Student visa (subclass 500)

The purpose of the Student visa is to allow international students to undertake full-time education and training in Australia. This visa enables a student to stay in Australia for the duration of the relevant course. The student must enrol, or in some cases have a letter of offer, with an Australian education provider before lodging a visa application.

How to choose the best course to study in Australia?

Student visa changes from 2 October 2026: For applications lodged on or after 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders in Australia can no longer apply for a Student visa onshore, and current Student visa holders can only apply for another Student visa in Australia if an exemption applies (for example, moving to a higher AQF level course, a PhD, or needing up to 12 more months with the same provider). Most new applicants can also no longer include a partner or children, and family members can no longer be added later as subsequent entrants. Read the details in Student visa changes from 2 October 2026.

The minimum requirements for this visa are set out below:

Student visa assessment

The exact requirements for this visa will depend upon the level of risk assigned to your application (the ‘Immigration Risk’), which is a combined immigration risk assessment determined by the risk rating of the education provider and your passport nationality.

University Courses to PR Trade Courses to PR

As the visa applicant, you must:

enrol with an Australian education provider as a full-time student, and obtain written confirmation of this enrolment (predominantly on-line courses are not eligible)
be a genuine student who intends to complete the relevant period of study in Australia
have the required level of English language proficiency unless exempt
have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia
have access to sufficient funds to cover your return airfares, tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia, as well as costs required for any dependents included in your application.
if you are in Australia, hold a visa that allows you to apply onshore (visitor and 485 visa holders cannot, and from 2 October 2026 most other temporary visa holders cannot either) and include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with your application

Student visa English requirements

Since 23 March 2024 the minimum English score for a Student visa is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent). It is IELTS 5.5 with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS or an eligible foundation or pathway program, and IELTS 5.0 with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS. Students studying English only through a standalone ELICOS course do not need a test score. From 7 August 2025 new test scores and additional tests apply (see the table below).

The exact amount of funds a student requires is set by the Department of Home Affairs, and is determined by your chosen education provider, your course of study and other personal circumstances. Please contact us for further details. For 12 months the current amounts are $29,710 for the student, $10,394 for a partner, $4,449 for each child and at least $13,502 per year in schooling costs for each school-age child, plus course fees and travel costs. Alternatively, you can show that your parents or partner earned at least $87,856 in the last 12 months ($102,500 if family members are included).

Related: Student visa funds calculator

Student visa assessment

APPLICATION PROCESS

You must first be enrolled in a full-time course at an Australian education provider, and obtain written confirmation of your enrolment (CoE) from that provider. We will then prepare and lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. The main criterion is that you meet the requirements referred to above, the exact nature of which will depend upon your passport nationality and the education provider requirements. You must also meet the relevant health and character requirements.

Once Home Affairs has granted your visa, you may enter into (or remain in) Australia in order to undertake your course of study. Whilst studying, you must work no more than 48 hours per fortnight whilst your course is in session, and for your initial visa only commence work once your course has commenced. Different work provisions apply to higher education research Masters and Doctoral level courses please discuss with us if appropriate. You should also check the work allowance for any dependents on your application if appropriate.

PLEASE NOTE: We estimate that it may take several weeks to prepare and lodge your application, with the time taken largely dependent on how promptly you (and your sponsor, if applicable) provide us with the necessary supporting information and documents.

The time that it takes Home Affairs to process your application is dependent upon its processing time service standards, and may also vary due to a number of other factors, including the complexity of your case, perceived risk factors and processing priorities. See our student visa processing times page for the current timeframes.

Student visa guides

English language test score

Test (taken on or after 7 August 2025)	Minimum score	With at least 10 weeks ELICOS, or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program	With at least 20 weeks ELICOS
IELTS Academic or General Training	6.0	5.5	5.0
PTE Academic	47	39	31
TOEFL iBT	67	51	37
C1 Advanced	161	Not accepted	Not accepted
CELPIP General	7	6	5
LANGUAGECERT Academic	61	54	46
Michigan English Test (MET)	53	49	44
OET	1210	1090	1020

The test must have been taken in the 2 years before you apply. At-home or online tests are not accepted. TOEFL iBT candidates must select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” when registering (from 21 January 2026).
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 can still be used within their 2 year validity under the earlier score table.

