Student (Subclass 500) — StudyVerified 2026-04-19

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student visa (subclass 500) is Australia's primary pathway for Indian students. You can study a full-time eligible course at a CRICOS-registered institution, bring immediate family, and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount with a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Australia grants digital visas — no sticker in your passport.

Processing

Variable by course level and applicant profile — use the Visa Processing Time Guide Tool on homeaffairs

Stay Duration

Up to 6 years (aligned with the length of your enrolled course)

Starting Fee

AUD 2,000

Apply At

11 VFS centres

Special Instructions — Read Before Applying

These requirements apply to ALL Australia visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.

1All Indian applicants MUST apply online via ImmiAccount — there is no paper form, no VFS lodgement. VFS Global is only the biometrics collection agent in India.
2Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay. Renew BEFORE applying if expiry is within 6 months.
3Australia does NOT place a visa sticker in your passport. Your visa is digitally linked to your passport — verify via VEVO after grant.
4You must be OUTSIDE Australia when you apply AND when the visa is decided (for most visitor and temporary visas).
5Be a 'genuine visitor' — you must intend to return to your home country. Australia's Department of Home Affairs scrutinises this closely for Indian applicants.
6Health requirement: you may need a medical examination (chest X-ray, general health check) at a Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physician. Bupa is the only authorised provider in India.
7Character requirement: police clearance certificate (PCC) from the passport office may be required if you've spent 12+ months in any country in the last 10 years.
8'No Further Stay' condition 8503 is commonly attached to visitor visas — if attached, you cannot apply for another visa while in Australia. Check your grant letter carefully.
9Visitor visa holders: be aware of recent laws restricting 'visa hopping' to the Student visa program — you generally cannot switch to Student visa while in Australia on a Visitor visa.
10From 1 July 2022, Student visas are subject to condition 8208 (Critical Technology) — certain study/research areas require additional scrutiny.
11From 14 November 2025, applications are assessed under Ministerial Direction 115 (replacing Direction 111) — the 'Genuine Student' (GS) test replaces the old 'Genuine Temporary Entrant' (GTE) test.
12Condition 8202 requires you to maintain enrolment, satisfactory attendance, and satisfactory course progress — breaches can lead to visa cancellation.
13Primary school children (years 1–4) will generally only be granted a Student visa for a maximum 3-year period.

Who Can Apply

Indian citizens aged 6+ accepted into a CRICOS-registered full-time course (school, ELICOS, VET, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, research)
Applicants with a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course in their package
Dependent family members (partner + children under 18) of a primary student applicant
Subsequent entrants — family members joining a student visa holder already in Australia

Not eligible under this visa:

Applicants without a valid CoE when the Department decides the visa
Applicants who do not meet the 'genuine student' requirement (GS) under Ministerial Direction 115
Applicants under 18 without approved welfare arrangements
Anyone with significant unpaid debts to the Australian Government

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Fees (in INR)

Item	Amount	Notes
Student visa (subclass 500) — main applicant	AUD 2,000	≈ ₹1,10,000 at current rates. Increased from AUD 1,600 on 1 July 2024, and further from 1 July 2025.
Family member 18+ (charge 2)	AUD 1,500 (approx.)	Per adult family member included in the application. Exact amount depends on application date — use the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Family member under 18 (charge 3)	AUD 370 (approx.)	Per child.
Subsequent entrant (family joining later)	AUD 2,000 (approx.)	Each subsequent entrant pays the main applicant rate when applying later via ImmiAccount.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)	₹30,000–60,000/year	Mandatory. Purchase from Bupa, Medibank, Allianz, nib, ahm or similar before visa lodgement.
Biometrics	₹1,850	Collected at VFS Global India.
Health check (Bupa Medical)	₹4,500–6,000	Chest X-ray + medical assessment. Mandatory for stays over 6 months.

All charges are set in AUD by the Department of Home Affairs and paid online via ImmiAccount. The INR amount depends on your credit card's exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: OSHC health insurance (mandatory), biometrics, health check, police clearance (if requested), document translations (NAATI), English language test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL), and in some cases GTE/GS statement preparation. A lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens — Indian applicants pay the full rate.

