Student Visa Australia – Requirements, Processing Time and Cost
Australia is a world-renowned education hub offering a diverse range of study options for international students. Whether you’re looking to improve your English, pursue a high school diploma, gain vocational skills, or embark on a university degree, the Australian student visa (subclass 500) can be your gateway to academic achievement. This guide will explore the essential requirements, processing times, and costs associated with obtaining this visa, ensuring a smooth and informed application process for your Australian study adventure.
What is an Australian Student Visa?
An Australian Student visa (subclass 500) is a temporary visa that allows you to enter and stay in Australia for the specific purpose of enrolling in a full-time course of study. This visa is applicable for a wide range of educational programs, including English language classes, secondary school studies, vocational training programs, and university degrees.
It’s important to note that if you’re traveling to Australia as a guardian for a student visa holder, you’ll need to apply for a separate visa – the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).
Scope of Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Study flexibility: Enroll in a registered course of your choice at any approved Australian institution.
- Family inclusion: Bring your spouse, children, or dependent partners of your children to Australia with a dependent visa application.
- Streamlined process: Apply for your visa online from within or outside Australia.
- Work authorization: Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course (exceptions apply).
- Extended stay: The visa validity period aligns with your course duration, potentially lasting up to 5 years.
Basic Checks Before You Apply for an Australian Student Visa
Before diving into your Australian student visa application, here’s a quick checklist to ensure you meet the essentials:
- Enrollment Confirmation: Secure a place in your chosen registered course at an Australian educational institution.
- Health Cover Secured: Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your studies.
- Age Requirement: Be at least six years old at the time of application.
- Welfare Arrangements (Under 18): If you’re under 18, demonstrate a plan for your well-being while studying in Australia.
Requirements for an Australian Student Visa:
Here’s a checklist to streamline your application process for an Australian student visa:
- Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE): This official document from your chosen institution confirms your acceptance into a registered course.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has sufficient validity (usually six months beyond your intended stay) and blank pages for visa stamping.
- Visa Application Fee: The Australian government charges a visa application fee, currently around AUD $710.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement: This document explains your genuine reasons for studying in Australia and your plans after graduation.
- Academic and Work Experience Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, and work references showcasing your qualifications for the program.
- English Language Proficiency Test: Scores from tests like IELTS or TOEFL demonstrating your ability to understand and communicate effectively in English.
- Financial Ability Evidence: Show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and any dependents’ costs for your study duration. Include evidence for return airfare.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Details of your private health insurance policy that meets Australian government requirements for international students.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Meet the specified size and format requirements for visa applications.
- Additional Documents for Minors: If you’re under 18, you’ll likely need parental consent documentation.
By gathering this documentation beforehand, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient student visa application process for studying in Australia.
Applying for your Australia Student Visa Online
The Australian student visa (subclass 500) allows you to enter and stay in Australia for the duration of your studies. The application process is entirely online through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) ImmiAccount system [Australian Government Department of Home Affairs]. This guide will walk you through the steps to apply for your student visa online.
Creating an ImmiAccount:
- Visit the ImmiAccount website and follow the prompts to register for a new account.
- Once registered, log in to your ImmiAccount to begin your visa application.
Completing the Application:
- The online application will guide you through each section, prompting you for required information and documents.
- You’ll need to upload digital copies of documents like your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of English proficiency, and financial statements.
- Be sure to carefully review your application before submitting it to ensure all information and documents are accurate and complete.
Fees and Processing Times:
- Student visa application fees are set by the Australian Government and can be found on the ImmiAccount website.
- Processing times can vary depending on your individual circumstances and current workload, but generally range from 4 to 12 weeks.
Submitting your Application:
- Once you’ve completed and reviewed your application, you can submit it electronically through ImmiAccount.
- You can also track the progress of your application and receive updates through your ImmiAccount.
Important Note:
- Aim to submit your application at least six weeks before your course starts, but no earlier than 12 weeks. This allows enough time for processing without jeopardizing your study plans.
By following these steps and adhering to the recommended timelines, you can ensure a smooth application process for your Australian student visa.
Australia Student Visa fee
| Visa subclass | Base application charge | Additional applicant charges if 18 years or above | Additional applicant charges if less than 18 years | The subsequent temporary application charge |
| Student visa (subclass 500) | AUD $630 | AUD $460 | AUD $150 | AUD $700 |
| Student visa (subclass 500) (subsequent entrant) | AUD $620 | AUD $460 | AUD $150 | AUD $700 |
| Student visa (subclass 500) – Foreign Affairs or Defence sector | nil | nil | nil | nil |
| Student visa (subclass 500) – Postgraduate research sector | AUD $620 | nil | nil | nil |
English Language Proficiency: Meeting the Standard for Your Australian Student Visa
Securing an Australian student visa requires demonstrating your ability to effectively communicate and keep up with your studies. This is typically assessed through a recognized English language test.
