Do you have dreams of studying in Australia? If your answer is yes, then you must learn how to apply for an Australian student visa, as it is one of the most important documents you will need. In this article, we have compiled all the essential information on how to apply for an Australian Student visa.
Australia is one of the top English-speaking study abroad destinations for international students because of its world-class, globally recognized education and post-study work opportunities. Universities in Australia also offer a wide range of courses and degrees, providing international students with numerous options to choose from.
An Australian student visa, also called a Subclass 500, is an important document that permits international students to study, live, and work part-time legally in Australia. The visa gives international students access to quality education, a student community and also offers work opportunities to cover living costs (48 hours per fortnight during study, full-time during breaks) during the course of their study.
Top Reasons Why International Students Should Study in Australia
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider studying in Australia:
Top Study Destination
Australia is one of the top study destinations for international students around the world. It ranks as the third most popular English-speaking country for education, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Every year, students from many different countries choose Australia because it offers a welcoming and multicultural environment. People in Australia are known to be friendly and supportive, which helps international students feel comfortable and settle in quickly.
Globally Recognized
Australian qualifications are strongly recognized across the world. Employers and institutions value graduates from Australian schools because the country maintains a solid reputation for quality education. The Australian government actively regulates schools and universities to ensure they meet strict academic and teaching standards. This regulation helps protect the value of every degree and certificate awarded. As a result, graduates leave school with skills and knowledge that employers trust and respect globally.
Affordable Cost of Living
Students in Australia enjoy a safe environment, good healthcare, and well-developed cities at a cost generally lower than that in the United States and the United Kingdom. International students can work part-time while studying, which helps them cover everyday expenses such as food, transport, and rent. Many schools and organizations also offer scholarships that reduce tuition costs and make studying in Australia more affordable for international students.
Variety of Courses to Choose from
Institutions in Australia offer a wide variety of courses and degrees, so international students can easily find the school and field that is right for them. The first decision international students have to make when choosing a degree program is which school caters most to their needs and interests. Students can choose between universities, vocational education, and English language training. If necessary, it is easy for students to move between one qualification level and from one institution to another.
Work
In Australia, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia. This is a great opportunity for those who want to earn money while pursuing their education and for students who want to gain work experience before they graduate. It is important to know the work hour rules to avoid breaking them unintentionally so ask around to clarify and you can also search the Australian immigration website as it is clearly stated there.
How to apply for a study visa for Australia?
The majority of international students will need to apply for a Subclass 500 student visa if they wish to study in Australia. A Subclass 500 visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years, in line with your study plan.
What is a Subclass 500 student visa?
The Australian Subclass 500 Student Visa is a legal permit required for international students who want to study full-time in Australia, allowing them to stay for up to five years, work limited hours, and bring family members, requiring proof of enrolment (CoE), funds, health insurance, and meeting health/character requirements.
With this visa, you can
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participate in an eligible course of study in Australia
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travel in and out of Australia
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work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session.
It costs from AUD2,000.00 (unless exempt).
Australian Student Visa Processing Times
Australian student visa processing times can vary depending on the applicant’s country, the time of year, and how complete the application is. The Department of Home Affairs reviews each application carefully to confirm eligibility, financial capacity, and genuine study intent. Applications submitted with all required documents, correct information, and clear evidence usually receive faster decisions. Delays often happen when applicants submit missing documents or unclear information.
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
For more information about visa processing times for applications lodged by students outside Australia, visit Student visa processing priorities.
How applications are prioritised under MD111
Applications are processed under two levels of priority:
- Priority 1 – High
- Priority 2 – Standard.
Refer below for information about the processing priority levels for different categories of student visas. Your priority level is determined at the time you lodge your visa and does not change whether we will grant or refuse your visa.?
Priority 1 – High
Priority 1 includes applications from:
- School students
- Non-award sector students, including short-term exchange students
- Standalone ELICOS students
- Students enrolled with a TAFE provider (or specifically identified TAFE courses for Charles Darwin University)
- Students enrolled in a recognised Pilot training course*
- Students enrolled in Postgraduate research (PhD) courses
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) sponsored students??
- Department of Defence sponsored students
- Foreign and Australian government scholarship students
- Transnational education students
- Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste**
- Subsequent entrants where the application includes a minor (a child <18 years of age)
Priority 1 also includes Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students seeking to study with education providers that have not reached their prioritisation threshold (80 per cent of their New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) allocation in 2025).?
*Pilot training courses means the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane), Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter), Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating), and Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor)
**Passport holders and residents of: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Priority 2 – Standard
Priority 2 applies to:
- Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students seeking to study with education providers that have reached their prioritisation threshold in 2025.
- subsequent entrants where the application does not include a minor.
How applications are prioritised under MD115
Applications are processed under three levels of priority:
- Priority 1
- Priority 2
- Priority 3
Refer below for information about the processing priority levels for different categories of student visas. Your priority level is determined at the time you lodge your visa and does not change whether we will grant or refuse your visa.
Priority 1
Priority 1 includes applications from:
- School students
- Non-award sector students, including short-term exchange students
- Standalone ELICOS students
- Students enrolled with a TAFE provider (or specifically identified TAFE courses for Charles Darwin University)
- Students enrolled in a recognised Pilot training course*
- Students enrolled in Postgraduate research (PhD) courses
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) sponsored students
- Department of Defence sponsored students
- Foreign and Australian government scholarship students
- Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste**
- Transnational education students
- Subsequent entrants where the application includes a minor (a child <18 years of age)
Priority 1 also includes Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students seeking to study with education providers that have not reached their prioritisation threshold.
