Migration Overseas
Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Subclass 500

Study in Australia

World-class education at top-ranked universities. Work part-time during studies, get post-study work rights, and pathway to permanent residence.

48 hrs/Fortnight Work PR Pathway 2-4 Yr Post-Study Visa Genuine Student Test
7.5L+
Int'l Students
1.1L+
Indians
43
Universities
7
Top 100 Unis
Oct 2026 Update

New Rules on Family and Where You Apply

From 2 October 2026, Home Affairs changed who can apply in Australia and whether family can be included. Applications lodged before that date follow the earlier rules.

  • Most applicants cannot include a partner or children
  • Family cannot join later as subsequent entrants
  • Exemptions: PhD, DFAT or Defence sponsored, foreign government scholarship, eligible Pacific Island and ASEAN nationals
  • Most applications must be lodged from outside Australia
  • Visa charge from 1 July 2026: AUD 2,500
  • National Planning Level: 295,000 new overseas student commencements for 2026 and 2027. Applications are Priority 1 until a provider reaches 80% of its allocation, then are processed more slowly
Jan 2026 Update

India Moved to Highest Risk Level (Level 3)

Australia has shifted India to Evidence Level 3 under SSVF effective January 2026. Stricter scrutiny and additional documentation required.

  • Graduate visa age limit: Since 1 July 2024 the 485 limit is 35 or under at application. Under 50 only with a Masters by research or PhD (or a Hong Kong or BNO passport)
  • More extensive financial evidence required
  • Bank statements for 3+ months mandatory
  • Higher chances of interview requests
  • Longer processing times expected
  • Genuine applications still approved

Benefits of Studying

Australia offers world-class education with excellent career opportunities.

Top Universities

7 universities in world top 100. Globally recognized degrees.

Work Rights

Work 48 hours per fortnight. Full-time during breaks.

Post-Study Work

485 visa: 2 to 3 years work after graduation, or 2 to 4 years for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA.

PR Pathway

Direct pathway to permanent residence.

Scholarships

Various scholarships to reduce costs.

Indian Community

Large support network in all cities.

OSHC Coverage

Access to Australian healthcare.

Quality of Life

Safe cities, great weather, multicultural.

Visa Requirements

Complete checklist for Student Visa Subclass 500.

Academic Documents

  • 10th & 12th marksheets
  • Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
  • Academic transcripts
  • English medium certificate
  • Gap justification (if any)

English Proficiency

  • Visa minimum is an overall score only (tests on or after 7 August 2025)
  • IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 47, TOEFL iBT 67
  • C1 Advanced 161, CELPIP 7, LANGUAGECERT 61, MET 53, OET 1210
  • Lower scores apply with 10 or 20 weeks of packaged ELICOS
  • Universities often set higher entry scores

Financial Requirements

  • Tuition fees for first year
  • Living costs: AUD 29,710 for 12 months
  • Return airfare
  • School fees (only if an exemption allows children)
  • Bank statements (3-6 months)

Health & Character

  • Medical examination
  • Chest X-ray
  • Police clearance certificate
  • No serious health conditions
  • No criminal record

Insurance (OSHC)

  • Mandatory health cover
  • Cover entire visa duration
  • Approved OSHC providers only
  • Covers hospital & medical
  • Add family only if an exemption applies

Genuine Student (GS)

  • The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in March 2024. The GS requirement remains in effect.
  • Answer targeted questions (150 words each)
  • Why this course & why Australia?
  • Current circumstances & ties
  • PR intentions now allowed

Popular Courses

Top courses chosen by 1.2 Lakh+ Indian students.

Nursing & Healthcare

High demand profession with excellent salary. 22 Australian universities in QS top 200 for Nursing.

PR Pathway High Demand AUD 70-90K/yr

IT & Data Science

Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, AI/ML. Growing demand globally.

PR Pathway High Demand AUD 80-120K/yr

Accounting & Finance

CPA/CA pathway available. Strong career prospects with major accounting firms.