The most widely accepted test is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Millions take the IELTS annually, making it a trusted measure of proficiency for educational institutions, employers, and governments globally.
The minimum IELTS score for a student visa is 5.5. However, to enhance your university application, particularly for competitive programs, achieving a higher score is recommended. Additionally, specific course requirements may vary. Fields like Business, IT, and Engineering often request a 6.5 IELTS score, while healthcare professions like Nursing and Physiotherapy might require a 7.0 or even higher.
To determine the ideal score for your chosen program and receive guidance on test preparation, seeking expert advice is valuable. IDP education specialists can offer valuable insights to help you succeed in both your language assessment and your overall study goals in Australia.
What changed on 23 March 2024?
- Higher English Requirement: Applicants for most student visas now need a stronger English language proficiency. This means achieving an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) compared to the previous requirement of 5.5.
- New GTE Requirement: The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) process is streamlined. Instead of a 300-word statement, you’ll answer targeted questions about your study plans, background, and reasons for choosing Australia.
- Updated Student Visa Declaration: The declaration ensures you understand the terms of your visa, including student visa conditions and limited post-study migration opportunities.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Student visa (Subclass 500)?
To qualify for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and pursue your studies in Australia, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be at least 6 years old.
- Enrolment: Hold a confirmed place (Confirmation of Enrolment – CoE) in a full-time registered course offered by a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) provider.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate your English language skills by achieving the minimum score on an approved English language test (like IELTS or PTE). The required score may vary depending on your nationality and chosen course.
- Health Insurance: You and any dependents coming with you must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider for your entire stay.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Convince the Department of Home Affairs that you genuinely intend to study in Australia and return to your home country after completing your program.
- Welfare Arrangements (if under 18): If you’re under 18, you’ll need to demonstrate suitable welfare arrangements are in place for your time in Australia.
- Health and Character Requirements: Meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This may involve medical checks and a police clearance certificate.
- Financial Capacity: Show you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (around AUD$18,610 per year for a single student) and your first year of tuition fees.
Types of Australia Student Visas
Australia offers different student visa options depending on your study goals and program type. Here’s a quick guide to the most common ones:
- Student visa (subclass 500): This is the main visa for international students enrolling in full-time registered courses in Australia. It allows full-time study for up to 5 years, with potential for work rights and post-study visa options.
- Student Guardian visa (subclass 590): This visa is for parents or guardians who wish to accompany a minor (under 18 years old) studying on a Student visa (subclass 500) in Australia. It allows them to stay and provide care and support for the student during their studies.
- Training visa (subclass 407): This visa is for international students enrolling in vocational training programs that lead to trade qualifications, diplomas, or advanced certificates. Training visas typically have shorter durations compared to Student visas (subclass 500).
Top Universities in Australia
| Australia rank | University | World Rank |
| 1 | Australian National University | 30 |
| 2 | University of Melbourne | 33 |
| 3 | University of Sydney | 41 |
| 4 | University of New South Wales | 45 |
| 5 | University of Queensland | 50 |
| 6 | Monash University | 57 |
| 7 | University of Western Australia | 90 |
| 8 | University of Adelaide | 109 |
| 9 | University of Technology Sydney | 137 |
| 10 | University of Wollongong | 185 |
| 11 | RMIT University | 190 |
| 12 | University of Newcastle | 192 |
| 13 | Curtin University | 193 |
| 14 | Macquarie University | 195 |
| 15 | Queensland University of Technology | 222 |
| 16 | Deakin University | 266 |
| 17 | University of Tasmania | 293 |
| 18 | Swinburne University of Technology | 296 |
| 19 | Griffith University | 300 |
| 20 | La Trobe University | 316 |
| 21 | University of South Australia | 363 |
| 22 | Flinders University | 425 |
| 23 | James Cook University | 461 |
| 24 | Bond University | 481 |
| 25 | Western Sydney University | 501 |
| 25 | University of Canberra | 511 |
| 25 | Murdoch University | 561 |
| 28 | Edith Cowan University | 601 |
| 29 | University of Southern Queensland | 651 |
| 29 | CQUniversity | 651 |
| 31 | Victoria University | 701 |
| 31 | Southern Cross University | 701 |
| 31 | Charles Darwin University | 701 |
| 34 | Australian Catholic University | 801 |
| 34 | University of New England | 801 |
| 34 | Charles Sturt University | 801 |
| 37 | University of the Sunshine Coast | 1001 |
| 38 | University of Notre Dame Australia | 1201 |
Australian Universities and Programs
| Universities | Programs |
| Australian National University | Bachelors, Masters, MBA, Btech |
| Monash University | Bachelors, Btech, Masters, MBA |
| University of Adelaide | Bachelors, Btech, Masters |
| University of Melbourne | Bachelors, Btech, Masters |
| University of New South Wales | Bachelors, Btech, Masters |
| University of Queensland: | Bachelors, Masters, MBA |
| University of Sydney | Bachelors, Btech, Masters |
| University of Technology Sydney | Masters, MBA |
| University of Western Australia | Bachelors, Btech, Masters, MBA |
| University of Wollongong | Masters, MBA |
| Australian Graduate School of Management | MBA |
| RMIT University | Btech |
| Macquarie University | MBA |
| Melbourne Business School | MBA |
| University of South Australia | MBA |
Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
| Scholarship Name | Amount (per year) |
| Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship | 40,109 AUD |
| BrokerFish International student scholarship | 1,000 AUD |
| The University of Sydney International Scholarship | 40,000 AUD |
| CQU International Student Scholarship | 15,000 AUD |
| CDU Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships | 15,000 AUD |
| Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships | 10,000 AUD |
| Griffith Remarkable Scholarship | 22,750 AUD |
Processing Time for Australia Student Visa?
