Australia Study Visa Requirements: Fees, Processing & Eligibility

Studying in Australia starts with meeting the Australia study visa requirements. Every international student needs a Subclass 500 visa to enter and study in the country. The Subclass 500 visa is required for all international students. In 2023, over 1.2 lakh Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions—a clear sign of the growing interest.

So what does it take to get your visa approved? 

You must provide proof of admission, financial documents that show you can cover tuition and living expenses, English test scores, health insurance, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. Missing or unclear documents often lead to delays.

This guide explains the complete Australia study visa requirements. You’ll find everything about eligibility, visa fees, processing time, and tips to help you submit a strong file. 

If you're planning to study in Australia, this is the clarity you need before applying.

Latest Updates on Australia Student Visa for Indian Students (2025)

• From 1 January 2025, students applying from within Australia must submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. Letters of Offer will not be accepted for onshore applications.
• Effective 19 December 2024, Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) replaces MD107. This update aims to ensure fairer, more transparent processing for offshore student visa applications.

Check Out: 

Study in Australia in 2025 

Types of Australian Student Visa

Australia Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students: Documents Checklist

Indian students applying for an Australia Subclass 500 visa must prepare a clean and complete application. The Australian Department of Home Affairs reviews every document to confirm your identity, intent to study, financial capacity, and overall eligibility. Missing or inconsistent paperwork can lead to delays or rejection. That’s why you need to prepare ahead and organize everything properly.

Here’s a full list of required documents, along with what each one proves and why it matters:

Core Documents

Document	Purpose
Valid Passport	Confirms identity and must be valid for entire study duration
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)	Proves you're enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
Visa Application Form (157A)	Required form to apply for the Subclass 500 visa
Passport-size Photograph	Follows photo guidelines for visa applications

Financial Documents

Proof Required	Purpose
Tuition Fee Receipt or Loan Letter	Confirms payment for the first 12 months of study
Living Expense Proof	Minimum AUD 24,505 (₹13.5 lakh approx.) for 12 months of stay
Return Travel Funds	Around AUD 2,000 (approx. ₹1.1 lakh) must be shown
Sponsor Letter (if applicable)	Shows family relationship and confirms they will support your stay
Bank Statements (3–6 months)	Demonstrates a consistent fund history—not sudden deposits

Academic & Language Records

Document	Why It’s Needed
Academic Transcripts & Certificates	Verifies qualifications for your course of study
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Score Report	Proves English language skills (minimum IELTS: 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5)

Note: Online or home-based English tests (like IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT Home Edition) are not accepted.

Health Insurance & Medicals

Requirement	Explanation
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	Mandatory health insurance for the full duration of stay
Medical Exams	Required for certain applicants; check your visa conditions
Policy Start Date	Coverage must begin before your arrival in Australia

Other Supporting Documents

• GTE Statement: Explains your intent to study and return after course completion
• Gap Explanation Letter: Required if you’ve had a break in academics
• Work Experience Letters: For students applying to postgraduate or vocational programs
• Affidavit of Support: If parents or guardians are funding your education
• Welfare Arrangements: Mandatory if you're under 18 years old
• Police Certificate: May be required to meet character requirement
• Australian Values Statement: Must be signed by applicants aged 18 and above

Read: What is Gap Certificate? Meaning, Uses & How to Get One

Eligibility Criteria for an Australia Student Visa

To apply for the Subclass 500 student visa, you must meet specific eligibility conditions set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes you eligible:

Basic Eligibility for Indian Students

Requirement	What It Means
Enrolment in a CRICOS-Registered Course	You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved Australian institution
Age Requirement (School Students)	Minimum age is 6. School students must be under 17–20 based on class level
English Language Proficiency	IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores must meet the course requirements
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	Valid OSHC from an approved insurer for the full duration of stay
Financial Capacity	Proof you can cover tuition, living expenses (₹13.5 lakh), and return travel
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)	A written statement explaining your study purpose and intent to return afterward
Character Requirement	Must provide a police certificate if requested
Health Requirement	Medical exams may be required based on your case

Additional Points to Keep in Mind

• If you're under 18, you must show proof of welfare arrangements
• Your passport must be valid through the entire course duration
• Visa history matters. Previous cancellations or refusals can affect your outcome
• You must sign the Australian Values Statement (if you're 18 or above)

Suggested Read: Australian Student Visa – Process, Fees, Time & More

Australia Student Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Many Indian students feel unsure about what comes first: CoE, OSHC, financial proof, or the visa form? That’s why it helps to follow a clear process—step by step—so you don’t miss anything important or face delays later.

