Australia Student Visa 2026 (Subclass 500): Fees, Requirements and Processing Time

Australia Student Visa Latest Updates 2026

Australia Raises International Enrolment Cap to 295k: Australia is planning to increase the international student enrollment cap by adding 25,000 additional students to enrol at Australian universities in 2026. In 2026, the country aims to increase its international student cap to 295,000, up from 270,000 in 2025. This latest change aims to revive the educational sector in Australia, aligned with the ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’ scheme. However, this new foreign student intake cap is still 8% below the post-COVID peak. As per the new update in Australia, public universities can grant admission to more international students in 2026 than before, given that they comply with some requirements, including the following:

• These universities and colleges can accommodate all students with fair safety standards.
• Increase Southeast Asia engagement by consistent interaction and collaboration with the educational institutions in Southeast Asia.

Australia Tightens Student Visa Rules: Effective January 1st 2025, there has been a mandatory requirement of CoE for all international students applying for Australian student visas. They need to submit a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) letter for all onshore visas. Earlier, a letter of Offer was a sufficient document to apply for an Australian study permit. However, the letter of offer or offer letter is replaced by COE effective from January 2025. This document is a confirmation that the student is accepted and enrolled (paid the tuition fees) in one of the Australian universities. It has been predicted that it will become harder for international students to study in Australia from 2025 onwards due to tightened Australian student visa rules.

The main aim of introducing this new change in the Australian student visa application is to confirm the genuineness of entering the country. It will eventually reduce cases where a student visa is obtained by individuals without any interest in studies in the country. Australian immigration wants to improve the visa application process for students and address any fake or inauthentic cases.

Increased Checking at Workplace by Australian Authorities: Indian students are facing regular checks by Australian authorities at their workplace. With the new policy on work hour regulations for international students allowing a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during their course of study, international students are facing severe scrutiny, risking their visa status. The risk of deportation in Australia has severely increased, forcing international students to leave their part-time jobs there.

Ban on Indian Students From Several States by Australian Universities: Many universities in Australia have implemented a blanket ban on students from specific Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. This decision to restrict Indian students from enrolling at Australian universities such as Victoria University, Edith Cowan University, Torrens University, Southern Cross University, Federation University, and Western Sydney University was made in response to concerns about fraudulent visa applications and their misuse. A recent report from the Department of Home Affairs revealed that one in four visa applications from India is considered fraudulent.

Why study in Australia?

For international students planning to pursue their higher education in Australia, it is essential that they understand the pros of studying and living in the country. Therefore, below we have given the advantages of studying in Australia as an international student.

• Australia is home to nearly 44 universities in the QS World University Rankings for the year 2026.

• Indian students have easy access to various scholarships and financial aid worth AUD 20,000.

• The country also offers relatively affordable tuition fees as compared to other study-abroad destinations such as the UK, USA, or Canada.

• Another major benefit of pursuing your education in Australia is that it offers a quick visa processing facility for students to ensure they reach the country prior to the beginning of their semesters.

• Australia provides a post-study work permit for 2-3 years to international students who have completed their graduation in the country.

Things to Know before you apply to study in Australia

• Apply for a course: You must enrol in a full-time course before you apply to study in Australia.
• Get your CoE: You will get your Confirmation of Enrolment from the institution after they receive your offer.
• Gather documents: Gather all the required documents, like the COE, proof of English language proficiency, financial documents, and OSHC.

Australia student visa (subclass 500) Eligibility

• Enrolling in a registered course: It is a must to be accepted into a course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Genuine student requirement: You must be able to demonstrate your primary purpose to come to Australia is to study by satisfying the Genuine Student (GS) criteria.
• Financial capacity: You must show proof of funds to cover your tuition, living expenses (at least AUD 29,710 as of May 10, 2024), and travel costs.
• English language proficiency: You might be required to provide English language proficiency in exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, or OET.
• Health and character requirements: It is mandatory to fulfil the health and character standards set by the Australian government.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): It is a must to purchase health insurance for the entire duration of stay in Australia.