PR Pathway SOL Listed AUD 65-100K/yr

Engineering

Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering. Engineers Australia accredited.

PR Pathway High Demand AUD 75-110K/yr

MBA & Business

Global recognition, networking opportunities. Leadership roles in multinationals.

Career Growth AUD 90-150K/yr

Social Work

Direct PR pathway. High demand in regional areas. Make a real difference.

PR Pathway Regional Bonus AUD 65-85K/yr

Universities for Indians

World-ranked universities with strong Indian support.

#13 World

Uni of Melbourne

Melbourne, VIC

#19 World

Uni of Sydney

Sydney, NSW

#20 World

UNSW Sydney

Sydney, NSW

#30 World

ANU

Canberra, ACT

#40 World

Monash Uni

Melbourne, VIC

#43 World

Uni of Queensland

Brisbane, QLD

#77 World

UWA Perth

Perth, WA - Regional

#89 World

Uni of Adelaide

Adelaide, SA - Regional

Popular

Deakin Uni

Melbourne/Geelong

Popular

RMIT

Melbourne, VIC

Popular

UTS

Sydney, NSW

Popular

Curtin Uni

Perth, WA

Study Costs

Understand the investment for your education.

Tuition Fees (per year)

  • Bachelor's DegreeRs 15-30 Lakhs
  • Master's DegreeRs 18-35 Lakhs
  • MBA ProgramsRs 25-60 Lakhs
  • PhD/ResearchRs 20-35 Lakhs
  • Vocational (VET)Rs 8-15 Lakhs

Living Expenses (per year)

  • AccommodationRs 6-12 Lakhs
  • Food & GroceriesRs 3-5 Lakhs
  • TransportRs 80K-1.5L
  • Utilities & PhoneRs 50K-80K
  • OSHC InsuranceGet a current quote

These ranges are indicative planning estimates, not official figures. Confirm course fees with your education provider. Visa funds requirements are in the Requirements section.

Application Process

Your journey to studying in Australia.

1

Choose Course & University

Research courses, compare universities, check entry requirements and PR pathway potential.

2

Take English Test

Take IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall (PTE 47, TOEFL iBT 67), lower with packaged ELICOS. Universities often ask for more.

3

Apply to University

Submit application with documents. Accept offer and pay deposit to receive CoE.

4

Arrange Finances

Show funds for 12 months of tuition, living costs of AUD 29,710 and travel. Get an education loan if needed.

5

Apply for Visa

Lodge online from outside Australia (unless an onshore exemption applies) with CoE, financials, English scores, OSHC, and GS answers. Visa charge AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026.

6

Medical & Biometrics

Complete health examination at approved clinic. Check the Home Affairs processing time guide for current timeframes.

7

Visa Grant & Travel

Receive visa grant. Book flights, arrange accommodation. Begin your Australian journey!

Pathway to PR

How studying leads to permanent residence.

Student to PR Pathway

Graduate from Australian institution - Apply for 485 Post-Study Work Visa - Gain work experience - Apply for PR through skilled migration

Complete Studies

Minimum 2 years study in Australia.

Apply for 485

Post-study work visa: 2 to 3 years (2 to 4 for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA).

Gain Experience

Work in your skilled occupation.

Apply for PR

189/190/491 visa pathways.

Scholarships for Indians

Reduce your study costs with these opportunities.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australian Government funded scholarships for developing countries.

University Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships offered by Australian universities.

Destination Australia

Government program for study in regional Australia.

Research Scholarships

For Masters by Research and PhD students.

Family Members: New Rules

Rules for partners and children from 2 October 2026.

What Changed on 2 October 2026

Most Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children under 18, unless they meet an exemption. This also applies to further Student visa applications. Family members cannot apply later as subsequent entrants in any circumstance. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the earlier rules.