The processing timeframe for your Student visa (Subclass 500) can vary depending on individual circumstances. Here’s a breakdown to help you manage your expectations:
- General Range: Typically, expect the processing to take anywhere between 4 and 11 weeks. This timeframe is based on recent application processing speeds but isn’t guaranteed.
- Application Complexity: More intricate applications involving additional checks or complexities might take longer.
- Time of Application: Processing times can fluctuate depending on the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs.
Tips for a Smoother Process:
- Apply Early: Aim to submit your application at least 3 months before your course begins. This allows ample time for processing, even if it takes longer than expected.
- Complete Application: Ensure you’ve included all necessary documentation as per the guidelines. Incomplete applications can lead to delays.
- Monitor Status: You can track your application progress through your ImmiAccount.
Remember, these are just pointers. It’s always best to refer to the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on processing times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times
Conclusion
Obtaining a Student visa to study in Australia opens doors to a world-class education. Understanding the requirements, processing timelines, and costs is crucial for a smooth application process. Remember, you’ll need to demonstrate your English language proficiency, financial stability, and genuine intention to be a temporary student. The recent changes implemented on March 23rd, 2024, include a higher English language requirement, a more focused GTE assessment, and a clearer student visa declaration. By planning ahead and meeting the updated criteria, you can be well on your way to achieving your academic goals in Australia.
FAQs
- Who gives Australia student visa?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs grants Student visas (Subclass 500).
- Is Australia student visa easy to get?
It depends on meeting all requirements. Strong English, finances, and a genuine study plan are key.
- How long does Australian student visa take?
Processing typically takes 4-11 weeks, so apply well in advance (3+ months).
- How much money do you need for student visa Australia?
Show enough funds for living (around AUD$18,610/year) and your first year’s tuition.
- Is IELTS required for Australia?
Yes, for most student visas, you’ll need to meet an English language proficiency score (usually IELTS or PTE).
- What is the minimum PTE score for Australia?
The minimum PTE score for a Student visa typically aligns with the IELTS equivalent (e.g., PTE 60 for applicants needing IELTS 6.0).
- How many types of student visa are there in Australia?
Australia offers various student visas (Subclass 500) depending on your study type and length. Check official resources for details.
- How do I get PR in Australia?
Getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia typically involves meeting specific criteria through a skilled migration program. Research pathways that suit your skills and experience.
- Which country gives PR easily?
Easiest countries for PR vary based on your profile and circumstances. Research specific programs for different countries.
- Can I get PR with 65 points?
Maybe. The minimum points required for PR in Australia can change. Check current requirements for relevant programs.
- What is the age limit for PR in Australia?
There’s no strict age limit for PR in Australia, but some skilled migration programs have age-related factors.
- How much Australian PR cost?
The cost of Australian PR varies depending on the chosen pathway and any migration agent fees.
- Is 75 a good score for 491 visa Australia?
A score of 75 may be competitive for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa, but the minimum score can change.
- Is it difficult to PR in Australia?
The difficulty of obtaining PR in Australia depends on your eligibility and the chosen pathway. Research requirements carefully.
- Is IELTS required for Australia PR?
English language proficiency is often required for Australian PR. IELTS is a common option, but alternatives might be accepted.
- Can I get PR in Australia after study?
Studying in Australia can be a pathway to PR, but it’s not guaranteed. Explore post-study work visa options and relevant PR programs.
- How long is the PR in Australia?
Australian PR is typically permanent, but renewal conditions might apply depending on the pathway you obtained it through.
