Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500): Requirements, Fees and Application Process for Indian Students

What Is the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Australian Student visa (subclass 500) allows eligible international students to study an approved course in Australia. It can also permit eligible holders to travel to and from Australia while the visa remains valid, subject to its conditions.

For Indian students, applying for a student visa australia involves more than receiving an offer from a university. Applicants must satisfy the relevant immigration requirements, provide the required evidence and demonstrate that their proposed study meets the visa criteria.

The visa may cover eligible courses across different education levels, including school education, vocational education and training, higher education and postgraduate research. Your eligibility and required documents depend on your course, circumstances and the rules applicable when you apply.

Who needs a subclass 500 visa?

Indian citizens planning to undertake an eligible course in Australia generally need an appropriate student visa unless a specific exemption applies.

The subclass 500 visa is relevant to students who intend to pursue programmes such as:

• School education, including eligible secondary-school programmes.

• Foundation or pathway programmes.

• Vocational education and training.

• Bachelor's degrees.

• Master's degrees by coursework or research.

• Doctoral and other eligible research programmes.

• Eligible English-language courses.

The exact eligibility conditions vary. Confirm that your intended course and education provider are eligible for international students.

What changed in October 2026?

Australian student visa application rules changed from 2 October 2026. These changes affect who can apply for or be granted a student visa while already in Australia, as well as the circumstances in which family members can be included in an application.

Most applicants must apply from outside Australia unless they hold an eligible visa and meet an applicable exemption. Some visa holders cannot apply for a student visa from within Australia.

If you are an Indian student applying from India, this change reinforces the importance of following the current offshore application process. If you are already in Australia on another visa, check the official rules before making plans to change your visa status.

Review the latest Student visa subclass 500 requirements before proceeding.

Australia Student Visa Requirements After Class 12

Students planning to study in Australia after Class 12 need to satisfy both the admission criteria of their chosen institution and the immigration requirements for the student visa.

These are separate assessments. Meeting a university's admission requirements does not automatically mean your visa will be approved.

Academic and enrolment requirements

Your first step is to identify a suitable course and confirm that you meet its entry requirements.

Depending on your programme, the university or education provider may assess:

• Class 10 and Class 12 academic records.

• Required subjects and minimum academic performance.

• English-language proficiency.

• Additional entrance tests, portfolios or interviews, where applicable.

• Any course-specific prerequisites.

For example, a student applying for an undergraduate engineering programme may need to demonstrate that their previous studies satisfy the institution's mathematics and science requirements. Another programme may have different subject prerequisites.

There is no single Class 12 percentage that guarantees admission to every Australian university or guarantees a student visa. Always check the criteria for the specific course and intake.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Once an education provider accepts your application and you complete the required enrolment steps, it will generally issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

A valid CoE for an eligible full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is generally required for a subclass 500 application.

Before proceeding, confirm:

• The course name and duration.

• The education provider and campus.

• The course commencement date.

• The tuition fees and payment arrangements.

• That your enrolment details are accurate and current.

You can verify eligible courses and providers through the official CRICOS register.

English-language requirements

You may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test, unless an applicable exemption or alternative evidence arrangement applies.

Accepted test types and minimum scores depend on the rules in force when you apply. Your education provider may also impose academic admission requirements that differ from the visa's English-language criteria.

Do not assume that meeting the university's English-language requirement automatically satisfies the visa requirement. Check both sets of criteria and ensure that your test result is valid for the intended purpose.

Genuine Student requirement

Applicants must satisfy Australia's Genuine Student requirement. This assessment considers whether studying is the primary reason for seeking the student visa and whether the applicant's circumstances and proposed course are credible.

Prepare to explain your educational background, reasons for selecting the course and provider, understanding of the course, and how the qualification fits your future plans.

Your answers should be truthful, specific and consistent with your supporting documents. Avoid copying generic statements or making claims that you cannot substantiate.

Financial capacity, health and character

Depending on your circumstances and the document checklist, you may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, travel and eligible accompanying family members.

Applicants must also meet the applicable health and character requirements. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is generally required for the relevant period of stay unless an exemption applies.

Use the Department of Home Affairs' official document checklist to identify what applies to your situation.

Australia Visa Fees, Financial Requirements and Processing Time

Financial preparation is an important part of the application process. Your budget should include the visa application charge, education costs and the expenses of preparing to live in Australia.

Australia visa fees: How much does subclass 500 cost?

The official subclass 500 visa page currently lists the main applicant charge as starting at AUD 2,500. Limited concessions may apply to eligible categories, and additional charges may apply to family members included in an eligible application.

The final amount payable should be checked through the Australian Government's official visa pricing information immediately before lodging your application.

Your total application-related budget may also include:

• Medical examinations, if required.

• Police certificates, where applicable.