Documents Required

Study Documents (most critical)

!
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for every course in your package
Issued by your CRICOS-registered education provider after you accept the offer and pay the deposit. Required at time of application AND at time of decision — if cancelled, your visa may be refused.
!
English language proficiency evidence
IELTS (typically 5.5–6.5 depending on course), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge, or OET. Some exemptions apply (e.g., study in English, citizen of exempt country, certain diplomas).
!
Statement of Purpose (SOP) — Genuine Student (GS) statement
Mandatory under Ministerial Direction 115 (from 14 Nov 2025). Explains course choice, career plans, ties to India, and intent to return. This replaced the old 'Genuine Temporary Entrant' (GTE) test.
!
Academic transcripts + qualification certificates
All previous education — 10th, 12th, diploma, degree, PG, etc. English translations if needed.

Financial Documents

!
Evidence of funds for tuition + living costs + travel
As per Department requirements — currently AUD 29,710 per year living costs (from 10 May 2024) + annual tuition + AUD 2,500 travel. Bank statements, FD, education loan sanction letter, sponsor affidavit all accepted.
○
Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
From a recognised Indian bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Union, Canara, PNB, Credila, Avanse, etc.). Include disbursement schedule.
○
Sponsor documents (parent/relative funding the study)
Sponsor's affidavit, ITRs (3 years), bank statements (6 months), salary slips, property papers, business financials.
○
Applicant's ITRs (if employed)

Health Insurance (OSHC)

!
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Purchase BEFORE lodging visa. Covers the entire course duration plus buffer. Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care, nib, ahm are the main providers.

Core Personal Documents

!
Valid passport
Valid for entire course duration. Renew if expiring soon.
!
Passport-style photograph
!
Birth certificate
For all applicants including family members.
○
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
If including partner as dependent.
○
Children's birth certificates (if applicable)

Health & Character

!
Health examination at Bupa Medical Visa Services
Chest X-ray + medical. Bupa is the sole authorised provider in India. Book HAP ID from ImmiAccount first.
○
Police clearance certificate (PCC)
If requested — usually for applicants who've spent 12+ months in another country in the last 10 years.
!
Biometrics at VFS Global India
Fingerprints + facial photo after the Department instructs.
!
Australian Values Statement
Signed declaration in ImmiAccount — you agree to respect Australian values and laws.

For Minors (Under 18)

!
Welfare arrangements
Either: (a) accompanied by a parent on Student Guardian visa (subclass 590), (b) live with an eligible relative approved by the Department, or (c) the education provider's approved welfare arrangements (CAAW letter).
!
Parental consent (Form 1229)
Signed by non-travelling parent(s).
!
Birth certificate

For Students Including Family

○
Partner / dependent child details
Declare ALL family members at the time of lodgement — even if they're not travelling with you. Failure to declare blocks them from joining you later.
○
Relationship evidence (for partner)
Marriage certificate, joint bank account, photographs, communication records, shared accommodation.
○
Annual school fees evidence (if child is school-age)
Dependent children in Australia need to attend school — factor public/private school fees into your funds evidence.

! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable

🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process

Get your CoE from an Australian institution

Apply to a CRICOS-registered university/college, receive offer letter, pay initial deposit (usually 1 semester), and obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course in your package.

Purchase OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

Mandatory before visa lodgement. Buy online from Bupa/Medibank/Allianz/nib/ahm for the full course duration + buffer.

Prepare Genuine Student (GS) statement + supporting docs

Write a clear Statement of Purpose explaining course choice, career plan, how the course aligns with your India-based career, and strong ties to India. Replaces the old GTE under Ministerial Direction 115 (effective 14 Nov 2025).

Create an ImmiAccount

Visit online.immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create your account. This is Australia's only official application portal.

Start the online application + request HAP ID

Select 'Student visa (subclass 500)'. Complete the form sections. Request a Health Assessment Pass (HAP) ID for Bupa Medical.

Complete health exam at Bupa Medical Visa Services

Chest X-ray + medical. Bupa sends results directly to the Department — no paper copy needed.

Upload all documents + pay VAC

Upload CoE, English test, transcripts, SOP/GS statement, funds evidence, OSHC certificate, passport, photo. Pay AUD 2,000 VAC via international credit/debit card.