You need to have enough money that is genuinely available to you, to pay for your course fees, and travel and living costs for you and your accompanying family members while you are in Australia. Use our student visa funds calculator to determine how much you need to show for your student visa.

If you need to provide evidence of financial capacity, you will be able to demonstrate this by providing one of the following:

evidence of funds to cover travel to Australia and 12 months’ living, course and (for school aged dependants) schooling costs for the student and accompanying family members
evidence that you meet the annual income requirement
an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form (secondary exchange students only)
a letter of support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Department of Defence.

Subsequent entrants: family members who apply after the primary applicant has been granted their visa must also provide documentary evidence of financial capacity. This must be one of the options above. From 2 October 2026, family members can no longer be added as subsequent entrants to a Student visa, and most new applicants can no longer include a partner or children. See Student visa changes from 2 October 2026.

Student visa funds calculator

Packaged Courses

You can apply to undertake two or more courses on your Student visa (subclass 500) where there is clear progression from one course to another. This is known as course packaging.

You must provide a confirmation of enrolment (CoE) or prove that a CoE is not required for each intended course with your visa application.

The final course that you will undertake as part of your package of courses is your main (or principal) course of study. Your main course of study will be used to determine your financial and English language evidentiary requirements.

Latest student visa news

Genuine Student (GS) requirement

Since 23 March 2024 the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Instead of a long personal statement, you answer targeted questions in the application form about why you want to study this course in Australia. Useful evidence includes:

your current circumstances and ties to your home country (family, community, employment and economic circumstances)
why you chose this course and education provider, and why you chose Australia over studying in your home country
how the course will benefit your career, including any offer of employment or expected salary after you finish
evidence of past study, academic transcripts and English test results
evidence of employment for at least the previous 12 months, tax returns or financial statements
if you have studied in Australia before, your full study history and the reasons for any course changes or study gaps
if you hold another visa, your reasons for now applying for a Student visa

The Student Guardian (subclass 590) visa still uses the GTE requirement. See reasons for Australian student visa refusal for common problems to avoid.

Working on a Student visa

Work limits

You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks or after you have finished your course as scheduled. If you have started a masters by research or a doctorate course, you can work unlimited hours. A course is considered “in session” for the whole of the advertised study periods, including exam periods, whether you study in person or online.

Applying for another Student visa

It is not possible to extend a student visa. If you need more time to complete your course you must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. From 2 October 2026 you can only do this in Australia if an exemption applies, such as needing up to 12 more months with the same provider, progressing to a higher AQF level course, or starting a PhD.

If your study in Australia is ending, you may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate (485) visa or a Visitor visa (subclass 600) before your Student visa expires.

Studying online

Courses that are predominantly online are not eligible for a Student visa. Online study does not count towards the Australian study requirement for later visas, except for study completed during the COVID concession period (1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023).

Student Visa Requirements Explained

To be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) you need to meet every requirement below, both when you apply and, for most of them, when the visa is decided. Select a tab to see what each requirement means in practice and how to prepare for it.

Genuine Student

What it is: the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test for Student visas lodged on or after 23 March 2024. Home Affairs must be satisfied that you genuinely intend to study, and that study is the main reason you want to come to or stay in Australia.

How it works: instead of a long GTE statement, you answer a set of questions in the application form. They cover:

your current circumstances, including family, community, employment and finances
why you chose this course and this provider, and why you want to study in Australia
how the course will benefit you
your study history in Australia, if you have studied here before
why you are applying for a Student visa, if you hold a different visa now

What the case officer looks at: whether the course makes sense for your education and work history, your ties and economic situation at home, your immigration history (including refusals or cancellations), and whether you know enough about the course and the provider. Answers that are specific to you and backed by documents are far stronger than generic text copied from the internet.

Student Guardian (subclass 590) visas still use the GTE requirement. See our Student Guardian visa page.

