How to get an Australian student visa

Here are the main types of student visas available for international students in Australia: 

1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)  

This is the main visa for international students undertaking full-time study at an Australian education institution. It allows students to remain in Australia for the duration of their course and includes limited work rights while studying. 

Eligible family members may also be included in the application. 

2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)  

This visa is for parents or guardians who need to accompany and support an international student under 18 years of age. It permits the guardian to stay in Australia for the duration of the student’s course or until the student reaches adulthood. 

 3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)  
The Training Visa is designed for individuals undertaking workplace-based training or professional development in Australia.  

While not a traditional student visa, it supports structured learning programmes that enhance skills related to an occupation or field of study. 

 4. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)  
A temporary visa that’s available to international students who have recently completed eligible studies in Australia. It allows graduates to stay back in the country temporarily to gain work experience, further their studies, or transition to other visa pathways. 

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English test 

Depending on your background and study history, you may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency as part of your visa application.  
This is commonly done by submitting results from an approved English language test, although some applicants may qualify for an exemption based on factors such as prior education or nationality. 

The test results must usually be recent and taken within the accepted validity period for student visa purposes. 

Australian student visas generally accept results from widely recognised, in-person English language tests completed at approved test centres. Commonly accepted tests include: 

• IELTS (Academic) 
• PTE Academic 
• TOEFL iBT (test-centre based) 
• Cambridge English qualifications 
• OET (for health-related fields) 
• LANGUAGECERT Academic 

However, fully online or at-home English tests are typically not accepted for Australian visa applications. This includes remote-proctored or home-based versions of otherwise recognised tests, even if they are accepted by education providers. 

Before applying, students are encouraged to check the current English proficiency requirements carefully and plan ahead. 

Minimum fund 

The minimum funds you need to show for an Australian Student visa depend on your personal situation, including your course duration, location of study, and whether family members are accompanying you.  

Immigration authorities assess whether your available funds meet the required threshold to realistically cover your stay in Australia. 

Check the current financial requirements that may be applicable to you on the official website. 

Medical tests 

Most applicants for an Australian Student visa are required to meet Australia’s health requirements to ensure they do not pose a public health risk or place significant demand on the health system. 

The exact medical tests you may need depend on factors such as: 

• Your country of residence and its tuberculosis (TB) risk level 
• The length of time you plan to stay in Australia 
• Your age 
• The type of course you intend to study, particularly if it involves healthcare, childcare, or aged care environments 

In many cases, student visa applicants staying for a longer period or coming from higher TB-risk or higher hepatitis B risk countries are asked to complete a medical examination and chest x-ray.  

Additional tests may be required for applicants aged 15 and over or for those entering health-related fields of study. 

Health examinations must be completed through an approved panel clinic or physician nominated by the Australian Government, and results are usually valid for a limited period. You may be asked to complete these examinations either before or after lodging your visa application. 

As medical requirements vary by individual circumstances, students should follow the instructions in their ImmiAccount and refer to the official government website before arranging any health examinations. 

Entrance exams 

Australian student visas do not require applicants to sit for a separate entrance or admission exam as part of the visa process. However, students must meet the entry requirements set by their chosen education provider, which may include academic prerequisites or English language tests.

1. Evidence of identity, (Passport, Birth Certificate, NIC or Driver licence) 
2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for all intended courses from your institution   
3. If the applicant is under 18 years of age, proof of accommodation and welfare arrangements and parental consent 
4. Evidence of adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover)  
5. Supporting documents to demonstrate that you are a genuine student (education certificates, academic transcripts, letters/statements from your institution, Proof of employment) 
6. If the applicant has changed his/her name, certified copies of documents verifying the name change 
7. Proof of relationship with your spouse de facto partner 
8. Employment history 
9. Completed and signed Form 956 - Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance  
10. Completed and signed Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient. 
11. Evidence of enrolment of an accompanying dependent child 5 to 18 years of age at an Australian school. 
12. A copy of your research (thesis/project) topic and your curriculum vitae or résumé (only applicable to research students) 

Note: Document requirements may vary by country and course, so always check the official website for current information. 

1. Plan your application early. Visa processing times can vary, so applying well in advance can help avoid stress and last-minute issues. 
2. If health checks are needed, organise them before starting your visa application or follow the instructions provided by immigration authorities. 
3. Review the exact list of required documents using the official Document Checklist tool, as requirements vary depending on individual circumstances. Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, up to date, and translated into English where necessary. 
4. Set up an ImmiAccount on the official Australian immigration website to lodge and manage your visa application online. 
5. Attach all required documents to your application before submission to ensure it is complete and decision-ready. 
6. Once everything is in place, pay the visa application fee and submit your application. 
7. Some applicants may be asked to provide biometrics. If required, you will usually have a limited timeframe to complete this, so it’s important to book an appointment promptly using the instructions provided. 
8. After lodging your application, check your online account regularly for updates or requests from the Department.  
9. If additional information is requested, respond as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline. 
10. You will be notified in writing of the decision. If approved, the notice will include your visa grant number, expiry date, and conditions. If refused, you will be informed of the reasons and whether you have the right to seek a review. 
11. After your student (subclass 500) visa is granted, consider withdrawing any other pending visa applications, as being granted another substantive visa can cancel your student visa. 

Can: 

• Study in an eligible course 
• Travel in and out of Australia 
• Take up part-time employment (48 hours a fortnight) while your course is in session 
• Include eligible family members, such as a partner or dependent children under 18, in your visa application or apply for them to join you later 

Cannot: 

• Stay in Australia longer by extending this visa   
• Work unlimited hours while your course is in session 
• Include family members who were not declared or properly notified before your visa was granted 
• Include dependent children who have turned 18 at the time the visa is finalised