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

A subclass 500 visa allows an international student to study and live in Australia during the study program. To avoid any hassle, you need to make sure that your Australia student visa is valid and aligns with all the visa conditions mentioned in your study visa.

Types of study covered

The Australia study (subclass 500) visa permits you to pursue a wide range of study options, including:

• Higher education

• Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Scope of the Australia Subclass 500

With your study visa for Australia, you can do the following:

• You can get admission to your selected course and university.

• Your family members can accompany you to Australia.

• Dependants need to apply for a dependent visa to be able to travel with the primary study visa holder.

• Get a simple and streamlined visa process.

• Get access to the official online portal.

Can a Subclass 500 get PR in Australia?

The Australia student visa (Subclass 500) gives an excellent opportunity to international students to study in Australia. The visa also offers some added benefits, such as the opportunity to work there, experience cultural diversity, and a pathway to permanent residency.

How much gap is accepted for study in Australia?

The acceptable study gap in Australia differs for different study levels. For undergraduate programs, a gap of 1-2 years is accepted, while for postgraduate programs, a gap of 3-5 years is accepted. However, longer gaps can also be accepted if students give proper documentation and a convincing statement of purpose (SOP), giving all the reasons for the study break and details of the relevant activities undertaken during the gap.

Is IELTS required for Australia student visa?

Yes, IELTS is required for a study visa in Australia (Subclass 500). Most Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs require international students to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, typically through IELTS (International English Language Testing System). However, there are some exceptions and other alternative options as well.

Types of Student Visas for Australia

Apart from the most sought-after student visa for Australia, i.e. Subclass 500, there are a few other types of visas that international students need to be aware of, and hence, we have provided a brief overview of the same below.

• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): It is classified as a temporary visa and is basically opted for by Guardians or Parents of the student visa holder for Australia. It facilitates their stay in the country on the grounds of supporting or taking care of their wards, in case they are minors or due to some other conditions.

• Training Visa (Subclass 407): Another important visa type for Australia includes a Training visa specifically made for the purpose of pursuing professional short-term courses in the country for international students.

Read more: Work after study in Australia

Australian Student Visa Requirements 2026

There are various requirements that an Indian student needs to fulfil if planning to pursue their higher education in Australia. Now, these prerequisites are not only limited to adhering to the eligibility criteria given by the university of your choice but are also associated with the student visa for Australia application process. Hence, it is important to note and understand the various requirements listed by the official country website for different purposes.

Documents Required for Australia Student Visa 2026

There are some significant documents that one needs to attach to their Australia study visa application. Therefore, we have enlisted some of the most important documents that are an integral part of the Australia student visa application process.

• Acceptance Letter from an Australian educational institution

• Valid Passport and its copy

• Academic transcripts and Certificates

• Bonafide Certificate (in case of semester exchange programme)

• English Language Proficiency Test Copies (IELTS/TOEFL)

• CV or Resume

• Confirmation of Enrollment Form

• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

• LOR (Letter of recommendation)

• Duly filled and signed long-stay student visa

• Visa-size photographs/Passport-size photographs

• Proof of funds for Australian Student Visa

• Birth or marriage certificates (if required)

• Proof of medical insurance

• A copy of the round-trip ticket

• Proof of residency

Financial Requirements for Australia Student Visa

As per the latest updates for Australia study visa, international students need to show

at least AUD 29,710 (about USD 19,576) in savings. Before applying to top institutions in Australia, international students need to ensure that they not only gather the necessary documents for the student visa for Australia process but also pool funds to showcase to the authorities. The minimum proof of funds that an international student needs to display in order to obtain an education visa for Australia.

This amount is shown as proof to the visa officers that you will be able to bear the expenses of your tuition fees as well as cost of living in Australia as an international student. This is an important requirement during the student visa for Australia process as it is considered to be your means of landing at a university of your choice in Australia. Some of the acceptable proof of funds can be sponsorship letters, income drafts, property papers, bank statements, education loans, scholarship letters, etc.