Financial capacity

What it is: you must show you have genuine access to enough money for your first 12 months in Australia. The living cost amounts that have applied since 10 May 2024 are still current in 2026:

Student: $29,710
Partner: $10,394
Each child: $4,449, plus $13,502 a year in school costs for each school age child

On top of living costs you add your first 12 months of course fees (less any amount you have already paid, as shown on your CoE or receipts) and travel costs. Travel is generally $2,000 if you apply outside Australia (more for some parts of Africa) and $1,000 if you apply in Australia.

Worked example: Minh applies from outside Australia on her own. Her CoE shows first year tuition of $38,000 and a $10,000 deposit already paid.

Item	Amount
First year tuition less deposit paid	$28,000
Living costs (student)	$29,710
Travel (applying outside Australia)	$2,000
Total funds to show	$59,710

Annual income option: instead of savings, you can show that your parents or your partner (if they are not travelling with you) earned at least $87,856 in the 12 months before you apply, or $102,500 if family members are coming with you. This must be proven with official government documents, such as tax assessments.

Genuine access matters: money can come from savings, education loans, scholarships or a family sponsor, but you need to show where it came from and that you can use it. Large recent deposits without an explanation are a common cause of refusal. Use our student visa funds calculator and read our guide to financial capacity requirements.

English

What it is: unless you are exempt, you need an English test result that meets the minimum score for your test, taken in the 2 years before you apply. The minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are in the English requirements table on this page.

Things to know:

Your provider may ask for more. The visa minimum (for example IELTS 6.0 overall) is often lower than your university or college’s entry requirement. You need to meet both.
Packaged English courses. If your CoE includes at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or a foundation or pathway course, a lower score is accepted. With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS, the score can be lower again. C1 Advanced is not accepted for these lower scores.
Online tests at home are not accepted. Book a test centre version of an accepted test.
Exemptions. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland, and some people with recent study in English, do not need to provide a test result. See the exemptions listed in our FAQs below.

Even when the visa rules do not ask for a test result, Home Affairs can still ask for evidence of your English, so keep your documents ready.

OSHC

What it is: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students from an approved Australian insurer. You must arrange it before you apply, and condition 8501 means you must keep it for the whole time you are in Australia on your visa.

Tips:

Buy cover that starts when you arrive (or from your visa grant if you are already in Australia) and runs until your visa expires, not just until your course ends.
If family members are included in your application, you need couple or family cover, not a single policy.
Many providers arrange OSHC for you and include it on your CoE. If you organise your own policy, keep the policy certificate.
A small number of students are exempt, for example some students from countries with a special arrangement with Australia. See the OSHC FAQ below.

Letting your OSHC lapse, even for a short time, is a breach of your visa conditions and can lead to cancellation.

CoE and course

What it is: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued by your education provider once you accept your offer and pay your deposit. It proves you are enrolled in a CRICOS registered course.

Applying in Australia: since 1 January 2025 you must include a CoE. A letter of offer is not enough. Limited exceptions apply to Foreign Affairs, Defence and secondary exchange students.
Applying outside Australia: a CoE is still strongly recommended. If you apply with a letter of offer, you will usually need to provide the CoE before a decision can be made.
Full time, face to face study: your course must be full time and must not be studied mainly online.
Packaged courses: if you are studying English or a pathway course before your main course, include the CoE for every course in the package. Your visa is usually granted for the whole package.

Not sure which course to choose? Try our Course Search or read how to choose the best course to study in Australia.

Applying in Australia or Overseas: The 2026 Rules

Where you are when you lodge has become one of the most important questions for a Student visa. Since 1 July 2024, Visitor (subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia. From 2 October 2026, most other temporary visa holders, and most current Student visa holders, also have to apply from outside Australia. Select a tab to see which rules apply to you.

Applying from overseas

Most new students apply from outside Australia. If the onshore rules stop you from applying in Australia, you must be outside Australia both when you lodge your application and when the visa is granted. Leaving Australia, lodging, and then flying back before the decision does not work.

When you apply from overseas, the processing priority of your application depends partly on your education provider (see National Planning Level below). Apply as early as you can once you have your CoE, so you have time to arrive before your course starts.

