Australia Study Visa Requirements: Guide for Students

Are you planning to study in Australia? It is all you should know about the Australia study visa requirements in 2026 - all under a single roof:

• Visa Category: Subclass 500(Student Visa).

• Important Update: COE required as of January 1, 2026 (in place of Letter of Offer)

• Essentials: AUD 29710 (or 16.35 lakh) to survive.

• English Score: IELTS 6.0 total minimum (as of March 2024)

• Visa Fee: AUD 1,600 (approx. INR 88,000)

• Processing Time: 16–49 days

• Student Visa Cap (2026): 2,95,000 positions (raised to 270,000)

This guide outlines the requirements of the study visa in Australia after 12 th, after graduation, documentation requirements, financial evidence, IELTS band requirements, and a step-by-step process of application with the recent changes in the rules up to 2026.

What Are the Australia Study Visa Requirements?

To be eligible to apply for an Australia study visa requirements (Subclass 500), you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). issued by a CCRICOS-registeredinstitution, evidence of funds of at least AUD 29,710, an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, a Genuine Student (GS) statement, Overseas Student Health cover (OSHC), a valid passport, and medical and character clearances. After January 2026, a CoE (not a Letter of Offer) is accepted. The visa will cost AUD 1,60,0 and it normally takes 16-49 days.

What Is the Australia Study Visa and Who Needs It in 2026?

On the one hand, the  Australia study visa requirements  (Subclass 500) is a temporary visa, which enables international students to reside in Australia and undertake full-time education at an educational institution that has been registered in CRICOS.

All students intending to study in Australia for longer than a period of three months should apply for this visa. Learning the requirements of the Australian study visa early is a way you can prepare your application and prevent procrastination.

Related Student Visa Types

• Subclass 590: Student Guardian Visa (where the parent/guardian of students who are under the age of 18 accompanies them)

• Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa (postgraduate work visa)

Who Can Apply?

Students enrolling in the following are eligible to get the Subclass 500 visa:

• Undergraduate degrees

• Postgraduate qualifications (Master's, PhD).

• Vocational Education and Training courses (VET).

• ELICOS English programmes

• Preparatory programmes, Foundation and pathway programmes

What the Student Visa Allows

With a Subclass 500 visa, you can:

• Work up to 48 hours per week in terms of studies.

• Work unlimited hours in between course breaks.

• Bring dependants ( spouse or children)

• Move in and out of Australia during the duration of the visa.

Also Read: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia (TSS): Updated

What Are the Latest Australia Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students?

Indian applicants have to satisfy six main Australia study visa requirements to obtain an Australia student visa:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

• Veritable Student (GS) requirement.

• Financial proof

• Fluency in the English language.

• Clearance on health and character.

• Health cover for overseas students (OSHC).

What Is the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Why Is It Mandatory?

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a recognised document that an Australian education provider issues to you as evidence that you are enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course.

Starting January 1, 2026, student visa applications require a CoE. No longer a Letter of offer accepted.

How to Obtain a CoE

• Apply to an Australian University or college.

• Receive an offer letter.

• Accept the offer

• Deposit the first tuition fee.

• Electronic CoE (eCoE) is issued by the institution.

Your visa application will be rejected or delayed if your CoE information is inaccurate or non-existent.

What Is the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement for Australia?

In March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) rule succeeded the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule.

This rule evaluates whether you indeed plan on studying in Australia and studentqualify to use the qualification to further career growth.

What Visa Officers Evaluate

• Fit between past and present education and courses.

• After graduation, your career plans.

• Economic/ personal connections tothe home country.

• The gaps in your academic history and studies.

Documents That Support GS Requirement

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Academic transcripts

• Resume or career plan

• Documentation on work experiences (where necessary)

What Are the Current Funds Required for Australia Study Visa?

As of May 2024, Australia study visa requirements applicants must demonstrate a minimum funds required for Australia study visa of AUD 29,710 (approx. INR 16.35 lakh) to cover living expenses for one year.