Adult Family Member AUD 1,530 (exemption only, from 1 July 2026)
Child Under 18 AUD 500 (exemption only, from 1 July 2026)

Exemptions to Include Family

  • Doctoral (PhD) students (not Master's by Research)
  • DFAT or Department of Defence sponsored students
  • Foreign government scholarship recipients (fully funded)
  • Eligible Pacific Island and ASEAN nationals
  • Limited cases for current Student visa holders whose family is already on their visa

Where You Must Apply

  • Most applications must be lodged from outside Australia
  • Onshore only under an exemption:
  • Up to 12 extra months to finish the main course
  • DFAT or Defence sponsored, PhD, or school study
  • Progressing to a higher AQF level, or provider default

Children

  • Can be included only if you meet a family exemption
  • A child born in Australia holds the same visa as the parent
  • A child aged 18 when the visa is finalised needs their own visa
  • Schooling costs: at least AUD 13,502/year per school-age child

Funds to Show (12 Months)

  • Student: AUD 29,710
  • Partner (exemption only): AUD 10,394
  • Each child (exemption only): AUD 4,449
  • Plus 12 months of course fees and travel

Student Guardian Visa

For parents accompanying minor students.

What is Student Guardian Visa?

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent or legal custodian to stay in Australia as a guardian for a student visa holder who is under 18 years old.

AUD 2,500
Visa Fee (from 1 July 2026)
Until 18
Valid Until Student's Birthday
Varies
Processing Time (see Home Affairs guide)
No
Work Rights

Who Can Apply?

  • Parent: Biological or adoptive
  • Legal Custodian: Court-appointed
  • Relative: Must be 21+ years old
  • Must provide genuine care and support
  • One guardian per student

Limitations

  • No work allowed in Australia
  • Study limited to 3 months only
  • Cannot change to work visa onshore
  • Must leave when student turns 18
  • Maximum 3-month absence allowed
  • From 2 October 2026, guardians holding most other temporary visas (for example a Visitor visa) must lodge the 590 from outside Australia. Current 590 holders can lodge a further 590 in Australia

Student Visa FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions.

What is the Subclass 500 student visa?

Subclass 500 is Australia's student visa for international students enrolled in full-time registered courses including vocational education, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.

What are the financial requirements?

You must show enough money for travel, 12 months of course fees and 12 months of living costs: AUD 29,710 for the student. Where an exemption allows family, add AUD 10,394 for a partner, AUD 4,449 for each child and at least AUD 13,502 per year in schooling costs for each school-age child.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Your enrollment must remain full-time.

What English score is required?

The visa asks for an overall score only. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 the minimum is IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 47, TOEFL iBT 67, C1 Advanced 161, CELPIP 7, LANGUAGECERT Academic 61, MET 53 or OET 1210, with lower scores if your course is packaged with 10 or 20 weeks of ELICOS. Your university or college may require a higher score.

What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

Since March 2024, the Genuine Student requirement has replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test. You must answer targeted questions (150 words each) demonstrating genuine intention to study, including why this course and your current circumstances. PR intentions are now allowed.

Can my family accompany me?

For most applicants, no. From 2 October 2026 you cannot include a partner or children unless you meet an exemption: PhD students, DFAT or Defence sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, eligible Pacific Island and ASEAN nationals, and limited cases for current Student visa holders. Family members cannot apply later as subsequent entrants in any circumstance.

Can student visa lead to PR?

While not directly, graduates can apply for Subclass 485 (Graduate Visa) for post-study work rights, then pursue skilled migration pathways like 189, 190, or employer sponsorship.

What is OSHC?

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory health insurance for student visa holders. You must maintain OSHC for your entire visa duration and include family members if applicable.

How long can I stay on student visa?

A Student visa can be granted for up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment. From 2 October 2026 most further Student visa applications must be lodged from outside Australia. You can apply in Australia only under an exemption, for example if you need up to 12 more months to finish your main course or are progressing to a course at a higher AQF level.

What happens if I fail or drop courses?

You must maintain enrollment conditions and satisfactory progress. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation. Contact your institution immediately if facing difficulties.

Ready to Study in Australia?

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