Applying in Australia

If you hold a Student visa now, you can still apply for another Student visa in Australia only if an exemption applies. The main exemptions are:

you need up to 12 more months to finish your main course with the same provider
you are moving up to a higher AQF level after completing your main course (for example, bachelor to master’s)
you are applying for a PhD, or for primary or secondary school studies
you are moving from school to a course without an AQF level, or from a course without an AQF level to one with an AQF level
you are sponsored by Foreign Affairs or Defence
your provider has defaulted and you cannot continue your course

If your last course was a higher education course, your next course generally has to be a higher education course too. Moving sideways or down, such as from a bachelor degree to a diploma, generally means you must apply from overseas. You still need to meet the Genuine Student requirement and include a CoE.

Your current visa must also allow an onshore application. If it has a no further stay condition, you cannot apply in Australia unless it is waived.

Visitor and 485 holders

Since 1 July 2024, you cannot apply for a Student visa while you are in Australia on a Visitor visa or a Temporary Graduate (485) visa. You must leave Australia and apply from overseas. Read more in Ending visa hopping: 600 and 485 visas to student.

If you are on a 485 and want to keep studying, plan your exit and new application well before your course start date, and check that your 485 does not have conditions that affect a later application.

Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules that applied when they were lodged. For the full detail, see Student visa changes from 2 October 2026, or get a Student visa assessment before you lodge.

Bringing Your Partner or Children

For Student visa applications lodged on or after 2 October 2026, you generally cannot include a partner or dependent children. This applies to first Student visas and to further Student visas.

Who can still include family members

PhD students
students sponsored by Foreign Affairs or Defence
students on a foreign government scholarship
eligible students from a Pacific country or an ASEAN member country
students applying in Australia for a further Student visa whose family members are already included on their current Student visa

If an exemption applies, you and your family members must all be in the same place when you lodge: either all in Australia or all outside Australia.

Adding family after grant

From 2 October 2026, current Student visa holders cannot add a partner or children as subsequent entrants after the visa is granted, and there is no exemption to this rule. If your family is important to your plans, make sure they are included in the application itself if you qualify, because you will not be able to add them later.

If your family is already with you

Family members included on a Student visa before these changes keep their visas. Partners can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight, or unlimited hours if you are studying a master’s or doctorate, but only once your course has started. School age children must be enrolled in school while they are in Australia (condition 8517).

National Planning Level and Processing Priority

The Government manages the number of new international students through a National Planning Level (NPL). The NPL is 295,000 new overseas student commencements for 2026, and the Government confirmed in July 2026 that it will stay at 295,000 for 2027 (as at 27 October 2026).

What this means for you

It is not a hard cap. If you are a genuine student and meet all the requirements, you can still be granted a visa.
Each provider has an allocation. Universities, colleges and TAFEs receive an indicative allocation of new international students.
Your provider affects processing speed. Under Ministerial Direction 115, which took effect on 14 November 2025, offshore applications for providers that are within their allocation get the highest processing priority. Once a provider reaches 80% of its allocation, new applications for that provider are still accepted but are processed more slowly.
Some students are not counted. For example, students moving from an Australian secondary school, or from an embedded pathway provider, into a public university are not counted toward that university’s allocation.

In practice, apply early, especially for intakes such as February and July when many providers fill their allocations. Ask your provider how close it is to its allocation if you are worried about timing. Check our Student visa processing times page for the latest figures.

Student Visa Conditions You Must Follow

Your Student visa comes with conditions. Breaching them can lead to your visa being cancelled, which can affect future visa applications. These are the main conditions for the student:

Condition	What it means for you
8105 (work)	You cannot work until your course has started. Once it has, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. A fortnight is 14 days starting on a Monday. Work that is a registered part of your course does not count. Master’s by research and doctoral students can work unlimited hours once their course has started.
8202 (study)	You must stay enrolled in a registered course, attend your classes and make satisfactory course progress. Your provider can report you to Home Affairs if you do not.
8501 (health cover)	You must keep adequate health insurance, usually OSHC, for your whole stay.
8516 (keep meeting the requirements)	You must continue to meet the requirements your visa was granted on, such as having enough money to support yourself.
8517 (schooling)	If you have school age children in Australia on your visa, they must attend school.
8532 (under 18 welfare)	If you are under 18, you must keep the welfare arrangements approved for your visa, such as living with a parent, a Student Guardian or a relative, or arrangements approved by your provider.
8533 (contact details)	You must tell your provider your residential address within 7 days of arriving, and tell them about any change of address.

