Study in Australia is a dream for many international students. With the high quality of its world -class universities, vibrant multi -multicultural cities and life, it is no wonder that Australia is one of the top sites for higher education. However, before you can pack under your bag and head, you need to secure a student visa (subcontinent 500). In this blog, we will break the major requirements to get a student visa australia requirements in 2025, as well as tips to help you through the application process.
- Nomination confirmation (COE)
The first and most important requirement for a student visa is confirming the enrollment (COE) from an Australian education provider. This document confirms that you have been accepted in full-time Cricos-registered courses (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Foreign Students).
You’ll receive a CoE after:
Applying to an approved institution,
Meeting admission requirements,
Paying the required tuition deposit.
Without a CoE, you cannot apply for a subclass 500 visa.
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion assesses your true intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes. You must write a GTE statement that explains:
Why did you choose Australia and your specific course?
How does the course align with your past academic or professional background?
Your intentions after completing the course,
Ties to your home country (e.g., family, job prospects).
Immigration authorities use this statement to determine whether you’re likely to use the student visa to enter Australia for genuine study purposes and not for migration alone.
3. English Language Proficiency
Unless you are from an English-speaking country or have recently completed studies in English, you must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as:
IELTS (minimum overall band score of 5.5),
TOEFL iBT (score of 46),
PTE Academic (score of 42),
Cambridge English (Advanced) – overall score of 162.
Some universities may have higher score requirements depending on your course.
4. Financial Requirements
You need to prove you have enough money to cover:
Tuition fees,
Living expenses (approximately AUD 24,505 per year as of 2025),
Travel costs to and from Australia.
There are two ways to demonstrate financial capacity:
Funds evidence: Showing personal bank statements, loan documents, or financial support from a parent or sponsor.
Annual income option: Showing evidence that your parent or spouse has an annual income of at least AUD 87,856.
5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. This helps cover:
Doctor visits,
Hospital care,
Limited pharmaceuticals,
Emergency ambulance.
You must purchase OSHC before your visa is granted. Many universities offer assistance with this or have partnerships with OSHC providers like Bupa, Allianz, or Medibank.
6. Health and Character Requirements
Health Checks:
Depending on your country of origin and length of stay, you may need a medical examination or chest x-ray. These are conducted by approved panel physicians.
Character Requirements:
You must provide a police clearance certificate (or similar documentation) to prove you have no substantial criminal record. A visa may be denied if there is evidence of past serious criminal conduct.
7. Visa Application Fee and Processing
As of June 2025, the student visa fee is approximately AUD 710. Processing times vary:
Higher education visas: around 4–6 weeks,
Vocational education visas: 6–10 weeks.
Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or further checks are required.
8. Additional Tips for a Smooth Application
Start Early: Begin your application process at least 4–6 months before your course start date.
Double-Check Documents: Ensure all documents (passport, CoE, financials, English test, etc.) are clear, accurate, and up to date.
Consider a Migration Agent: Especially if your case is complex, a registered migration agent can offer guidance and increase your chances of success.
Stay Updated: Immigration policies change frequently, so always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.
What Happens After the Visa is Granted?
Once your visa is approved, you're allowed to:
Enter Australia up to 90 days before your course begins,
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods (as of the latest rules in 2025),
Stay for up to 5 years, depending on your course duration.
After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) if you wish to stay and work in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a student visa to Australia can seem daunting, but understanding the requirements and preparing your documents carefully can make the process smoother. Whether you're pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate, meeting the visa criteria is the first step toward a transformative academic and cultural experience in Australia.
