Australia Student Visa Requirements 2026: Criteria & How to Apply
If you are going to study in Australia, obtaining a student visa (Subclass 500) is an important first step. International students require a student (subclass 500) visa irrespective of their field of study, the university where they applied or the tuition fees. Everything you need to know about Australia's 2026 student visa criteria will be covered in this article, including eligibility, necessary documentation, financial needs, and the full application procedure. Australia attracts students from around the globe with its top-class education and research infrastructure, friendly student community, and excellent post-study work opportunities. When we talk about Australia Student Visa Requirements, you need to demonstrate that you meet the specific criteria set by the authorities and validate it with the required documents. These include a valid passport, proof of enrolment (eCOE), required English language proficiency, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, sufficient finances, and details of your health insurance (OSHC). We have given the list of Australian student visa requirements in detail below.
This Story also Contains
- Australia Student Visa 2026: Highlights
- Australia Student Visa Requirements (Subclass 500)
- How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?
Read more: Australian Student Visa New Rules 2026
Australia Student Visa 2026: Highlights
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Type of Visa | Student Visa (Subclass 500) |
Visa Validity | Up to 5 years (based on course duration) |
Application Fee | AUD 1,600 |
Processing Time | 4–8 weeks (on average) |
English Requirement | IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent |
Funds Required | AUD 29,710/year (living) + tuition + travel |
Health Cover | Mandatory OSHC |
Work Rights | 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited in breaks |
Australia Student Visa Requirements (Subclass 500)
Here are the updated Australia student visa requirements 2026 that you must satisfy, in order to be eligible to apply for a student visa Australia.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Requirement Australia 2026
It is important to submit your proof of enrolment (electronic confirmation of enrolment eCOE) while applying for an Australian student visa. It is mandatory to enrol in a CRICOS-registered full-time course and receive a CoE from your university before starting the Australia student visa process.
Genuine Student Requirement
You need to give details of circumstances related to your family, community, employment status, and economic situation. You must also tell why you intend to study the selected course in Australia and in the chosen university, demonstrating clarity on the requirements of the course, and studying and living in Australia. You must also highlight the benefits of the course and attach supporting documents of your ImmiAccount.
English language proficiency
When we talk about the Australia student visa requirements, the general minimum scores needed to demonstrate English language competency in Australia are listed below for a few recognised exams. A total IELTS score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5, is required for an Australian student visa.
Accepted Tests | Minimum Score Requirement (General) |
IELTS | Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5) |
TOEFL iBT | 60–78 |
PTE Academic | 50–58 |
Cambridge CAE | 169+ |
OET (for healthcare) | B grade in all bands |
Note: Some courses or universities may require higher scores.
Australia student visa financial requirements
You must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support the tuition fees, travel, and cost of living in Australia. Students must demonstrate at least a bank balance of approximately AUD 29,710 per year plus additional amount for dependents, if any.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is compulsory all throughout your stay in Australia. It is an important Australian student visa requirement. It covers doctor visits, emergency care, and hospital treatment. The cost of OSHC varies on the coverage and provider, however, it is mandatory for every international student in Australia to have the Overseas Student Health Cover till their studies are over in Australia.
Health and character requirements
Undergo a health checkup depending on your nationality and duration of your course. Submit a police clearance certificate and do not forget to provide a signed Australian Values Statement.
Valid passport
Ensure to have a valid passport for the entire course duration. You can get it checked during biometrics and final visa approval.
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How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?
To apply for a student visa in Australia, you need to show that you are a Genuine Student (GS), have enough funds, and fulfil all the Australian student visa requirements. Follow these steps to apply for an Australian study visa 2026.
Step 1: Choose a Course and Institution
Select a course that is registered under Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and apply to your selected Australian institution.
Step 2: Receive Your CoE
Once accepted, make the initial tuition payment after which you will receive the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Step 3: Set Up an ImmiAccount
Visit immi.homeaffars.gov.au and create an ImmiAccount to be able to access the online visa application portal.
Step 4: Gather the Necessary Documents
Following are the documents that you must gather before applying for the Australia student visa.
CoE issued by your applied Australian university
A valid and scanned copy of the passport
Genuine student requirement
Bank statement, loans or affidavits required to demonstrate financial capacity
Health insurance receipt for OSHC
Recent passport-size photographs
Step 5: Submit the Visa Application
With the help of your ImmiAccount, access the online passport portal and apply for Subclass 500.
Step 6: Attend Health Checks & Biometrics
Book appointments for conducting health examinations and visit a local biometrics collection centre, if asked.
Step 7: Track the status of your study visa
Track the progress of your visa application through the dashboard of your ImmiAccount.
Step 8: Visa Approval Outcome
Visa processing time in Australia is around 4-8 weeks. The exact visa validity and details about your working conditions will be mentioned in the visa grant letter.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much bank balance is required for an Australian Student visa?
A:
Also known as “show-money”, international students must demonstrate at least AUD 29,710 for obtaining a study visa in Australia. If there are dependents with the primary visa holder, then you will need to pay the additional fees.
Q: Is IELTS required for a Student visa in Australia?
A:
Yes, providing an IELTS score is mandatory for demonstrating English language proficiency. It is required for a student visa in Australia.
Q: What is the total cost for an Australian student visa?
A:
The total cost for an Australian students visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 1,600. If there are any dependents, then students have to pay additional fees as well.
Q: What is the new rule for student visas in Australia?
A:
The key change for student visas in Australia is submitting the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Previously, a letter of offer was needed, but now, CoE is required for all student visa applications.
Q: What are Australian Student visa requirements?
A:
The requirements for an Australian student visa include:
You must apply online in or outside australia
Be enrolled in a full-time course of study in Australia
Have OSHC
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