Hours are counted for every fortnight, so working extra one week and less the next can still put you over the limit. Read more about work rights on a student visa and check your conditions in VEVO.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Student Visa

Choose your course and provider. Pick a full time, CRICOS registered course that fits your education and career plans. This choice is at the centre of your Genuine Student assessment.
Check where you can apply. Work out whether you are allowed to apply in Australia under the 2026 rules, or whether you must apply from overseas.
Sit your English test if you need one, and make sure it meets both the visa minimum and your provider’s entry requirement.
Accept your offer and get your CoE. Pay your deposit and arrange OSHC, either through your provider or directly with an approved insurer.
Prepare your financial evidence. Work out the total you need and gather evidence that the money is genuinely available to you.
Prepare your Genuine Student answers. Write answers that are specific to you, and collect documents that support them.
Lodge online in ImmiAccount and pay the visa charge. From 1 July 2026 the charge for most applicants is $2,500. See Student visa fees.
Complete biometrics and health checks if you are asked to.
Respond to any requests from Home Affairs by the date given, and wait for a decision. If you are outside Australia, stay outside until the visa is granted if the onshore rules apply to you.

Student visa document checklist

The documents you need depend on your country, your provider and your circumstances. This list covers what is commonly requested. Click each heading to see more, and see our student visa checklist for offshore students.

Identity documents

Passport bio page
Birth certificate
National identity card, if your country issues one
Evidence of any change of name
Your current Australian visa details, if you are applying in Australia

Enrolment and health cover

CoE for every course in your package
OSHC policy details covering your whole stay
Receipts for any tuition fees already paid

English and study history

English test result taken in the 2 years before you apply, or evidence of an exemption
Academic transcripts and certificates for your previous studies
If you have studied in Australia before, your full study record and an explanation of any course changes or gaps

Financial evidence

Bank statements showing savings and their history
Education loan letters showing the amount, terms and any disbursements
Scholarship letters
For family sponsors: evidence of your relationship, their identity documents and evidence of their income or business
For the annual income option: official tax assessments or similar government documents

Genuine Student evidence

Employment references, contracts or business records for the past 12 months
Evidence of family, community or property ties in your home country
Any job offer or evidence of the benefit of the course to your career
Explanations, with documents, for any gaps in study or work

Under 18 applicants

Evidence of welfare arrangements, such as a CAAW letter from your provider, or details of the parent, relative or Student Guardian you will live with
Consent from parents or legal guardians

Health and character

Health examinations, if Home Affairs asks for them
Police certificates, if requested
Details of any previous visa refusals or cancellations, for any country

After Your Studies: The 485 Visa and Beyond

When you finish your course, you may be able to stay and work on a Temporary Graduate (485) visa. It is a separate visa with its own requirements, so plan for it while you are still studying.

Feature	Post-Higher Education Work stream	Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Who it suits	Graduates of a bachelor degree or higher	Graduates of a diploma or trade qualification linked to an eligible occupation
Length of stay	2 years for bachelor and master’s by coursework, 3 years for master’s by research and PhD (extra time may apply for some nationalities and for regional study)	18 months
Age limit	Under 35 (under 50 for master’s by research and PhD graduates)	Under 35
English	IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or equivalent, taken no more than 1 year before you apply	Same as Post-Higher Education Work stream
Skills assessment	Not needed	Needed
Visa charge, main applicant (from 1 July 2026)	$5,750	$5,750

Key timing rules: you must be in Australia when you apply for a 485, you must have held an eligible Student visa in the 6 months before you apply, and you must apply within 6 months of completing your course. Book your English test and gather your completion documents before your Student visa ends.

Remember that you cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia while you hold a 485. If you think you may want to study again, plan that before you move onto a 485. For longer term options, see Student visa to PR, University Courses to PR and Trade Courses to PR.

