November or December |
| Post-study route | Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, 3 years after a research master's or PhD |
How to apply, step by step
- Accept your offer, pay the deposit and buy OSHC to receive the CoE
- Create an ImmiAccount and complete the online application with the Genuine Student statement
- Pay the visa charge and upload documents
- Complete a health examination if referred
- Decisions take 2 to 8 weeks for most applicants
Documents checklist
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
- Genuine Student statement answering the set questions
- Proof of funds
- OSHC policy
- English test result, usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or equivalent
- Health examination and character documents
Financial evidence
A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs plus first-year tuition and travel (figure indexed each year). Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted. Money must be in your name or a parent's with a consent letter, and statements must be recent. Our loan partners issue sanction letters that visa offices recognise.
After you graduate
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, 3 years after a research master's or PhD. Must be under 35 at application (with exceptions) and apply within 6 months of completion.
Working on a student visa
48 hours a fortnight during term, unlimited in scheduled breaks. Minimum wages of A$24.95 an hour national minimum wage (July 2025), higher with casual loading.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much does the Australian student visa cost?
The application charge is A$2,000 from 1 July 2025, non-refundable. Add OSHC, biometrics in some countries and a health examination.
How many hours can I work in Australia as a student?
48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official breaks. The cap is monitored through your tax file number.
Is a study gap a problem for Australia?
Gaps of up to two years are common and accepted with evidence. Longer gaps need a clear Genuine Student statement explaining the reason and how the course fits your plans.