*Pilot training courses means the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane), Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter), Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating), and Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor)
**Passport holders and residents of: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Priority 2
The Department will assign Priority 2 to applications associated with providers who have reached 80 per cent of their New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) allocation (their prioritisation threshold).
Priority 2 applies to:
- Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students seeking to study with education providers that have reached their prioritisation threshold
- subsequent entrants where the application does not include a minor
Priority 3
The Department will assign Priority 3 to applications associated with providers who have exceeded their NOSC allocation by 15 per cent (their upper threshold).
Priority 3 applies to:
Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students seeking to study with education providers that have reached their upper threshold.
How to check the priority status of your provider
Where relevant, the priority status of your visa application is based on your provider’s status at the time you lodge your application.
- Higher Education or a Dual Sector students – check the provider’s priority status at Visa Prioritisation Status
- Vocational Education and Training students – ask your provider if they have reached their prioritisation threshold (Priority 2) or upper threshold (Priority 3)
You should note the priority status of your provider on the day you lodge your application as this determines the processing priority of your visa.
For students with a package of courses, refer to the below information about packaged confirmation of enrolments (CoEs).
Processing times under MD111 and MD115
Priority 1 applications are usually processed faster than Priority 2 and Priority 2 applications are usually processed faster than Priority 3. The priority level does not affect whether your visa is granted or refused.
The Department aims to commence processing:
- Priority 1 applications within 1 to 4 weeks of lodgement
- Priority 2 applications within 5 to 8 weeks of lodgement
- Priority 3 applications within 9 to 12 weeks of lodgement
These periods are based on 2025 lodgements and processing resources and can change, particularly when lodgements increase, and in peak periods. Allocation times are subject to change.
Processing times vary depending on volumes, integrity checks, completeness of applications and applicants meeting the identity, character and health requirements.
Find out what you can do to help process your application faster.
You must
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apply online in or outside Australia
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be enrolled in a course of study in Australia and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when we decide your visa
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hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall in one of the exemption categories
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be 6 years or older
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prove you have a welfare arrangement, if you are under 18
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If in Australia hold an eligible substantive visa. See, ‘Have this Visa if applying while in Australia” in Eligibility Tab.
Note:
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A CoE is no longer valid if it is cancelled or the course is complete
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A substantive visa ceases to be in effect if another substantive visa is granted
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Applications are received Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) (or Australian Eastern daylight standard time (AEDST) when applicable)
How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa
Apply for an Australian student visa by following the steps below. This section explains each step clearly and shows you what you need to do to submit a complete application. By preparing your documents and information early, you can avoid delays and help the department process your application faster.
Letter of Offer
A Letter of Offer is an official document sent by a school or university to confirm that you have been accepted into a course. It outlines the key details of your admission and explains the conditions you must meet before you can begin your studies. This letter forms a legal agreement between you and the education provider once you accept it.
Always read your Letter of Offer carefully before accepting it. It includes important information such as your course details, enrolment conditions, and the fees you are required to pay. Make sure you understand your rights, especially the refund policy, in case you do not start or complete the course. Do not accept the offer if you are not comfortable with any of the terms. Keep a copy of the Letter of Offer for your records, as you may need it to confirm your rights or resolve any issues with the institution later.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment, also known as a CoE, is an official document issued by your education provider. It confirms that you are enrolled in a specific course in Australia. The school sends the CoE after you accept your Letter of Offer and pay the required deposit.
You must include a copy of your CoE when applying for your Australian student visa. This document proves to the Australian Government that you are registered in the course you declared in your application. Please note that schools no longer issue concurrent CoEs. If you decide to change from a higher education course to a vocational education and training course, you must meet all student visa requirements. In some cases, you may receive credits or exemptions based on your previous studies.
Step 3 – Proof of English Proficiency
Australian educational courses are taught in English, so most students must show proof of English language ability. You may need to submit results from an approved English language test as part of your application. This certificate helps the Australian Government confirm that you meet the minimum English level required to understand your course and succeed in your studies. Always check the specific English requirements for your course and institution before applying.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
When applying for an Australian student visa, you must answer a series of questions in the online application form. These questions help visa officers understand who you are and why you want to study in Australia. Your responses explain your study plans, background, and future goals, and they support the documents you submit with your application. Clear and honest answers improve your chances of meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
The GS questions cover:
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Details of your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
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Why you chose your course and why you chose Australia as your study destination.
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How you will benefit from studying your chosen course.
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Details of your study history in Australia (if any).
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If you are holding a visa other than a Student visa, you will need to give your reasons for applying for a Student visa.
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Any other relevant information that you’d like to provide.
For more details on the GS requirement, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Financial Capacity Requirement
To qualify for an Australian student visa, you must prove that you have enough money to cover your study and living costs. This includes expenses such as tuition fees, travel, accommodation, and daily living costs. International students must show evidence of at least $29,710 in available funds. This requirement helps the Australian Government confirm that you can support yourself during your studies without financial difficulty.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All international students in Australia must have Overseas Student Health Cover for the full duration of their stay. OSHC helps pay for medical treatment and hospital care while you are in Australia. You must provide proof of this insurance when applying for your visa. If you fail to submit evidence of OSHC, your student visa application will be refused.
Health Requirement
The Australian Government requires international students to meet certain health standards before entering the country. You may need to complete a medical examination as part of your visa application. This process ensures that students are in good health and do not pose a risk to public health in Australia.
Character requirement
There are also certain character requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Australia. In your application, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you may need to provide a police background check.