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Australia Student Visa
(Subclass 500) : Study Visa
Requirements, Cost
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) : Study Visa Requirements, Cost

Dreaming of studying in Australia? The Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) opens doors to world-class education, exciting cultural experiences, and valuable work opportunities. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from visa requirements to part-time job options.


For assistance with the Australian student visa process, contact us.




Start Your Study Journey in Australia with Subclass 500 Visa


Dreaming of studying in Australia? The Student Visa Subclass 500 makes it possible. It’s your official permit to gain a world-class education, experience multicultural life, and even work part-time during your stay.


This 2025 guide reveals everything from visa fees to acceptable financial documents—so your study adventure in Australia starts off on solid footing.


What Is a Student Visa in Australia (Subclass 500)?


The Subclass 500 student visa in Australia allows international students to:


  • Enroll in a full-time eligible course

  • Work up to 48 hours per fortnight

  • Travel freely in and out of Australia


2025 Visa Costs in Australia:


  • Student: AUD 2000

  • Spouse: AUD 1,225

  • Each Child: AUD 400


    💡 Total for a family of four: AUD 3,625


Genuine Student Requirement (GTE) in Australia: How to Prove It


To succeed with your student visa in Australia, you must meet the Genuine Student (GS) or GTE requirement. It’s how immigration ensures you truly intend to study, not just migrate.


Factors considered:


  • Educational background relevance

  • Work history and study gaps

  • Ties to your home country

  • Immigration history

  • Career prospects after returning home

  • Financial capability to sustain yourself in Australia


Pro Tip: Support your GS form with solid evidence and a detailed personal statement.


2025 Financial Requirements for Studying in Australia


Want your visa approved? You must demonstrate financial readiness to cover your education and living costs in Australia.


Total Estimated Costs:


TypeCost (AUD)
Tuition (avg.)$35,000
Living Expenses$29,710
Travel$2,500
Total$67,210


INR Equivalent: ₹37,63,760 (approx.)


Remember: OSHC and travel costs are mandatory. Funds must be liquid, verifiable, and at least 6 months old (preferably).


Who Can Sponsor a Student in Australia?


Only close family members can sponsor your education in Australia. Authorities prefer transparency and traceability.


Accepted Sponsors:


  • Parents (100%)

  • Grandparents (up to 50%)

  • Siblings (up to 50%)

  • Uncle (up to 25%)

  • Self-funding (limited to personal assets, not ITRs)


Not Accepted:


  • Friends

  • Cousins

  • Distant relatives

  • Gift deeds from third parties


Acceptable Funding Sources in Australia for Visa Approval


To secure a student visa in Australia, funds must be from recognized, traceable sources.


Valid Sources:


  • Education Loans (sanctioned, not conditional)

  • Savings Accounts

  • Fixed Deposits (FDs) (lien-free)

  • PPF Accounts


Document Tips:


  • Submit bank statements (6 months minimum)

  • Clearly explain any recent large deposits


Invalid Sources:


  • Cooperative or Post Office funds

  • Mutual funds & stock investments

  • Loans from non-family members

  • Gold loans or sale of gold


Using Recent Funds for Studying in Australia: What’s Allowed?


If your savings are recent, you must prove their legitimacy. Universities in Australia prefer older funds but may accept recent ones with strong documentation.


Acceptable Recent Sources:


  • Registered property sales

  • Liquidated FDs or shares

  • Transfers from PF or cooperative to national banks


Rejected Sources:


  • Unregistered agreements

  • Gift deeds

  • Sale of gold

  • Informal loans from non-eligible sponsors


OSHC: Mandatory Health Cover for Students in Australia


Every international student must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to study in Australia. It covers hospital and medical expenses while you're in the country.


Top OSHC Providers (2025 Rates):


ProviderCost (AUD)
CBHS$1,379.33
OSHC Worldcare$1,389.50
nib$1,488.86
Medibank$1,508.00
Allianz Care$1,525.00
Bupa$1,581.00


Compare them here: oshcaustralia.com.au


Must be valid for the entire visa duration.


How to Get a CoE in Australia (Confirmation of Enrollment)


Before applying for a visa, you need a CoE from your Australian university.


Steps:


  1. Get an unconditional offer

  2. Pay tuition fee

  3. Purchase OSHC

  4. Receive official Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)


Conditional CoE (PG level only):


This is granted to final-year students awaiting results. You must:


  • Meet English language criteria

  • Submit academic proof

  • Complete application through the university/agent


Not every institution offers conditional CoEs.


Documents Needed for Student Visa in Australia (2025 Checklist)


Want to avoid visa delays? Here’s your updated document list for Subclass 500 in Australia:


Must-Haves:


  • Valid Passport (all old & new)

  • CoE (or conditional CoE)

  • OSHC Letter

  • GTE Questionnaire + supporting docs

  • Academic & Work Documents

  • Financial Evidence (bank, FD, loan)

  • Income Tax Returns

  • CA Net-Worth Report (with UDIN)

  • HAP ID (for medical check-up)

  • Resume & Statement of Purpose (SOP)


Bonus (if applicable):


  • Family income statements

  • Travel history

  • Marriage or birth certificates


Popular Job Options in an Australian


  • Retail positions in stores and malls.
  • Hospitality roles in cafes and restaurants.
  • Tutoring or on-campus jobs.
  • Administrative positions in local businesses.


Scholarships for Studying in Australia


Scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad.


Top Scholarships


  1. Australia Awards Scholarships
    • Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
  2. Destination Australia Scholarships
    • For students studying in regional Australia.
  3. Institution-Specific Scholarships
    • Many universities offer merit-based scholarships.


Tips for Scholarship Applications


  • Start early and research available opportunities.
  • Tailor your application essays to the scholarship’s criteria.
  • Highlight your achievements and career goals.


FAQs


1. What is the processing time for a Student Visa in Australia?


Visa processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, but timelines can vary depending on the completeness of your documents, background checks, and GTE assessment. Submitting all required financial and academic documents correctly will speed up the process.


2.Do I need to take an English language test for an Australian Student Visa?


Yes. Unless you're from an English-speaking country or have studied in English medium recently, you will need to submit proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. This is a mandatory requirement for both the university and visa process.


3. Can I bring my family to Australia on a Student Visa?


Yes, spouses and dependent children can accompany you on a Subclass 500 visa. However, this involves:

  • Additional visa fees

  • Proof of adequate funds to support dependents

  • Health insurance (OSHC) for each family member

  • Inclusion of dependents in your GTE assessment


Example: For 1 student + 1 spouse + 2 children, the total visa fee would be AUD 3,570.


4. What happens if my student visa is refused?


If your visa is refused, you have options:

  • Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if eligible

  • Reapply after fixing the refusal grounds (e.g., weak GTE, insufficient funds, or missing documents)


💡 Tip: Always request a written reason for refusal to correct issues before reapplying.


5. How do I extend my Student Visa in Australia?


To extend your stay:

  • Apply for a new Subclass 500 visa before your current one expires

  • Submit an updated CoE, OSHC, and financial documents

  • Lodge your extension application via ImmiAccount


Extensions are common for students moving from one program level to another (e.g., from diploma to bachelor's).


6. Are internships allowed while studying in Australia?


Yes. Students on a Subclass 500 visa can participate in internships or work placements if they are:


  • Part of their enrolled course curriculum

  • Approved by the university or institution


You can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight while classes are in session.


Conclusion


Securing an Australia Student Visa is the first step toward a transformative educational journey. With proper planning and documentation, you can unlock countless opportunities for academic growth, cultural exchange, and personal development. Whether it's part-time work, scholarships, or world-class education, Australia offers an enriching experience for international students.