Australia Student Visa Requirements (2025): Age Limit, Cost, New Rules & More

Starting January 1, 2025, if you're applying for a student visa from within Australia, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before submitting your application. Australia has updated its student visa rules for 2025, making financial proof and documentation even more critical.

AND…here’s something even more important to know. Also, as of May 2024, students must show at least AUD 29,710 (INR 16 lakhs) to cover tuition, living expenses, and additional costs.

This change ensures that students secure admission before starting the visa process.

Here are the key Australia study visa requirements:

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: You must prove that your primary intention is to study and that you will return to your home country after completing your education.

• Financial Requirements: Students must provide proof of funds covering tuition, living costs, and travel expenses. The minimum required amount is AUD 29,710 (INR 16 lakhs).

• English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit test scores from IELTS (minimum 5.5), TOEFL (minimum 46), or PTE (minimum 42), depending on university requirements.

• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate to prove good health and character.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Students must have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. This can be purchased through an approved Australian provider.

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by an Australian university, this document confirms your admission and is mandatory for your visa application.

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What selection of documents should you keep handy before your student visa application process begins? According to the Australian Government's Immigration and Citizenship Department, you should begin before 90 days. This will give you ample time to gather all the documents.

Enlisted below are the documents needed for an Australian student visa:

• The application for a lengthy stay of over 90 days.

• A copy of a current passport.

• Two 51mm x 51mm passport-size photos.

• Confirmation of enrollment (COE).

• Registration letter from the Australian university to which you have applied.

• A CV/Resume and a cover letter or SOP outlining the study project you intend to pursue.

• Evidence of funds for at least one year's worth of living and educational costs, or the entire program.

• Overseas health insurance receipt (OSHC) with Australian coverage receipt.

• If you are spending over six months studying in Australia, a copy of your one-way airline ticket.

• Photocopies of all academic diplomas, certificates, and other credentials required for your study in Australia, including your degree.

• From your home country, a certificate of no criminal history.

• Application for a Non-Immigrant Visa.

• Application fee payment receipt.

• Current digital photos.

• A copy of your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score card if you are from a non-English speaking nation.

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to apply for an Australian student visa. In Australia, there is no upper age limit for student visas. The Subclass 500 does not consider applicants under the age of 18, as restrictions for the Australia student visa pertain.

Wondering what you can do then? You can get in touch with the Immigration and Citizenship Department of the Australian government if you need an exemption from the current age restriction for student visas to Australia.

To apply for an Australian student visa, you need to secure admission to an Australian university, gather the required documents, and submit an online application through the Department of Home Affairs website.

As per recent updates of Australian visa in 2025, processing times for a Subclass 500 student visa range from 16 to 49 days, depending on the application type.  Applying early is crucial to avoid delays and ensure you receive your visa on time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

Step 1: Get Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Before applying for a visa, you must accept an offer from an Australian university and pay the required deposit. The university will then issue a CoE, which is essential for your visa application.

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

All student visa applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount, the Australian government’s visa application portal. You need to register, fill in your details, and upload documents.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

This includes your passport, CoE, financial proof, English test scores, health insurance (OSHC), and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. Each document must be clear, scanned, and translated if not in English.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The visa application fee is AUD 1,600 (INR 88,000), which must be paid before submission. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected.

Step 5: Complete Your Health Check

Some students must undergo medical tests to prove they are in good health. The test must be conducted by an approved panel physician.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once all documents are uploaded and the payment is made, review your application carefully before submitting it. Incomplete or incorrect applications may cause delays.

Step 7: Wait for Processing & Attend an Interview (If Required)

Most students receive a decision within a few weeks, but some may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents. Keep checking your ImmiAccount for updates.

Applying for an Australia study visa is a lot of work, right? , Book a call now with Yocket's experienced counselors to get 1:1 assistance through it all!

The application fee for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 1,600 (INR 88,000) as of 1 July 2025. Yes, and by the way, there are many new rules for Australian visas in 2025 which we will talk about further.

This fee is non-refundable, which means if your visa gets rejected, you won’t get this money back. That’s why it’s super important to double-check your documents before submitting your application.

Here are some additional costs to consider

• Medical Examinations: Some students must take health checks before their visa is approved. The cost depends on your country and the tests required.

