Australia · Student visa

Australian student visa (subclass 500) for Indian students

Figures last reviewed on 1 November 2026. Rules and charges change, so we confirm them for your lodgement date.

How much money to show, what to send and the steps to apply, in plain words. Written by a Registered Migration Agent who is also a Chartered Accountant.

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At a glance

The student visa in six cards

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Visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
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Visa
The visa that lets you study full time in Australia on a CRICOS-registered course.
Visa fee
A$2,500 (₹1.7 lakh, US$1,700)
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Visa fee
For most applicants from 1 July 2026. You pay the fee that applies on the day you lodge.
Living funds
A$29,710 a year (₹19.9 lakh, US$20,700)
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Living funds
The money you show for one year of living costs. A partner or child needs more.
Work rights
48 hours a fortnight
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Work rights
While your course is running. No limit in scheduled breaks. Starts when your course starts.
Health cover
OSHC for your whole stay
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Health cover
Overseas Student Health Cover is bought before you apply and must cover your full visa.
Key test
Genuine Student
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Key test
Since 23 March 2024 you answer questions to show you really plan to study, and why this course.

Money

How much money to show

Funds are the most common reason a good file stalls. Every rupee needs a source you can explain.

First-year tuition
A$30,000–A$54,000
₹20–36 lakh (US$20,900–37,700)
Set by your course and college.
Living costs, 12 months
A$29,710
₹19.9 lakh (US$20,700)
Fixed by the government for the student.
Return airfare
A$1,000–A$2,000
₹0.7–1.3 lakh (US$700–1,400)
Your real fare.
Visa fee
A$2,500
₹1.7 lakh (US$1,700)
Paid when you lodge.

Example: a master's with A$36,000 tuition

about A$70,000

₹46.9 lakh (US$49,000)

Rupee figures use ₹67 to the Australian dollar and US$0.70 to the Australian dollar as planning rates. Rates move and the government sets the amounts, so we confirm them for the date you lodge.

Work out your own total with the study cost calculator

Process

Eight steps, in order

Tap a step to open it.

1Choose a course and college
Pick a CRICOS-registered course and check the college is on the CRICOS register.
2Apply and accept your offer
Send marksheets, English score and passport. Accept the offer and pay the deposit.
3Get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
The college sends it once your deposit is paid. You need it to lodge.
4Buy OSHC
Health cover for your whole stay. Buy it before you lodge.
5Prepare your funds
Bank statements, fixed deposits, a loan sanction letter or sponsor papers. Each needs a clear source.
6Write your Genuine Student answers
Explain why this course, this college and Australia, and how it fits your plans.
7Lodge in ImmiAccount
Upload the full file at once. Make every answer match your documents.
8Health check, biometrics, decision
Do any health exam or police certificate asked for, then wait. Do not travel before the grant.

Genuine Student

Five questions your answers must cover

The officer reads your answers to decide if you really plan to study. Be specific and honest.

Why this course?

Show how it follows from what you studied or worked on before. A big jump needs a clear reason.

Why this college?

Name what it offers that others do not: subjects, location, industry links, support.

Why Australia and not India?

Say what this study gives you that you cannot get at home, in your own words.

What will you do after?

Describe the job you want and where. Keep it realistic and linked to the course.

How will you pay?

Your funds should match your story: who pays, and where the money came from.

Documents

Tick off your file

Tap each item as you collect it.

0 of 9 ready

Passport, valid for your whole stay
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
OSHC policy
English test result (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or accepted alternative), unless exempt
Genuine Student answers
Proof of funds for tuition, living costs and travel
Marksheets and certificates
Explanation for any gap in study or work
Health exam and police certificates, if asked

Avoid these

What weakens a file

Tap to see why.

Money with no source

Funds that appear in the account just before you lodge, with no clear explanation.

A generic statement

Answers that could belong to any applicant.

A course that does not fit

A subject far from your past study or work, with no reason given.

An unexplained gap

A break in study or work that you do not address.

Mismatched answers

Form answers that differ from your documents.

Low English score

A score below what the college or the visa needs.

FAQs

Student visa questions answered

How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?

You show your first-year tuition, your travel costs and the annual living-cost amount, which is A$29,710 for the student (about ₹19.9 lakh, US$20,700). A partner or children need more. The funds must come from a source you can explain, and part-time income in Australia cannot be counted.

How much does the student visa cost?

For most applicants the Student visa charge is A$2,500 from 1 July 2026, up from A$2,000. The charge that applies is set by the date you lodge. OSHC is paid separately.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

It replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test for applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. You answer questions about your circumstances, why you chose this course and provider, and how the course helps your future. A generic answer is the most common weakness.

Can I apply for the student visa from inside Australia?

Since 2 October 2026 most temporary visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa onshore, with some exemptions. Read our note on the October 2026 changes, and check your own case before you plan around it.

Can my spouse and children come with me?

Generally not for new Student visa applications since 2 October 2026, with limited exemptions such as PhD students and some sponsored students. Check the current rules for your case before you apply.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work rights start once your course starts.

Does the education provider I choose affect my visa?

It can. Offshore Student visa applications are prioritised by how each provider manages its international student numbers, so a provider that is over its allocation can mean slower processing. We check this when we shortlist providers.

Sources

Department of Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500): immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Study Australia, student visa application changes, October 2026: studyaustralia.gov.au
CRICOS register of courses and providers: cricos.education.gov.au

This guide is general information, not advice on your case. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.

Get your student visa file checked before you lodge

We check your funds evidence, your Genuine Student statement and your choice of provider, and tell you what to fix before you lodge.