Give biometrics at VFS Global India

Book the nearest VFS centre (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jalandhar) — fingerprints + facial photo.

Respond promptly to any requests for more information

Log into ImmiAccount regularly. The Department may ask for additional documents, English test, or a Genuine Student interview. Respond within deadline.

Visa decision — digital grant

Decision comes by email. Your visa is digitally linked to your passport — verify via VEVO. NO sticker in passport.

Download Official Forms

Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.

📋 How to download from VFS:

Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device

ImmiAccount — Online Application Portal

Australia's official online visa application portal. ALL Australian visas for Indian applicants must be lodged here — no paper forms, no VFS lodgement. Create your ImmiAccount, select the visa subclass, pay online, and upload documents.

Department of Home Affairs — Official Website

Authoritative source for all Australian visa information. Includes Visa Finder tool, Visa Pricing Estimator, Visa Processing Time Guide, and health requirement details.

Visa Finder Tool

If you're unsure which visa is right for you — answer a few questions and the tool recommends matching visa subclasses.

VEVO — Visa Entitlement Verification Online

After visa grant, use VEVO to check your visa conditions, stay period, and entry rights. Australia grants digital visas only — no sticker in passport.

VFS Application Centres

ImmiAccount online (primary for Indian applicants)VFS Global Biometrics — New DelhiVFS Global Biometrics — MumbaiVFS Global Biometrics — BengaluruVFS Global Biometrics — ChennaiVFS Global Biometrics — KolkataVFS Global Biometrics — HyderabadVFS Global Biometrics — AhmedabadVFS Global Biometrics — ChandigarhVFS Global Biometrics — JalandharAustralian High Commission — New Delhi (1/50 G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, 110021)

Visa Eligibility Check

Answer 10 questions to see your likelihood of approval. Embassies look for the same core factors across visa types — financial strength, clear purpose, genuine intent to return.

0 / 10

How clear is your purpose of visit?

How long is your planned stay?

Travel history to developed countries?

Any previous visa refusals?

Employment / income source?

3-month average bank balance?

Income Tax Returns history?

Travel bookings status?

Ties to India (reasons you'll return)?

Travelling with?

Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.

💡 Pro Tips

Apply at least 12 weeks before your course start date — Student visa processing times have become longer since the introduction of Ministerial Direction 115 (14 November 2025).
Your CoE MUST be valid both at the time you apply and when the visa is decided — don't defer or cancel after lodgement without first checking with a registered migration agent.
The Genuine Student (GS) statement is the single most important document — invest serious effort. Address: course choice rationale, career plan, value of Australian qualification, ties to India, and post-study intent.
Include ALL family members on your application even if they aren't travelling with you — undeclared family cannot join you later as subsequent entrants.
OSHC must cover the ENTIRE course period plus a buffer. Under-insuring is a common reason for visa cancellation after arrival.
Work rights start only when your course commences — don't work before your first class or you breach condition 8104/8105.
From 22 March 2025, a lower visa cost (~AUD 200) applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens — Indian applicants pay the full AUD 2,000.
ImmiAccount is the ONLY way to apply — you'll create an account, complete the 101-part online form, upload documents, and pay by international credit/debit card (AUD).
Documents to upload: passport bio-page, photo, ITR (2-3 years), bank statements (6 months), employment letter with leave approval, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, invitation letter (if applicable), previous visa/travel history.
The Department can make decisions WITHOUT requesting further information — submit the most complete application first time. Use Form 956/956A if someone else is helping you apply.

Common Rejection Reasons

1.Failing the 'genuine student' (GS) requirement under Ministerial Direction 115 — vague career plan, poor course-choice rationale, mismatch with past study/work
2.Insufficient funds — living cost benchmark not met, or funds not held for required period
3.CoE cancelled or course lapsed before decision
4.English test below required threshold for the course level
5.Gaps in academic or employment history not explained
6.Previous visa refusals (any country) not disclosed
7.Welfare arrangements not approved (for minors under 18)
8.Health requirement not met (rare but possible for specific conditions)
9.Character/PCC issues — undisclosed criminal record or overstays

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to show for the Student visa?+

From 10 May 2024, the living cost benchmark is AUD 29,710 per year for the primary applicant (plus AUD 10,394 for partner, AUD 4,449 per child), PLUS 12 months of tuition, PLUS AUD 2,500 travel. So for a Masters at AUD 35,000/year tuition, you'd show roughly AUD 67,000 (~₹37 lakhs) for year 1 alone. Education loan sanction letters are fully accepted.