• English Language Tests: If you’re from a non-English speaking country, you must take a test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Each test has its own fee.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Every international student must have health insurance while studying in Australia. The cost depends on the provider and how long you’ll be staying.

By now, you know that getting an Australian student visa isn’t just about financial proof and paperwork. There’s another crucial requirement - the English language test.

If you’re from a non-English speaking country, the Australian government wants to make sure you can understand lectures, complete assignments, and communicate effectively before granting you a visa. That’s why taking an approved English proficiency test is a must.

As of 2025, the minimum test score requirements for a Subclass 500 Student Visa are:

• IELTS - 5.5

• TOEFL iBT - 46

• PTE Academic - 42

• Cambridge English Test (C1 Advanced) - 162

• Occupational English Test (OET) - ‘B’ in all components

Not everyone has to take an English test, though. If you’ve studied in an English-speaking country for a certain number of years or completed high school in English, you may qualify for an exemption. Some universities also waive the requirement for students from specific educational backgrounds, such as IGCSE or IB boards.

Here’s a tip from Yocket - These are just the visa requirements. Some universities may require higher scores, so always check what your chosen institution demands before applying.

As an international student, you must satisfy the Australian study requirement of acquiring a valid student visa to pursue education at any Australian university. What are the benefits you can enjoy with your Australian student visa?

They are listed here:

• Any Australian institution will let you enroll in your chosen course if it is eligible.
  
• You can go to Australia with your family, spouse, and child as long as they are under 18 years old at the time of your student visa application. You must include all the information about your family members in your student visa application if you wish to acquire approval for them.

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So, here comes the most important part. The Australian government has introduced new visa rules for 2025, making it more structured and financially strict for international students. If you’re planning to apply for an Australia student visa, here are the latest updates you need to know.

Rule 1: Higher Financial Proof Requirement

As of 1 July 2024, students must show at least AUD 29,710 (INR 16 lakhs) in bank savings or loan approvals to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. This is a significant increase from the previous requirement. 

Rule 2: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Starting 1 January 2025, students who apply for a visa while already in Australia must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. Without this, your visa application will not be processed.

Rule 3: Stricter English Language Requirements

From March 2024, the minimum required English proficiency scores for visa applications have been revised:

• IELTS: Minimum 5.5

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 46

• PTE Academic: Minimum 42

• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced): Minimum 162

Some universities may require higher scores, so always check individual institution requirements.

Rule 4: Changes in Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the Subclass 500 Student Visa now range between 16 to 49 days, depending on the applicant's profile. Students are advised to apply early to avoid delays.

Rule 5: Stricter Scrutiny on Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statements

The GTE requirement is now being reviewed more carefully. Students must clearly demonstrate their intent to study in Australia without plans for permanent residency after graduation. Any vague or weak statements may result in visa rejection.

An Australian student visa usually stays valid for up to five years, or the duration of your course, whichever is shorter. And getting an Australian student visa is just the first step. Keeping it valid is just as important. If you fail to follow the rules, your visa could be cancelled, and you might have to leave Australia immediately.

To avoid visa troubles, here’s what you need to do:

• Stay Enrolled and Maintain Course Progress: You must be enrolled in a registered full-time programme and meet academic progress requirements. If you fail too many subjects, your visa could be at risk.

• Keep Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Updated: If you change your course, university, or defer your studies, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs and update your CoE.

• Do Not Work More Than Allowed Hours: As of July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. Working beyond this limit can lead to visa cancellation.

• Maintain Health Insurance (OSHC): You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout your stay in Australia. If your insurance expires or is cancelled, your visa can be affected.

• Report Changes in Address or Contact Details: If you move to a new place or change your phone number, you must update your details in ImmiAccount within 7 days.

• Do Not Violate Visa Conditions: Any legal issues, false information, or failure to follow visa rules could lead to your visa being cancelled.

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The student visa application process is dreadful. The fear of whether or not the visa will be granted haunts almost everyone. However, Australia has always been warm and friendly to international students. The Australian student visa process is considered to be the easiest when compared to others.

If you feel overwhelmed or lost, Yocket Premium is at your service! The experts can help you gather the right documents in the correct timeframe, smoothing the entire student visa process for you. They can also help you find the universities that best match your profile. The advantages are unlimited!