Australia Student Visa: Application and Requirements

Your Australian education provider issues a CoE after you accept your offer and pay the initial tuition deposit. The CoE contains your course details, duration, and tuition costs. You need a CoE from a CRICOS-registered institution. Multiple CoEs are required if you are studying at more than one institution or taking a package of courses.

OSHC is mandatory for the entire length of your student visa. Purchase from an approved provider (Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, nib, or ahm). OSHC costs approximately 500-700 AUD per year for a single student. Cover must start from the day you arrive in Australia or your course start date, whichever is earlier. Your provider can be changed later without penalty.

You must show access to 24,505 AUD per year for living costs plus tuition fees and travel costs. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, government loans, scholarships, or financial declarations from family. If accompanied by family, add 8,574 AUD per year for a partner and 3,670 AUD per child. Funds must be genuinely available and accessible.

You must demonstrate you are a genuine student who intends to study and comply with visa conditions. The application includes written questions about why you chose this course, institution, and Australia. Explain your academic background, how the course connects to your career goals, and your plans after completing studies. Immigration officers assess your study intentions, financial circumstances, and immigration history.

Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (minimum 5.5 overall), TOEFL iBT (minimum 46), PTE Academic (minimum 36), and Cambridge C1 Advanced (minimum 162). Some institutions require higher scores for admission. Test results are typically valid for 2 years. You can use your institution's English requirement if it is equal to or higher than the visa requirement.

You may be exempt if you are a citizen of the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland. You are also exempt if you completed at least 5 years of study in English in one of these countries or Australia. Your institution may confirm English proficiency through prior studies conducted entirely in English. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the full list of exemptions.

Create an account at online.immi.gov.au and select the Student visa (subclass 500) application. The form collects personal details, education history, employment history, and health and character declarations. Upload all supporting documents as certified PDF scans. The application fee is 710 AUD for the primary applicant.

The online application includes specific questions about your study plans. Explain your reasons for choosing this course and institution, your understanding of the course content, how it relates to your previous study or work, and your future career plans. Provide specific, detailed answers. Generic or vague responses raise concerns about your genuine intent to study.

Applicants from certain countries are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated collection point. The Department notifies you after submission if biometrics are needed. Attend the appointment within 14 days of the request. Biometrics fees are included in the visa application charge.

Most student visa applicants must complete a health examination. The Department generates a referral through eMedical in your ImmiAccount. Book an appointment with an approved panel physician in your country. The exam includes a general physical, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Costs range from 300-500 AUD. Results are sent directly to the Department and typically take 3-5 business days.

Processing times vary by country and individual circumstances. Applications from lower-risk countries are often processed in 2-4 weeks. Applications requiring additional assessment or from higher-risk countries can take 6-12 weeks. You can check processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. Providing complete documentation upfront significantly reduces delays.

The Department may request additional documents, an interview, or further health checks. You typically have 28 days to respond to a request. Late responses can result in your application being decided on available information, which may lead to refusal. Check your ImmiAccount regularly for correspondence.

Contact your OSHC provider upon arrival to activate your cover and obtain your membership card or number. OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, some prescription medicines, and ambulance services. It does not cover dental, optical, or pre-existing conditions during the first 12 months. Visit a GP to register for ongoing healthcare.

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Apply for a TFN at ato.gov.au before starting work. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate. Processing takes 10-28 days. You also receive superannuation contributions from employers, which you can claim when you leave Australia.

You must maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance (typically 80% or above). You must maintain valid OSHC for your entire stay. Notify your institution within 7 days if you change your Australian address. Breaching visa conditions can result in visa cancellation. After completing your degree, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for 2-4 years of post-study work rights. This guide is informational only, not legal advice.