Planning to study in Australia as an international student means securing the right student visa before you arrive. From understanding the requirements to going through the application process, this guide covers each step of the process so you can start your journey on the right foot.

What Is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

International students need the Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. With this visa, you can:

1.      Stay in Australia for the duration of your course, or up to 6 years

2.      Travel in and out of Australia freely

3.      Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. If you are a Masters by research or Doctorate student, you have no work hour limits.

To be eligible, you’ll need to be enrolled at a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registered institution.

Student Visa Requirements Checklist:

Student Visa Application Checklist

Before starting your Australia student visa application, make sure you have the following:

• A valid passport. The Department of Home Affairs will not grant a visa beyond your passport’s expiry date, so make sure your passport is valid during the duration of your stay in Australia. Make sure your passport details are consistent across all documents you submit, as discrepancies can trigger requests for further information and delay your application.
• A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider. Your CoE is issued by your CRICOS-registered education provider after you accept your offer and pay any required deposit. It is a mandatory document that confirms your place in a registered course and contains your course details, start date, and provider information. You cannot lodge a Subclass 500 application without it.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is mandatory for all international students on a Subclass 500 visa and must remain valid from the day you arrive in Australia until the day your visa expires, with no gaps in coverage. It covers the cost of most GP visits, hospital treatment, and emergency ambulance services while you study.
• Evidence of sufficient funds. You’ll need to show that you can support yourself during your study. You’ll need to have at least AUD $29,710 for 12 months of living costs. Acceptable evidence includes recent bank statements in your name, a scholarship or sponsorship letter, an education loan approval, or a financial support letter from a parent or sponsor accompanied by their bank statements.
• English language test results if applicable. As part of the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application process, some international students may need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

Most students do this by taking an English test such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English), among other approved assessments. While the English test scores will vary by institution and course, the Department of Home Affairs has set the minimum IELTS score to 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5. Your university may set a higher requirement, so always check with your institution.

• A Genuine Student Statement. You’ll need to address several questions during the online application process on ImmiAccount, that is specific, honest, and consistent with the supporting documents you upload: Your current circumstances, including your family situation, community ties, employment, and financial position. Why you want to study this specific course at your chosen provider in Australia How this course connects to your future career goals Any additional context about your study intentions, particularly if you are currently in Australia or have held a previous student visa
• Academic transcripts and qualification documents
• Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs

These documents form the foundation of your student visa application and will be used to assess your eligibility to study in Australia. Preparing them in advance reduces the chances of delay or requests for further information. You can use the Department of Home Affair’s document checklist tool to confirm exactly what you need.

Student Visa Cost in Australia

As of 2026, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee is AUD $2,500. If you’re from the ASEAN region, you’ll only pay AUD$2,050, and those from Timor Leste and Pacific Island applicants pay AUD $745. This covers the visa application charge only. You should also budget for your OSHC premium, English language test fees, and a health examination if required by the Department.

Student Visa Processing Time in Australia

The processing time for the Subclass 500 visa is published monthly by the Department of Home Affairs based on the finalised applications.

The student visa processing time can vary depending on how complete your application is, the time of year you apply, and whether additional documents are requested during the process. Additionally, the processing time might be longer if you come from countries with high applicant volume.

Submitting a complete application early will help reduce delays.

Next Steps After Your Student Visa Is Granted

Applying for an Australia student visa involves more moving parts than most students expect, but the process becomes manageable when you approach it in the right order. Secure your CoE first, then arrange your OSHC, gather your financial documents, and prepare your Genuine Student statement with specific, documented answers before you open your ImmiAccount application.

Once your visa is granted, the next step is preparing for life in Australia. Finding the right student accommodation in Australia before you arrive is one of the most important things you can do to make the transition easier. Dwell Student Living's properties in Adelaide and Melbourne are designed specifically for international students to help you adapt to Australia student life.