English Language Requirements for Australia Student Visa

Another important aspect for getting a student visa for Australia from India is to score a minimum required band in English language proficiency examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. As per the latest regulations, the English language requirements have increased from 5.5 to 6.0 to obtain a student visa for Australia. However, if someone is applying for the Temporary Graduate Visas (TGV), they will have to score a minimum of 6.0 or 6.5 band in their IELTS examination to surpass the criteria set for getting a student visa for Australia as an Indian student. Although the requirements for the same vary depending on different universities and courses. Therefore, an international student should check that on the university’s official website before applying or starting the application process.

Also Read: Study in Australia without IELTS

Programs Eligible for Australian Student Visa 2026

Previously, there were different categories of student visas in Australia, but now, most of the programs are categorised under Subclass 500 and Subclass 485. The following are the programs under Subclass 500. If you want to enrol in these programs, you are eligible to apply for Australia student visa.

• Independent ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students)
• Vocational education and training (Vocational Education and Training Course)
• Higher education
• Postgraduate research

How to apply for an Australian Student Visa?

After ensuring that you have fulfilled all the requirements for obtaining a student visa for Australia one needs to start with the application process. Therefore, we have given a step-by-step process for applying for an Australian study visa.

Step 1: Obtaining the Acceptance Letter from an Australian University

An international student, after receiving the offer letter from an accredited university in Australia should begin by submitting the 1st year tuition fees and a duly signed copy of the same.

Step 2: Confirmation of Enrollment

Applicants will receive a document known as a COE by the university validating their admission into the degree programme of their choice. It is essential to add a copy of the COE while applying for a student visa in Australia.

Step 3: Submitting Proof of Language Proficiency

It becomes essential to submit a copy of acceptable English language examinations that are considered proof of validation for your fluency in English. Although the minimum band requirement for the same might differ from university to university, one should be thoroughly aware of this requirement beforehand.

Step 4: Submitting the Genuine Student Requirement

GS stands as the essential decision maker for your purpose of studying in the country and whether you can support your living in Australia or not. The Genuine student requirement document should contain your academic and employment records, the course and university you have applied to, and other relevant information.

Step 5: Proof of Funds for Student Visa for Australia

One needs to be sure that they have the means to support their education and living expenses in Australia, as they will have to provide proof of funds for the duration of their stay in the country. An international student must possess funds worth AUD 29,710 in their account that they’ll have to showcase during their student visa application for Australia.

Step 6: Overseas Student Health Cover

The OSHC proof is mandatory for international students to work, study, and live in Australia. The Overseas Student Health Cover will ensure that one is capable of paying their medical bills, and cover any health care emergency that might occur while residing in Australia.

Step 7: Health Examination

International students will also have to undergo a health examination a proof of their physical stability while applying for a student visa for Australia. The health declaration will then be submitted with the Australian student visa application.

Step 8: Opening an ImmiAccount

One can apply for a student visa for Australia only using the ImmiAccount given by the Department of Home Affairs. No personal agent or platform is needed to register for the Australian student visa; hence, the registration process will be done through this forum only.

Step 9: Australia Student Visa Interview

After pooling and submitting all the necessary documents, one needs to set an appointment for the student visa for Australia and need to submit the hard copies of all the essential documents. After the minimum application processing time (4-6 weeks) is over, you will receive a definite answer.

Step 10: Travel Arrangements for Australia

Once the decision for your student visa for Australia arrives, you should start planning your departure and travel arrangements in accordance with the start of your semester. This may include opening an account overseas, finding accommodation, and ticket bookings.

Check out: Benefits of studying in Australia for International Students

Australian Study Visa Processing Time 2026

The Australian study visa processing time has increased as a result of the ongoing changes in visa policies. How long it will take to process your visa depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. Generally, it takes around 7-85 working days for visa approval in Australia.

