Australia remains one of the top choices for overseas students. The country is home to the world’s best universities, has a multi-cultural society, a friendly environment, and a comfortable lifestyle, which makes it an ideal place for those planning to study in Australia. But before you set foot in the country for your first trip, getting a visa is a crucial process. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the A–Z about student visa Australia, such as types, fees, eligibility requirements,  application steps, working hours, age requirements, and more.

Student Visa Australia

If you are interested in pursuing full-time studies in Australia, then a Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) is required. This also allows international students to study, live, and work part-time while enrolled in school. If you intend to apply for a diploma, undergraduate, master’s degree, or take up vocational studies, this visa will enable you to enter Australia as a student.

While planning to apply for student visa Australia, you need to know all the major rules, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and most importantly, financial proof. This might sound like a lot of steps, but if you understand, it’s not long and torturous.

Types of Student Visa Options in Australia

Australia has separate student visas for junior learners, students, and guardians of a student who is under age. Below are the major categories:

1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

This is the primary visa for studying in Australia. It is required by all international students enrolling in a registered course.

2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

It is for parents, guardians or relatives who are accompanying international students under 18 years old.

3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

Although not a typical student visa, it enables students or professionals to participate in workplace-based training or professional development in Australia.

If you are a student who is under 18, there are some extra conditions according to under 18 student visa Australia requirements regarding welfare arrangements, accommodation approvals, and parental consent forms.

Student Visa Australia Requirements

In order to get your visa, you will need to fulfill the student visa Australia requirements. These make certain you are academically qualified, financially capable, and meet immigration requirements. The general requirements include:

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

After you accept an offer and make the initial deposit, you will need to obtain a CoE from an Australian education provider on these grounds.

2. English Language Requirement

Most universities demand evidence of proficiency in English, such as, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL. There are different cutoff scores by program.

3. Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)

Students need to demonstrate they are genuinely studying in Australia and have an appropriate study progression.

4. Financial Proof

Applicants must demonstrate resources to cover educational fees, living expenses, and transportation. The student visa Australia requirements include financial stability.

5. Health Insurance (OSHC)

Be sure to maintain a valid Overseas Student Health Cover throughout the entire visa term.

6. Character Requirements

You will also have to provide police clearance certificates, proving good character.

7. Additional Rules for Minor Students

For students who are under 18, some of the under-18 student visa Australia requirements include stating an approved care arrangement with welfare, guardianship, and accommodation choice approved by your education provider.

Student Visa Australia Age Limit

Australia does not have a defined maximum age for this visa, but there are other requirements based on the type of course. The student visa Australia age limit, in general, applies more to school courses or internships. As for higher education programs, students of any age who satisfy the academic and financial conditions may apply.

But if you are applying for school education, then the guardianship rule applies until 18 years age of. Also, if you belong to the younger age group, other than that, you need to meet the under 18 student visa Australia requirements.

Student Visa Australia Fees

While budget planning, it is crucial for you to know the student visa Australia fees. The Department of Home Affairs has a visa application fee, which is determined by your age, the type of visa, and the number of additional applicants.

The general student visa Australia costs include:

• Base application charge
• Additional applicant charges (if family members apply)
• Medical examination fees
• Biometrics
• OSHC (health insurance)

Prices may fluctuate from time to time, but the student visa Australia price is often a large part of your study-abroad financial planning. You might want to keep an extra amount for insurance, airfare, deposits on accommodations, and emergencies.

Bear in mind that all these student visa Australia fees, student visa Australia cost, and student visa Australia price are what you will have to pay for the cost of applying for your visa.

Student Visa Australia Processing Time

It depends on where you’re applying and the volume of applications they have, as well as how much supporting documentation is required. Normally, the student visa Australia processing time would be from one week to a few months.

The processing can be delayed if:

• Documents are missing
• Financial proof is insufficient
• The institution delays verification
• Additional checks are required

Lodging a fully completed application can help minimise student visa Australia processing times generally.

How to Apply for Student Visa Australia: Step-by-Step Process

The procedure to apply for student visa Australia consists of documentation, online form filing , and checks for compliance. Below is a structured breakdown:

Step 1: Choose Your Course and Institution

Begin by choosing a CRICOS-listed course to enrol in. The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) can only be provided by institutions authorised on CRICOS to deliver the courses.

Step 2: Receive Your CoE

You will get the CoE only after applying there from here and receiving an offer letter from that university, once you pay your initial deposit. This is the document you need to continue your visa.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Prepare documents such as:

• Passport
• CoE
• Academic transcripts
• English proficiency test results
• Financial documents
• OSHC proof
• Passport-sized photos
• Statement of purpose
• Additional documents for under 18 student visa Australia requirements (if applicable)

Step 4: Create an ImmiAccount

Visit the official immigration website and sign up to start your visa application.

Step 5: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Provide the requested information accurately. Include all required papers and pay your student visa Australia price for the online application.

Step 6: Submit Biometrics and Health Examination

You may need to give your biometrics and have a medical exam at an authorised clinic.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

After you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed. Your application completeness regulates the student visa Australia processing time.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa Grant Letter

If you’re granted the visa, you’ll get a visa grant letter that explains your conditions, how long your visa is, and whether you have permission to work.

Student Visa Australia Working Hours

One of the best features of studying in Australia is that students can work part-time. The student visa Australia working hours prescribe that during periods of the course, you can work up to 48 hours fortnightly, while unlimited working hours are permitted for scheduled breaks.

Employment rights enable students to gain experience, pay for living expenses, and practise workplace skills.

Life in Australia as an International Student

After you have migrated to Australia once your visa approval process is done, you will fall in love with the friendly nation and its culture, mixing with the modern way of life. The nation provides a safe environment to live in, internationally recognised degrees, and summer training opportunities leading to subsequent employment.

• Students often appreciate Australia for:
• High-quality education
• Multicultural environment
• Job opportunities
• Friendly locals
• Beautiful landscapes
• Campus support services

It’s important that you find a balance between your studies and part-time work at the FGV to take full advantage of this experience.

FAQs

Ques. 1. What are the basic student visa Australia requirements?

Ans. You will require a CoE, financial evidence, an English language test result, OSHC, and a genuine student declaration. Under-18 students must satisfy under 18 student visa Australia requirements.

Ques. 2. Is there a student visa Australia age limit?

Ans. Subclass 500 has no specific maximum age. But younger students are subject to specific guardianship needs.

Ques. 3. How long is the student visa Australia processing time?

Ans. It usually takes a couple of weeks to a few months if you have all your documents, and it depends on the volume of applications.

Ques. 4. What is the student visa Australia cost?

Ans. The cost covers application fees, medicals, OSHC, and biometrics. All of these together are the student visa Australia price.

Ques. 5. Can I work on a student visa in Australia?

Ans. Yes. The student visa Australia work hours also permit international students to work for 48 hours every fortnight when the academic year is in session.