Common Student Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Many Student visa refusals and cancellations come from avoidable mistakes. Click each one to see how to avoid it, and read our guide to reasons for Australian student visa refusal.

Lodging in Australia when you are not allowed to

Since 2 October 2026 most people must apply from outside Australia. If you lodge in Australia without an exemption, your application can fail and you may lose the visa charge. A refusal while you are in Australia can also limit the visas you can apply for here afterwards. Check where you are allowed to apply before you pay.

Including a partner or child who is not eligible

Most new Student visa applications can no longer include family members. Including someone who does not fit an exemption can cause problems for the whole application. Check whether you fall within an exemption, such as PhD study or a foreign government scholarship, before you add anyone.

Generic Genuine Student answers

Case officers read thousands of answers. Text copied from a template, or answers that do not explain why this course suits your background, are a common reason for refusal. Explain your own situation and back it up with documents.

Unexplained funds

Showing enough money is not enough on its own. Large recent deposits, borrowed money returned after grant, or a sponsor with no clear income all raise concerns. Show where the money came from and that you can actually use it in Australia.

Downgrading your course

Moving from a higher level course to a lower one, such as from a master’s to a diploma, raises Genuine Student concerns and generally means you cannot apply in Australia. Changing provider during the first 6 months of your main course is also generally restricted unless your provider releases you. Get advice before you change courses.

Working too many hours, or before your course starts

You cannot work until your course has started, and then only up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Keep a record of your hours for every fortnight, especially if you have more than one job.

Letting your OSHC or enrolment lapse

A gap in your health cover, poor attendance, or failing subjects without talking to your provider can all lead to a breach of your visa conditions. Renew your OSHC on time and contact your provider early if you are struggling with your studies.

Waiting until your visa is about to expire

A Student visa cannot be extended. If you need more time and an onshore exemption applies, lodge your new application while your current visa is still valid. If your visa expires first, you may become unlawful and lose the option to apply in Australia.

Student Visa FAQs: 2026 Updates

Can I apply for a Student visa while I am in Australia in 2026?

Only in limited cases. From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders must apply from outside Australia. Current Student visa holders can apply in Australia only if an exemption applies, for example finishing their main course with the same provider within 12 extra months, moving up to a higher AQF level, or starting a PhD. Visitor and 485 visa holders have not been able to apply in Australia since 1 July 2024.

Can I bring my partner or children on a Student visa?

For applications lodged on or after 2 October 2026, generally not. Exemptions apply to PhD students, Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored students, foreign government scholarship holders, eligible students from Pacific and ASEAN countries, and students whose family is already on their current Student visa. Family members can no longer be added after grant.

How much does a Student visa cost in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the visa charge for most main applicants is $2,500. Where family members can be included, it is $1,530 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and $500 for each child under 18. You also need to budget for OSHC, your English test, health checks and tuition. See Student visa fees for details.

Is there a cap on international students?

Not a hard cap. The National Planning Level is 295,000 new student commencements for 2026 and 2027, shared between providers as indicative allocations. Applications for providers that have reached 80% of their allocation are still processed, but more slowly.

Can I start working as soon as my visa is granted?

No. Under condition 8105 you cannot work until your course has started. After that you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Can I change my course or education provider?

Sometimes. Changing provider in the first 6 months of your main course generally needs your provider’s agreement. If you change to a course at a lower level, or the new course is not covered by your current visa, you may need a new visa, and under the 2026 rules you may have to apply from outside Australia. Get advice before you enrol in a new course.

Do I still need to write a GTE statement?

Not for a Student visa. Since 23 March 2024, you answer Genuine Student questions in the application form instead. The GTE requirement still applies to the Student Guardian (590) visa.

What happens if my course takes longer than planned?

A Student visa cannot be extended, so you need a new visa. If you need up to 12 more months to finish your main course with the same provider, you can generally apply in Australia. Get a new CoE from your provider and lodge before your current visa expires.

Can I apply for a 485 visa after my studies?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. You must apply in Australia within 6 months of completing your course, be under 35 (with some exceptions), and have IELTS 6.5 overall or an equivalent score. Once you hold a 485, you cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the result of English tests valid for a student visa application?

