Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) 2025: Complete Guide
An Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at accredited Australian institutions. For 2025, the process features new costs, stricter documentation requirements, and updated eligibility rules to ensure only genuine students are granted visas.
Key 2025 Student Visa Requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must have a valid CoE from a CRICOS-registered provider, issued after accepting your offer and paying the initial deposit.
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: Replaces the former GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant). You must provide a clear, convincing Statement of Purpose explaining your study, financial, and post-study plans; this is strictly assessed.
- English Language Proficiency: Higher minimum test scores now required. From August 7, 2025, typical standards include:
- IELTS (Academic/General): 6.0
- PTE Academic: 50
- TOEFL iBT: 60
- Cambridge Advanced: 169
- OET: profession-specific
Some test validity periods and score thresholds increased effective August 7, 2025.
- Financial Capacity: You must show AUD$29,710 per year for living expenses (first 12 months), plus first-year tuition, return airfare, and funds for dependents. Proof may include bank statements, scholarship evidence, or sponsor letters.
- Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory, covering you (and accompanying family) for the entire stay. Policy number is required in your application.
- Health and Character Checks: Most must complete a medical exam and provide police certificates from every country lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- Visa Application Fee: AUD2,000 per main applicant as of July 2025 (higher than prior years).
- Age Requirement: Minimum 6 years old. Special welfare conditions apply for applicants under 18.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose a Course & School: Apply to, and get accepted by, a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.
- Receive Letter of Offer & CoE: Accept the offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Gather Documents:
- Valid passport
- CoE
- English language test results
- OSHC evidence
- Financial documents
- Health and character certificates
- Statement of Purpose (complying with GS requirements)
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Create an ImmiAccount: Register on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and fill in the online visa application.
- Submit Application & Pay Fee: Upload all documents, review, and pay the AUD2,000 fee via ImmiAccount.
- Arrange Biometrics & Medical Exam: Attend an approved clinic and biometrics location if required.
- Processing & Decision: Check your ImmiAccount for updates. Median processing time is about 13 days but varies. You’ll receive your visa electronically if granted.
Conditions, Work & Post-Study Rights
- Work Rights: You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms. Master’s by research and PhD students have no limit.
- Length of Stay: Visa length matches your course (up to five years maximum).
- Post-Study Pathways: Graduates may qualify for a post-study work visa or employer-sponsored migration.
Latest 2025 Policy Updates
- Visa Fee Increase: As of July 2025, the fee is AUD2,000 for most applicants (double the 2024 rate).
- English Thresholds Raised: From August 7, 2025, stricter language test thresholds apply for all major English exams.
- Financial Proof: Minimum required funds for 12 months’ living expenses is now AUD$29,710.
- GS Requirement: New GS (Genuine Student) test strictly replaces the former GTE requirement for all applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a CoE for every course? Yes, you must provide all CoE codes covering every intended course period.
- Can my partner/children accompany me? Yes, but you must provide extra financial evidence and arrange OSHC for the whole family.
- How soon should I apply? Apply at least three months before your course starts for the smoothest processing.
- Can I change institutions? You can change schools after arrival, but must update your visa and obtain a new CoE.
Why Choose Australia for Study?
- Globally recognized degrees and institutions
- Strong pathway from study to post-graduate work and migration
- High quality of life, multicultural communities, and student support
- Innovative research, workplace, and industry link opportunities