Can I work while studying on a Student visa?+

Yes — up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is IN SESSION (from 1 July 2023). Unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Masters by research and PhD students (and their family) have no work limit. You cannot start working until your course has commenced.

What is the 'Genuine Student' (GS) test?+

From 14 November 2025, the GS test replaces the old 'Genuine Temporary Entrant' (GTE) test under Ministerial Direction 115. You must convince the Department that you're a genuine student — clear course choice rationale, career goals aligned with the course, ties to India, and intent to return after studies. A written GS statement is mandatory.

Can I bring my family to Australia on a Student visa?+

Yes. Your partner and dependent children under 18 can be included in your application. You must declare ALL family members even if they won't travel with you — otherwise they cannot join you as subsequent entrants later. School-age children must attend school (public or private fees apply).

Can I extend my Student visa from within Australia?+

You can apply for a NEW Student visa from within Australia if you need to continue studying — you don't 'extend' the existing visa. If your current visa expires before graduation, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) for a short gap, or a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after completing a qualifying course.

What happens after I graduate?+

If you've completed a qualifying Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree (normally 2+ years), you can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to stay and work in Australia for 2–6 years depending on qualification level. This is a common pathway toward permanent residence. Refer to a MARA-registered migration agent for 485 and PR pathways.

What is OSHC and which provider should I pick?+

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory private health insurance for international students in Australia. Approved providers: Bupa, Medibank (ahm), Allianz Care, nib, and a few others. Prices vary — compare coverage and premiums. Must be purchased BEFORE visa lodgement for your entire course duration.

What if my course is cancelled or I fail?+

If your education provider defaults (closes/loses registration), you must get a CoE from a new provider — refer to the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). If YOU fail or defer, notify your provider and the Department via ImmiAccount. Breaching condition 8202 (course progress) can lead to cancellation. Always respond within the deadline.

Let us prepare your Australia Student Visa — (Subclass 500) application

Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.

Other Australia Visa Types

Visitor (Subclass 600) — Tourist Stream

Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600 — Tourist Stream)

Australian visitor visa for Indian citizens travelling to Australia for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and relatives. Typically 3, 6 or 12 months stay.

Visitor (Subclass 600) — Business Visitor Stream

Australia Business Visa (Subclass 600 — Business Visitor Stream)

Australian business visitor visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploratory business visits. Paid employment is NOT permitted.

Visitor (Subclass 600) — Sponsored Family Stream

Australia Sponsored Family Visa (Subclass 600 — Sponsored Family Stream)

Australian visitor visa for Indian citizens visiting close relatives who are Australian citizens/PR holders and who sponsor the application. An Assurance of Support may be required.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — Not for Indian passport holders

Australia Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — Informational

The ETA (subclass 601) is Australia's quick online visa for tourism/business visits, but it is NOT available to Indian passport holders. Indian citizens must apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.

eVisitor (Subclass 651) — European passports only

Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651) — Informational

eVisitor (subclass 651) is a free online visa for short visits to Australia, but it is exclusively for European passport holders. Indian citizens are NOT eligible — apply for subclass 600 instead.

Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) — Informational

Australia Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) — Informational

Informational guide. The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows young Indians aged 18–30 to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, but India has a ballot-based quota. SureshotVisa does not process work visas.

Working Holiday (Subclass 417) — Not for Indian passport holders

Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) — Informational

Informational guide. The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is NOT available to Indian passport holders. Indian citizens should refer to the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) via the annual ballot.

Student Guardian (Subclass 590)

Australia Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) allows an Indian parent, custodian, or close relative aged 21+ to come to Australia to provide care and support for a student visa holder under 18 (or in exceptional cases, 18+).

Source & Disclaimer

Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Australia website and Embassy of Australia. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.