Australian Student Visa Validity

The duration of the Australian study visa depends on the length of the course students intend to study. In addition to this, the 'expiry date' of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is also taken into consideration. To be granted a student visa to cover the additional time students must have OSHC in place for the same period. For example, if your study course is for 12 months, that is, it will end on October 30, the validity of your student visa will be till November 30, provided you have OSHC to that date. You must carefully purchase the OSHC, keeping the date in mind as it cannot be changed once granted.

Subject to the ‘expiry date’ of your OSHC and any welfare arrangements (where relevant), your length of stay will generally be as follows:

Note: The validity of the Australian study visa will not generally exceed five years.

What is Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) for Australian Student Visa?

Previously, the study visas were categorised under Immigration risk, so international students who applied from certain specific countries were categorised under the Assessment Level Framework. Now, the paper applications have been discontinued. These are the new SSFV categories:

1. Nationality

A valid passport denotes the nationality of a student. It does not matter where the student is applying. His/her passport would be his nationality. For example, if an Indian citizen is applying for an Australian study visa from USA, he/she would be considered under the risk level that is decided for India by the DIBP.

2. Education Provider’s risk of default

Several Australian universities have been categorised as risky. The required documents, student nationality and educational institution are considered for an Australian student visa.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying for Study Visa Australia

• You must have taken admission in your selected study program and an Australian university.

• You must have the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study program in Australia.

• You must be equal to or more than 6 years old.

• Evidence of a welfare arrangement done in Australia (in case you are less than 18 years of age).

How to Keep the Australia Study Visa Valid?

Once you get your student visa in Australia, you need to make sure it remains valid during your entire stay. For this, ensure to:

• Get admission and maintain academic progress and attendance.

• Provide your Australian accommodation details to your university so that they can contact you.

• Be financially sound to support your education in Australia.

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

Work Rights on the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Students who are on a student visa in Australia have the following work rights:

• They can work up to 48 hours per two weeks during the session.
• They can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
• If you are a student enrolled in a Master's by Research or Doctoral degree program, you can work unlimited hours as soon as your course begins.
• If you are working as a mandatory course requirement, it does not count towards the 48-hour limit.
• You can only begin working after the commencement of your course.
• You must comply with all visa conditions, including the work hour limits, to avoid visa cancellation.
• International students have the same workplace rights and protections as any other worker in Australia.

Staying in Australia after completing studies

The student visa in Australia (subclass 500) is valid for the entire course duration and up to three additional months. If you want to stay in Australia after completing your studies, you can explore options like a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) for post-study work or permanent residency pathways. Other than this, you can even apply for a visitor visa if you wish to extend your stay for travel or to attend your graduation ceremony. It is very important to apply for a new visa before your current student visa expires if you are planning to stay in Australia after completing your studies.

Post-Arrival Obligations for Australia Student Visa Holders

After attaining the Australia study visa from India, one needs to be aware of the various terms and conditions that they need to adhere to while staying in the country for study purposes. Hence, we have enlisted some important points after arriving in the country as holders of a student visa for Australia.

• International students need to pursue their studies in a full-time mode in any course or degree of their preference. It is necessary to maintain a 12-point credit as a full-time student in Australia to avoid the possibility of visa cancellation.

• It is necessary to maintain at least an average academic record during your time enrolled on an Australian university. One can also seek support in terms of their curriculum understanding through various means but they need to comply with educational standards.

• It is also mandatory to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is made mainly to support the medical expenses of an international student while living in a foreign country.

• One also needs to comply with working hours fixed for international students by the authorities in Australia which is for 40 hours for a fortnight (2 weeks). However, in case of semester break and holidays, one can work overtime at their workplaces.

• After arriving in the country, international students need to make sure that they constantly update their address, contacts, changes in university, or any other personal information to the Department of Home Affairs.

• Always keep an eye on your Australian student visa status as your course comes to end, as international students need to renew or extend their visa status in case they plan to live a little longer in the country.

Also check: PR in Australia after Studies for International Students