Studying in Australia continues to be one of the top choices for Indian students who aspire to receive world-class education, gain international exposure, and build high-growth global careers. The country remains a strong magnet for talent, even continuously changing immigration policies and shifting visa trends.
According to recent Australian Home Affairs data, over 325,000 student visas were granted in 2022–23, followed by around 290,000 in 2023–24. For 2024–25, approvals are projected to be approximately 220,000, reflecting a 10% decline from the previous year. Despite this plunge, student visa applications have returned to pre-pandemic levels, showing sustained interest and confidence in Australia as a premium and most desirable study destination.
Higher education remains the biggest driver of this demand, nearly 75% of all student visas issued in the first half of 2024–25 were for university-level studies, marking a significant rise compared to two years earlier.
Yet, with Australia’s strict rules and regulations, improving integrity measures, and introducing new migration policies for 2025–2026, the visa process can feel relatively difficult. That’s why having a clear, step-by-step student visa checklist is more important than ever.
Understanding the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Subclass 500 visa is the main student visa for international learners, including thousands of Indian students who choose Australia every year. Australian student visa allows you to live, study, and gain valuable global exposure while pursuing a full-time course.
With the Subclass 500 visa, you can:
- Study at any CRICOS-registered Australian institution
- Stay in Australia for the entire duration of your course (up to 5 years, depending on program length)
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session
- Work unlimited hours if you are enrolled in a Master’s by Research or PhD program
- Include eligible family members (partner, child, or partner’s child) in your application
- Travel in and out of Australia during your visa validity
- Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing your studies (if eligible)
In simple terms, the Subclass 500 visa gives you the flexibility to study full-time, gain international work experience, and prepare for post-study opportunities in Australia.
Australia Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
1. Eligibility Criteria
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must have an offer and CoE from an Australian university or educational provider (CRICOS-registered).
- Academic Qualifications:
- For undergraduate programs: school certificates (12th grade)
- For postgraduate programs: bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- English Language Test: Depending on the course/university:
- IELTS: Often required (minimum scores vary)
- PTE / TOEFL: Accepted by many institutes
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) / Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: The Australian immigration system evaluates whether you are a genuine student — financially, academically, and in terms of intent.
- Financial Capacity: You should prove you have access to sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, health insurance (OSHC), and other costs.
2. Financial Requirements
To demonstrate “genuine access to funds,” you can provide:
- Bank statements (your own or sponsor’s)
- Fixed deposits
- An education loan sanction letter
- Income proof (salary slips, tax returns)
These help satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that you can support yourself through your studies.
3. Health & Character Requirements
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Medical Examination: You may need to undergo a health check, depending on course length & location.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): To show good character, depending on visa type and duration.
4. Required Documents Checklist for Australia Student Visa
Here’s a detailed checklist of what you’ll generally need:
| Document Type | What to Include |
| Identity | Valid Passport, Passport-size Photos |
| Academic | Transcripts, Certificates (12th grade or Bachelor’s) |
| Enrollment | CoE, Offer Letter from University |
| Financial | Bank Statements, Loan Approvals, Sponsor Documents |
| English Test | IELTS / PTE / TOEFL Score Report |
| GTE / GS Statement | A personal statement explaining your study plan, ties to India, and post-study goals |
| Health & Character | OSHC proof, Medical Report, Police Clearance (if required) |
| Other | Resume (if applying for PG), Gap Year Explanation (if any) |
5. Step-by-Step Australia Student Visa Application Process
- Receive Offer Letter & CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment): Start by applying to a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. Once you receive your Offer Letter and accept it by paying the required tuition deposit, the university will issue your CoE, which is mandatory for visa lodgement.
- Gather All Required Documents: Begin collecting all the above-listed documents early to avoid delays.
- Prepare a Strong Genuine Student (GS) Statement: Previously known as the GTE, the GS Statement explains why you want to study in Australia, how the program aligns with your career goals, and your intention to return after your studies. A clear, well-written GS statement significantly improves your visa chances.
- Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Before submitting your visa application, you must buy OSHC, which covers your medical expenses for the entire study duration. Your university may recommend a provider, or you can choose any approved insurer.
- Create Your ImmiAccount (Official Portal): Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount, which is used to submit and track your visa application, upload documents, and receive updates.
- Lodge Your Subclass 500 Visa Application: Fill out the Subclass 500 application form, upload all required documents, attach your CoE, OSHC proof, and GS statement, then submit the application via ImmiAccount.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the student visa fee online through your ImmiAccount. Fees are updated periodically, so always check the latest amount on the Home Affairs website before payment.
- Complete Biometrics & Medical/Health Examinations: Soon after submission, you may receive a request for biometrics and medical examinations. Book these appointments promptly to avoid processing delays.
- Wait for the Visa Decision: Processing times vary depending on case complexity, country of origin, and document quality. While many decisions can come in a few weeks, some applications may take longer — so apply well in advance of your intake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unclear GS statement
- Insufficient or mismatched financial documentation
- Gaps in education are not properly justified
- Choosing a non-CRICOS provider
- Not purchasing OSHC in time
- Applying too late for your intake
Policy Updates & Immigration Changes (2025–2026)
Studying in Australia in 2025–2026 requires awareness of some significant visa policy changes:
1. Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115)
From November 14, 2025, MD 115 came into effect, restructuring how the Department of Home Affairs prioritises Subclass 500 visa applications.
- It imposes a tiered processing system: institutions have “annual enrollment allocations.”
- Applications from institutions exceeding their allocation may be processed at lower priority.
- This change may lead to slower visa processing for students applying to oversubscribed universities.
2. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Reforms
Key changes that impact post-study work rights:
- Age Limit: The maximum age for most 485 applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years, except for PhD or research master’s graduates.
- Duration of Stay:
- Bachelor’s degree graduates: up to 2 years
- Master’s (coursework): up to 2 years
- Master’s (research) / PhD: up to 3 years
- Stream Renaming: The visa streams have been restructured:
- Graduate Work → Post-Vocational Education Work
- Post-Study Work → Post-Higher Education Work
- Extended Work Rights Ending: The earlier extension (extra 2 years) for certain degrees has been wound back.
3. Migration Strategy & Work Hour Proposals
- As part of its broader Migration Strategy, the Australian government is reducing long-term “temporary migration” patterns and focusing on integrity in migration.
- There is a proposal to increase fortnightly work hours for student visa holders to 60 hours (from the current 48).
- These policies reflect tighter migration control while still valuing genuine students who contribute to the economy.
Tips to Improve Your Australia Study Visa Approval Chances
- Be clear and honest in your GS statement about study intentions and ties to India.
- Document finances professionally, and avoid last-minute fixed deposits.
- Apply early for your intake to avoid delay due to MD 115 prioritisation.
- Select courses that align with skill shortage areas (if you aim to stay longer via 485).
- Stay informed on visa rule changes and work restrictions via reliable sources or a migration agent.
Conclusion
For Indian students planning to study in Australia in 2026, a well-prepared visa application matters more than ever. Given the recent policy shifts from MD 115 processing priorities to reformed post-study work visa (Subclass 485), being organised, transparent, and proactive can make a huge difference.
Use the checklist above, keep yourself updated on policy changes, and consider expert help (from agents or education consultants) to navigate the process smoothly.
If you’re unsure where to start or want professional guidance, Abroad Gateway can help:
- We assist with Genuine Student (GS) statements
- We help you compile strong financial documentation
- We guide you through the visa application, OSHC purchase, and post-study planning
- Book a free consultation with our study-abroad experts today
Let us help you build your roadmap to studying and living in Australia with confidence.