• Biometrics, if requested.

• English-language tests.

• Document preparation or translation.

• OSHC.

• Tuition deposits and other enrolment-related payments.

Some of these expenses are separate from the visa charge. Do not assume that paying the visa fee covers all the costs of applying to study in Australia.

How much money must Indian students show?

The Department of Home Affairs currently lists a minimum 12-month living-cost amount of AUD 29,710 for a student. Depending on the applicable requirements, applicants may also need to demonstrate access to funds for travel, course fees and relevant expenses for accompanying family members.

This is a visa financial-capacity figure, not a guarantee that AUD 29,710 will cover every student's actual living expenses for a year.

Your real budget will depend on your city, accommodation, lifestyle and course fees. Research housing and everyday expenses before deciding whether your plan is financially sustainable.

Evidence of financial capacity may include eligible bank deposits, education loans, scholarships or other accepted forms of financial support. Where required, applicants must demonstrate genuine access to the funds and provide supporting evidence of their source.

A large balance appearing suddenly in a bank account may not, by itself, explain where the money came from. Keep clear records of savings, income, education loans and financial support.

Practical budgeting tip: Prepare two separate estimates: the funds required to satisfy the visa criteria and the total amount your education and living arrangements are likely to cost. Use the higher, realistic budget for financial planning.

Australia student visa processing time

The Australia student visa processing time varies depending on the application, the volume of applications being processed, document completeness, verification requirements and other factors.

The Department of Home Affairs publishes a visa processing-time guide based on recently decided applications. This is an indication of recent processing experience, not a promise about how quickly your individual application will be decided.

Processing may take longer if:

• Required documents are missing or incorrect.

• The department requests further information.

• Health, character or other checks require additional time.

• Information needs to be verified.

• Application volumes or processing priorities change.

Check the official visa processing-time guide before planning your application timeline.

Apply well in advance of your course commencement date. Do not book non-refundable flights or make major travel commitments based on an assumed visa approval date.

How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa and Prepare for Travel

Once you have selected an eligible course and understand the requirements, follow a structured application process.

Step 1: Choose your course and education provider

Research institutions based on course content, academic eligibility, total costs and career objectives. Confirm that your selected course is suitable for an international student visa application.

Step 2: Receive your CoE

Complete the provider's admission and enrolment requirements. Obtain the necessary Confirmation of Enrolment and check that its details match your intended study plans.

Step 3: Gather your supporting documents

Prepare the documents relevant to your application. These may include:

• A valid passport.

• Confirmation of Enrolment.

• Academic transcripts and certificates.

• English-language evidence, if required.

• Financial-capacity evidence, where required.

• OSHC details.

• Genuine Student responses and supporting documents.

• Health, character or other documents requested by the department.

The precise checklist depends on your circumstances. Use the official online document checklist rather than relying exclusively on a generic list.

Step 4: Submit your application online

Student visa applications are generally submitted online through ImmiAccount. Complete the application carefully, answer all questions truthfully and attach the required documents.

Check the application-location rules that apply to you, especially if you are already in Australia or are considering changing from another visa.

Step 5: Pay the applicable fee

Pay the correct visa application charge and any applicable additional charges. An application cannot be processed properly if the required payment has not been made.

Retain your payment confirmation and application reference for future communication.

Step 6: Complete any additional requirements

Follow instructions concerning medical examinations, biometrics, character checks or requests for further evidence. Respond within the specified timeframe.

Submitting a complete and accurate application can help avoid preventable delays, although it cannot guarantee a particular decision date or outcome.

Step 7: Wait for the decision before making firm travel plans

Monitor your application through the official channels and check any correspondence from the department. Do not assume that an application submission or university offer means your visa has been approved.

Once a decision is made, read the visa grant notification and understand the conditions attached to your visa.

Australia international students travel: What to prepare before departure

After your visa is granted, begin preparing for your move. Australia international students travel planning should cover more than booking a flight.

Before departure:

• Check your visa validity, travel permissions and conditions.

• Confirm your course start date and university orientation arrangements.

• Arrange accommodation and airport transport.

• Keep your passport, visa grant notification, CoE and essential documents accessible.

• Confirm that your OSHC arrangements meet the applicable requirements.

• Plan for initial living expenses, local transport and communication.

• Understand any conditions concerning work, enrolment and course progress.

After arriving, follow your education provider's instructions, including any requirement to update your residential address. Maintain enrolment and comply with the conditions attached to your visa.

How StudyArk can help with your study plans

Choosing a course, comparing universities and understanding application requirements can be challenging when you are planning an international move.

Our Australia destination guide can help you explore study options and take the next step in your university research. Review the available information before finalising your shortlist and verify all immigration requirements through official Australian Government sources.

Visit Australia study guide to explore your options.