Financial Requirement Breakdown

Additional funds required for Australia study visa include:

• Tuition Fees: AUD 20,000–45,000/year

• OSHC Health Insurance

• Accommodation

Acceptable Financial Proof

• Bank statements (6–12 months)

• Education loan sanction letter

• Income Tax Returns (ITR)

• Fixed deposits

What Is the Australia Band Requirement for Study Visa in 2026?

The minimum Australia band requirement for study visa (Subclass 500) is IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5

This Australia band requirement for study visa rule has been in effect since March 23, 2024.

Accepted English Tests

Also Read: Check Your Australia Visa Status Online Fast and Easy

What Are the Latest Health and Character Requirements for Australia Student Visa?

Every applicant has to meet the health and character Australia study visa requirements.

Health Requirements

• Physical check-up with a panel physician.

• Chest x-ray and general examination.

• Output posted straight to the immigration system.

Character Requirements

• Indian Police Clearance Certificate. (PCC).

• The Australian Values Statement. in applicants who are aged over 18.

What Are the Current Documents Required for Australia Study Visa?

The documents required for Australia study visa are:

These documents are required for Australia study visa. 

What are the Australia Study Visa Requirements After 12th for Indian Students in 2026?

Indian students who will apply after Australia study visa requirements after 12th: 

• Minimum 60–65% marks

• IELTS 6.0 overall

• Proof of funds (AUD 29,710 + tuition)

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Study Options After 12th

• Bachelor’s degrees (3–4 years)

• Diploma programmes

• Foundation/pathway programmes

• ELICOS English courses

Application timeline for Australia study visa requirements after 12th

• Complete Class 12 exams

• Prepare for IELTS or PTE

• Research universities

• Apply for admission

• Receive the offer letter.

• Pay tuition deposit

• Receive CoE

• Apply for a student visa.

• Complete medical and PCC.

• Receive visa decision

What Are the Latest Australia Study Visa Requirements After Graduation?

The applicants of the Indian Australia study visa requirements after graduation need:

These Australia study visa requirements after graduation are necessary. 

How to Apply for a Current Australia Study Visa: What Is the Step-by-Step Process?

The Australia study visa requirements (Subclass 500) are a formal online procedure, which is administered by the Department of Home Affairs. Knowing what to expect during every phase will prevent wastage of time, and your papers will be prepared ahead of time, and you will have a high chance of getting your visa easily. The Australia study visa requirements process involves a simplified step-by-step process as described below.

Step 1: Get a CoE and Admission

Apply to a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia and have an offer letter. Upon receiving the offer and making the first deposit of tuition fee, the university will issue you with an electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) that you will need to submit your visa application.

Step 2: Buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Select a reputable Australian health insurance company and buy OSHC for the entire period of your course. The visa cannot be issued without a valid health cover.

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

Create a profile with the Department of Home Affairs. With the help of this account, it is possible to fill in your visa application, send documents, watch the progress, and get the official answer from immigration authorities.

Step 4: Collect All the Necessary Documents

Get ready with the necessary papers like financial documents, transcripts, and test results of English (IELTS/PTE), passport, and your Genuine Student statement. It saves time in submissions because all the documents are prepared in advance.

Step 5: Finalise the Medical Examination

Arrange a medical check-up with a qualified panel physician. Its outcomes are directly sent to the immigration system in Australia and assist in ensuring that you are up to the health standards.

Step 6: Pay the Online Visa Application Fee

Create an ImmiAccount, fill in the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application form, add all the necessary documents, and pay a visa application fee of AUD 1,600.

Step 7: Submit Biometrics (Where Necessary)

Some applicants could be requested to provide biometric information like fingerprints and photos at a specific Visa Application Centre.

Step 8: Await the Visa Decision

Once the application is submitted, it goes into processing. Normal processing of Australia study visa takes between 16 and 49 days, depending on the completeness of documents and the number of applications.