For student visa purposes, your English test must have been taken in the 2 years before you apply.

Can the applicant use their Diploma or Cert IV level certificates in lieu of English test score for a student visa?

Yes, applicants may satisfy the English language requirement if they have fully completed or completed substantial components of a course at the Certificate IV or higher level in Australia within two years before applying for the visa.

What happened to the regular and streamlined categories?

The old regular and streamlined categories were replaced by the Simplified Student Visa Framework on 1 July 2016. The documents you need for English and financial capacity now depend on the evidence level of your education provider and your country of passport. Applicant can also check the mandatory documents using our Student visa checklist for offshore students.

Can a student visa be lodged using offer letter?

No. Since 1 January 2025, applicants in Australia must also include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with their application. A letter of offer is no longer enough. See onshore student visas must include a COE.

How is the applicant assessed against the character requirements?

Visa applicant(s) must answer a number of character related questions on the visa application form and the information provided will be used to assess the character. Applicant(s) might be asked for more information by Home Affairs, if required.

Who does not require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for Student visa?

The Department of Home Affairs requires almost all student visa applicants to have OSHC. There are a few exemptions for students from Sweden, Norway and Belgium, who may already have special arrangements under their own national schemes.

What is required for welfare arrangements for an applicant under 18 years of age?

Students under 18 must provide evidence that they have welfare arrangements in place when they apply for a student visa. They can do this by either nominating a guardian on the Form 157N Nomination of a student guardian to your application or having a CAAW approved by the principal registered education provider.

What are the English language requirements for student visas?

You might need to provide evidence of your English language skills at the time you submit your visa application.

Note: We can ask you for evidence of your English language skill after you have submitted your application, at any time while we are processing your application, even though the Document Checklist tool shows that you don’t need to provide evidence of your English language skill when you submit your application.

If you need to provide evidence of your English language skill, you must provide evidence that you:

have obtained a certain test score in an English language test that the Department has approved, or
fall into an exemption category listed below

English language tests

The table below shows the English language test providers and the minimum overall band scores you must achieve to meet the Student visa English language requirement.
You must have taken the English language test in the 2 years before you apply for a student visa.

Test (taken on or after 7 August 2025)	Minimum score	With at least 10 weeks ELICOS, or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program	With at least 20 weeks ELICOS
IELTS Academic or General Training	6.0	5.5	5.0
PTE Academic	47	39	31
TOEFL iBT	67	51	37
C1 Advanced	161	Not accepted	Not accepted
CELPIP General	7	6	5
LANGUAGECERT Academic	61	54	46
Michigan English Test (MET)	53	49	44
OET	1210	1090	1020

What are English language evidence exemptions for student visas?

You do not need to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:

you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK*, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland
you are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or, Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES)
you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be delivered in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course
you have completed at least 5 years’ study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
in the 2 years before applying for the student visa, you completed, in Australia and in the English language, either the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a student visa.

Note: You may be required to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if you hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport.

What is the amount of living and schooling costs required for student visa purposes?

The 12 month living cost amounts are A$29,710 for the student, A$10,394 for a partner and A$4,449 for each child, plus at least A$13,502 per year in schooling costs for each school-age child. Use our student visa funds calculator. See also more savings required.

What is the pre qualifying visa for student visas for applicants in Australia?

If applicant is applying student visa in Australia, applicant must hold a current temporary substantive visa, but not any one of the following:

Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic and Consular visa (subclass 426)
Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular) stream
Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) – primary visa holder only. This means a family member of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can apply for a Student visa in Australia.
Transit visa (subclass 771)
Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the sponsored family stream or in the approved destination status stream.

Since 1 July 2024, Visitor (subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia, and from 2 October 2026 most other temporary visa holders cannot either. See student visa changes from 2 October 2026.
A substantive temporary visa is any visa other than a bridging visa, criminal justice or enforcement visa, which allows the visa holder to remain temporarily in Australia.

What are the major visa conditions applicable to the main student visa holder?

meet your course requirements, remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory attendance and course progression, and tell your provider if you are sick or have any other issues that may affect your attendance. stay within the visa limit on working hours while studying. Read more here.