The Australian international educational sector has been approved to grow by an additional 25,000 places compared to 2025, setting the National Planning Level at a massive 295,000 international places for 2026.
There will also be no active provider who will receive a 2026 allocation lower than what they received in 2025, and the changes have been well-received by universities and students alike. In short, the international education sector is booming, and these changes will not only ensure sustainable growth but also allow more international students to take advantage of the student visa in Australia.
Studying in Australia is a fantastic way to experience the unique and laidback “Aussie” lifestyle, while obtaining new skills via a world-class education. The country offers university courses, practical vocational colleges, and English language schools to support its international student base in various ways, and most can be completed on a student visa.
If you are seriously considering Australia to further your education, read on to find out all you need to know about its international student visas and whether you might be eligible.
What is the student visa (subclass 500)?
The student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to temporarily live in Australia while studying a full-time course at a registered institution, including university courses (Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s, or PhDs), vocational courses (such as business, marketing, tourism, or hospitality), and English courses (including general English, IELTS preparation and so on).
The student visa also allows you to bring eligible family members along with you, travel in and out of Australia, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight. It is the primary pathway for international students to study in Australia.
The student visa is only temporary, but it allows you to study for up to six years. The type of course you enrol in and its length will determine the length of stay. Primary school children looking to enrol in years 1-4 will generally only be granted a student visa for a maximum period of three years.
After this, to continue studying in Australia, you will have to apply for a new visa. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a subclass 600 Visitor Visa instead, or a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). If you wish to stay in Australia longer for other reasons, you must apply for another visa that suits your circumstances.
How much does a student visa cost?
The student visa cost starts at $2,000 AUD for the main applicant, unless they are exempt. There may be other additional charges as well, including:
- An additional charge for each eligible family member who applies for the visa
- Costs associated with providing health checks
- Costs associated with providing police certificates
- Costs associated with providing biometrics
- Costs associated with providing other application requirements
There are instances where the cost of the student visa may be different. From 22 March 2025, a lower visa cost may apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, while student visa requirements for Saudi applicants can vary again. Be sure to research what is most applicable to your circumstances.
Who is eligible for a student visa?
There are a few criteria to be eligible for a student visa.
- If you are a school student, you must be under a certain age.
- You must be enrolled in an eligible course for study, and have evidence of this enrolment.
- If you are under 18, you must have welfare arrangements in place.
- You must have adequate health insurance in place.
- You must have enough money for your stay.
- You must meet Australia’s character requirement.
- You must meet Australia’s health requirement.
- If you are over 18, you must sign Australia’s values statement.
- You must have no debt or a plan in place to pay any debt to the Australian Government.
- You may need to meet English language requirements.
How do I apply for a student visa?
Preparing, submitting, and then waiting for approval of your student visa can take time, so it is important to lodge your application well before your course start date. As well as providing the right evidence of enrolment in the study with your application, you must also:
- Organise relevant health exams if applicable.
- Ensure you have a valid passport for every applicant.
- Enter your country of passport and education provider into the Document Checklist Tool to determine what other documentation and evidence you will need to provide.
- Apply for the visa online. This can be done while in or outside of Australia. To apply:
- Create or log in to an ImmiAccount
- Attach the requested documents
- Pay the visa application charge
- Respond to any further requests for information promptly to ensure a speedy review process.
You will be informed in writing of the outcome of your visa application.
If your visa application is approved, you will be officially granted your visa. This decision will include your unique visa grant number, the date your visa expires, and a comprehensive list of all conditions attached to your visa. You must keep a copy of this decision readily available, as it serves as proof of your legal right to be in Australia.
This document is extremely important. When you travel, airlines may ask to see it before you board your flight to Australia. Once you arrive, Australian immigration officials will also need to review it. The conditions on your visa can include everything from work limitations and study restrictions to specific health requirements. Understanding and following these conditions is essential to avoid any issues during your stay. This official notice is your key to a smooth entry and a compliant stay in the country.
If your visa is refused, you will be informed of why and whether you have the right to a review of the decision.
The importance of student visas
International students remain an important commodity to the Australian educational sector. Student visas enable access to quality education for students, and post-study work visas that provide valuable local experience can also act as a pathway for long-term work and residency for skilled professionals to remain in the country.
This can often help fill skill gaps, and these students contribute to the Australian economy both during their studies and once they enter the workforce. This is pivotal to the country’s long-term economic prosperity, while also providing a new generation with the ability to call Australia home.