Step 9: Notice of Visa Granting

Upon approval, a notification of the visa grant will be sent to your ImmiAccount. Check in detail the conditions provided in the notice, such as the work rights, the course requirements, and the visa validity dates.

Also Read: How To Prepare for an Australia Immigration Interview: Student Visa

What Are the Latest Australia Study Visa Rules and Updates for 2026–2026?

The significant policy changes for Australia study visa requirements are:

• Jan 2026: CoE obligatory in case of student visa application.

• Mar 2024: GTE gets replaced by the Genuine Student requirement.

• May 2024: Financial requirement increased to AUD 29,710.

• Jul 2024: Visa fee increased to AUD 1,600

• Nov 2024: Visa processing ministerial direction.

• 2026: Student visa limit raised to 295,000.

What Is the Australia Study Visa Fee and How Much Does It Cost in Total in 2026?

The Subclass 500 visa application fee is AUD 1,600.

Estimated Total Cost

What Are the Latest Common Reasons for Australia Study Visa Rejection and How to Avoid Them?

An application to obtain an Australia study visa requirements can be refused for several reasons. Having the most frequent causes in mind will assist the applicants in preparing better documentation and help them to avoid other errors that can be avoided in the process.

The most popular causes of Australia study visa requirements rejection:

1. Poor Genuine Student (GS) Statement

An ambiguous or inadequately composed GS statement that fails to demonstrate why you followed the course and how it will be relevant to your academic background, or to help support your future career aspirations, can cast doubts on your intentions to study.

2. Inadequate Financial Evidence

The candidates should show sufficient financial abilities to meet the costs of tuition and living, travel, and insurance. Presenting a minimum amount of funds that is required or delivering ambiguous financial records can lead to rejection.

3. One of the Categories of Documents is Incomplete or Inconsistent

Lost documents, wrong information, or misaligned data of applications and other supporting documents may slow down processing or lead to refusal.

4. Poor or Poor English Test Result

Weakly submitting an English language test score that fails to satisfy the minimum visa or university requirements, or submitting an out-of-date score report, can hurt your application.

5. Unspecified Past Visa Refusal

The failure to reveal prior visa rejections in Australia or other destinations is regarded as a grave integrity concern and may result in an immediate rejection.

Also Read: Benefits of Studying in Australia: Complete Guide for Indian Students

What Are the Current Post-Study Work Options After an Australia Study Visa?

After completing your course, graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Work Rights by Qualification

Some STEM and healthcare courses offer extended work rights.

Graduates can later apply for skilled migration visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa (189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (190)

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)

How Can TerraTern Help You with Your Australia Study Visa Requirements in 2026?

The visa process can be made easier with the help of a professional.

Services include:

• University shortlisting

• SOP writing assistance

• Reviewing financial documents.

• Visa application support

• Pre-departure guidance

Students also have an opportunity to plan their visit to Australia.

2026 Industry Context Section

Australia increased its international student limit to 295,000 by 2026.

• CoE mandatory from January 2026

• Financial need is AUD 29 710/year.

• Visa fee increased to AUD 1,600

• IELTS minimum increased to 6.0

With professional advice, the success rate of the Indian student visa is estimated at 8590 per cent.

Conclusion

Australia remains among the most sought-after destinations among international students, which provides high-quality education, global career prospects, and post-study employment. To successfully apply to the Australia study visa Programme (2026), one will need to understand the Australia study visa requirements,s such as Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), minimum financial evidence of AUD 29,710, required IELTS score, and a powerful Genuine Student (GS) statement. Having new rules like the obligatory CoE and new visa fees, students have to make sure that their documentation is correct and complete upon applying. International students with proper preparations, proper application, and all the eligibility requirements have a great chance to obtain an Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) and commence their studies in Australia.

Contact TerraTern for more information on Australia study visa requirements.