Student Visa Australia 2026: Eligibility, Process and Requirements

Student visa for Australia, officially called the Subclass 500 visa is needed to study in Australia. This visa allows you to stay in the country for the full duration of your course, which can be up to five years. It also lets you work part-time while studying, up to 48 hours every two weeks.  

Australia is one of the top destinations for Indian students, with over 120,000 currently enrolled. Australia offers top universities, safe living conditions, and strong career opportunities after graduation.  

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the student visa Australia 2025 process. It covers: who can apply, what documents are required, how much the visa costs, how long it takes, and common reasons why applications get rejected. This information is especially useful for Indian students applying for higher study in Australia.  

Planning your study abroad journey? Check out Australia study visa requirements  

Also check out SOP Format & Sample for Australia Student Visa   

What Is the Student Visa for Australia?

If you're planning to study in Australia, you will first have to apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500). The Student Visa Australia lets you stay in the country by the time you complete a full-time course at a registered university or college. 

The table below covers the key pointers you need to know about the Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500).

You can also bring your close family, like your husband, wife, or kids, if they meet the rules. This visa is a good choice if you want to study and also work part-time in Australia.

Types of Australian Student Visas

Australia gives international students three types of student visas. The most common one is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), which most full-time students apply for. The other two are for guardians and special training programs. 

The following are the 3 types of Student Visas Australia. 

Know details about post-study work visa in Australia here: Australia Post-Study Work Visa - Requirements, Types & more 

Now that we have seen the classification of the three types of Student Visas, let us know the eligibility criteria for the same.

Who Can Apply for an Australian Student Visa?

For being eligible to apply for the Student Visa Australia, following requirements are needed to be followed. 

The following requirements help ensure your visa approval with minimal issues. 

Application and Documentation Requirements

Applying for the Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) requires careful preparation. To avoid delays or rejection, international students must meet the Australia student visa requirements 2025 and provide complete documentation.  

Below is a breakdown of Australia student visa requirements 2025-26. 

While registering for an Australian student visa, make sure to have the following documents in hand to fulfill the Australia student visa requirements. 

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• GTE statement (why you want to study in Australia)
• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE score report
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Purpose (if required)
• Birth certificate or national ID
• Passport-size photo
• Medical or police checks (if asked)

After understanding the process and documentation, now we will understand the costing of Australian Student Visa.

Cost of Student Visa for Australia

Here’s what you need to pay for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500):

• AUD 710 (₹40,668) – for the main applicant
• AUD 530 (₹30,358) – if your partner is applying as a dependent
• AUD 175 (₹10,024) – for each child applying as a dependent

You need to pay this fee online through your ImmiAccount.

Payment can be done through credit card, debit card, PayPal, or UnionPay.

Other possible costs:

• Medical tests (if asked): Charges depend on the doctor and your country
• Police certificate (if needed): Cost varies by country
• Biometrics (if required): Local charges may apply

Note: This is to note that the Visa Fee won’t be refunded even if your visa is not approved.

Processing Time for Australian Student Visa

The processing time for Australian student visa (Subclass 500) can vary depending on your course type, nationality, and how complete your application is. On average, the Australia student visa processing time ranges from 3 to 12 weeks. 

The exact time depends on your course type and how complete your application is. For most higher education courses, it takes about 4 to 5 weeks. 

So, it’s a good idea to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your classes start, to avoid delays in the Australia student visa processing time. 

Common Reasons for Australian Student Visa Rejections

Getting an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) approved requires careful attention to detail. Even small mistakes can lead to a refusal. Below are the most common reasons for Australian student visa rejections that every applicant should avoid: 

• Incomplete form – If you skip any part of the form or forget to attach a document, your visa might not be accepted.
• Not enough money shown – You need to show that you have enough money to pay for your studies, travel, and living costs in Australia.
• Weak GTE letter – Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) letter should clearly explain why you want to study in Australia and that you plan to return home after your course.
• Poor marks or unrelated course – If your grades are low, or if the course you chose doesn’t match your past studies, your visa might be questioned.
• Low English test score – If your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score is below the required level, your visa can be rejected.
• Wrong or missing documents – If you upload the wrong file or forget to send something important, your application won’t go through.
• Health or police issues – Any serious health problem or a police record can also lead to rejection.

Tip: Take your time. Before you submit, check everything carefully. Make sure your documents are correct, your scores meet the requirements, and your GTE letter is strong and clear.

How Can upGrad Help You Get Your Australian Student Visa

Planning to study in Australia but not sure how to go about the visa process? upGrad makes it easier for you. Here’s how:

• 1-on-1 expert help – You get a personal counselor who guides you through every step of your visa process.
• Help with paperwork – From filling out forms to gathering all the required documents, upGrad helps you avoid common mistakes.
• GTE letter support – Experts help you write a strong Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) letter that clearly explains your goals and reasons to study in Australia.
• Mock interviews & prep – If needed, they help you get ready for any interviews with tips and practice questions.
• Support till approval – From start to finish, upGrad stays with you until your visa gets approved.

Book your free 1:1 counselling session now.

Conclusion

Getting a student visa Australia is not that hard. If you follow the steps, give the right papers, and stay honest in your answers, they are almost a full chance of getting the approval. Remember, the Australia student visa processing time can vary depending on your course type, the accuracy of your application, and how quickly you respond to visa office queries. 

Small mistakes, like missing documents or weak reasons for studying, may lead to delay and rejection. So, be careful and take your time to check everything. 

If you have any doubts, getting help from someone who knows the process can save you time and stress. Professional support can make your Australia student visa application smoother and stress-free.