🇦🇺 Australia Study Visa – Complete Guide for Indian Students (2025)
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, thanks to its world-class universities, globally recognized degrees, high quality of life, and excellent post-study work opportunities. To study in Australia, international students must apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
📝 Overview: Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows you to:
✅ Study full-time at a recognized Australian institution
✈️ Stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to 5 years)
🧑💼 Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during holidays
🏫 Bring eligible family members with you (if applicable)
👉 This visa applies to all levels of education — school, vocational education (VET), undergraduate, postgraduate, or research.
📌 Step-by-Step: Australia Study Visa Application Process
Step 1: Choose Your Course and Institution
Select a course and institution registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
Receive a Letter of Offer and accept it by paying the tuition deposit.
Step 2: Receive Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
After payment, you’ll receive an official CoE from the institution.
This is required to lodge your visa application.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount
Step 4: Prepare and Upload Documents
Essential Documents:
Valid Passport
CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE Academic)
Proof of Financial Capacity
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Biometrics & health examination (if required)
Step 5: Pay Visa Application Fee
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|
| Student Visa Fee | AUD 710 (approx. ₹38,000) |
| OSHC (mandatory health insurance) | Varies by duration (approx. AUD 500–600 per year) |
Step 6: Attend Health Check & Biometrics (if required)
Step 7: Visa Decision & Grant
The Department of Home Affairs reviews your application.
If approved, you’ll receive your Visa Grant Letter by email, detailing your visa conditions and duration.
⏰ Processing Time (Indicative)
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|
| Higher Education | 3 – 8 weeks |
| Vocational Education (VET) | 4 – 10 weeks |
| Postgraduate/Research | 6 – 12 weeks |
📝 Apply 3–6 months before your course start date to avoid delays.
💰 Financial Requirements (Minimum)
You must show evidence that you can cover:
Living Costs: AUD 29,710 per year (for students)
Tuition Fees: Depends on the course and institution
Travel Costs: Approx. AUD 2,000 for return airfare
Example: For a 1-year course, you may need to show AUD 35,000–45,000 in funds.
🧾 English Language Requirements
Most universities require:
Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band < 5.5)
Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0)
Alternative tests: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English
📅 Intakes in Australia
| Intake | Months | Details |
|---|
| Main Intake | February | Most popular with widest course options |
| Mid-Year Intake | July | Second major intake |
| Additional | October/November | Limited courses at some institutions |
👉 Apply 8–12 months before your preferred intake.
🏫 Top Universities in Australia
| University | Location | QS Rank (2025) |
|---|
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC | Top 15 globally |
| Australian National University (ANU) | Canberra, ACT | Top 35 |
| University of Sydney | Sydney, NSW | Top 20 |
| University of Queensland | Brisbane, QLD | Top 50 |
| Monash University | Melbourne, VIC | Top 50 |
| UNSW Sydney | Sydney, NSW | Top 25 |
| University of Western Australia | Perth, WA | Top 90 |