Step 1: Confirm Your Admission

You must first receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian university or college. This is issued after you accept the offer and pay the initial fee.

What You Need	Why It’s Important
CoE Code	Required to start your visa application
CRICOS Course	Must be a registered course for overseas students

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

Visit the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au website and create an ImmiAccount. This is the platform where you’ll submit your application and documents.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Before you start the online form, prepare all required documents. Use the document checklist tool on the official site (based on your country and university) to get an exact list.

Category	Documents to Prepare
Personal	Passport, photographs, visa form, OSHC policy details
Academic	Transcripts, certificates, English test scores
Financial	Bank statements, loan sanction letters, sponsor letters
Additional (if needed)	GTE statement, work letters, gap explanations

Step 4: Submit the Online Application

Log into your ImmiAccount and start the visa application form (Form 157A). Upload the documents, fill in the details carefully, and pay the visa fee.

Important: The application will not be processed unless the fee is paid in full.

Step 5: Attend Medical & Biometric Appointments

You may receive a request to complete a health check at an approved clinic and provide biometric data. Book appointments promptly to avoid processing delays.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Visa processing time varies, but most student visas take a few weeks. During peak months, it might take longer. You can check the status on your ImmiAccount.

Factor That Affects Speed	How It Impacts Processing
Incomplete documents	Slows down review
Incorrect application details	Can lead to requests for more info
High application volume	Extends wait times

Step 7: Visa Outcome

You’ll receive your visa decision by email. If approved, the letter will mention your visa grant number, conditions, and expiry date. Keep both a soft and printed copy with you while traveling.

Australia Student Visa Fees & Processing Time

Knowing the visa fee and processing timeline helps you plan your application better. It also prevents last-minute surprises that could delay your study plans.

Visa Fee for Subclass 500 (2025)

Applicant Type	Visa Fee (AUD)	Approx. Fee (INR)
Main Applicant	AUD 1,600	₹88,000+
Additional Adult (18+)	AUD 1,200	₹66,000+
Additional Child (Under 18)	AUD 650	₹35,500+

Note: You may also pay extra for medical tests, police clearance, or biometrics.

Processing Time (General Timeline)

Application Type	Approx. Processing Time
Standard Subclass 500	4 to 8 weeks (varies by intake)
Applications during peak season (July–October)	May take longer
Incomplete files or late documents	Can delay the decision

Tip: Apply at least 8–10 weeks before your course starts.

Payment Methods

You can pay the visa application fee online through:

• Credit/Debit Card (internationally enabled)
• PayPal (if linked to your bank account)
• BPAY or UnionPay (where available)

Make sure your payment goes through successfully. Your application won’t be processed without the visa fee confirmation.

Australia Student Visa Interview: Common Questions & Tips

While most student visa applicants don’t face a mandatory visa interview, a few may be contacted for clarification or verification. This can happen via a phone call or an in-person appointment at the VFS or consulate.

If you're asked to attend, here’s what to expect.

Common Visa Interview Questions

Question Type	Examples You Might Hear
Academic Intent	Why did you choose this course? How does it fit your career plan?
Financial Readiness	Who is funding your education? Can you explain your bank documents?
Immigration History	Have you applied for a visa before? Any rejections?
Future Plans	What will you do after completing your studies?
College & Course Awareness	What do you know about the university and your program?

Tips to Do Well in Your Visa Interview

• Stay calm and answer confidently. Don’t try to memorize scripted answers.
• Be honest about your education, finances, and plans after graduation.
• Review your SOP, financial documents, and course details before the interview.
• Dress neatly and speak clearly—first impressions matter.
• Avoid vague answers like “I want to explore options” or “I haven’t decided yet.”

If your documents are clear and consistent, the chances of needing an interview are low. But it always helps to be prepared.

Must Read: Interview Questions for Australia Student Visa with Answers

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You with Your Australia Study Visa

Planning to study in Australia? upGrad Abroad gives you an edge with end-to-end support—expert help in writing your SOP and GTE statement, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL prep resources, and a regularly updated list of scholarships to cut your study costs. 

Our counselors guide you in selecting the right course, gathering the right documents, and submitting a strong visa application—without confusion or delays.

Want to increase your chances of approval?

Join thousands of students who’ve made their overseas dreams a reality with upGrad. Get started with your Australia study visa journey today.