Australia Student Visa: Key Steps, Costs & Common Refusals

Many visa refusals happen because applicants submit generic or copied Genuine Student statements. This is a written explanation about why you chose your course, why Australia, and your plans after graduation. You must write it yourself and be specific. The Australian government assesses this seriously since 2024.

Take your time to explain your study history, ties to India, and career goals clearly. Avoid vague answers.

The student visa (subclass 500) fee is ₹1.4L (AUD $2,500) from 1 July 2026. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. You also must buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa length, costing ₹35,000 to ₹1.4L (AUD $600 to $2,500) per year.

Before tuition, expect to pay roughly ₹2.3L (AUD $4,000) for visa and health cover alone. Tuition fees vary by course:

• Bachelor's degrees: ₹15L – ₹26L per year (AUD $25,000 – $45,000)
• Master's in business, IT, engineering: ₹17L – ₹29L per year (AUD $30,000 – $50,000)
• Vocational diplomas: ₹4.6L – ₹12L per year (AUD $8,000 – $20,000)

Living costs you must prove for visa purposes are ₹17L (AUD $29,710) per year.

You must prove you have enough money for 12 months of living costs (₹17L), first-year tuition, and return travel. The funds must be genuine, traceable, and available at the time of application. Bank statements, loan sanctions, or sponsor documents are accepted.

Failing to provide clear financial evidence is a common reason for visa refusal.

Start your visa application 4 to 8 months before your course begins. The main university intakes are February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). Apply by September–November for February intake, or April–May for July intake.

The visa processing time varies from 4 to 12 weeks depending on your institution's risk rating.

Steps to apply:

1. Receive an offer and pay the deposit to get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
2. Arrange OSHC for the full visa period.
3. Write your Genuine Student statement.
4. Assemble financial evidence.
5. Lodge your application online via ImmiAccount.
6. Complete health exams and character checks.
7. Wait for the decision before booking flights.

With the student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. During scheduled course breaks, you can work unlimited hours. This part-time work can cover a meaningful portion of your living costs, as Australian award wages are relatively high.

After graduation, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows open work rights for 2 years if you completed a bachelor's or master's by coursework. If you completed a master's by research, you get 3 years. Studying in regional Australia can extend this period.

The 485 visa fee is ₹3.3L (AUD $5,750) from 1 July 2026. Age limits apply, so check the current cap before planning.

Most Australian universities accept a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree for master's entry, usually requiring 65% or higher. Group of Eight universities want 70–75% or more.

Popular courses include Master of Information Technology, Master of Professional Engineering, MBA, Nursing, and Data Science.

Check the CRICOS register to confirm your chosen institution and course are officially approved for international students.

• Generic or copied Genuine Student statements.
• Insufficient or unclear proof of funds.
• Applying too late or missing intake deadlines.
• Not arranging OSHC for the full visa duration.
• Booking flights before visa approval (visa fee is non-refundable).

Getting these right the first time saves time, money, and stress.

Start your visa application 4–8 months before your course. Write a genuine, detailed Genuine Student statement. Prepare clear financial proof showing ₹17L plus tuition. Arrange OSHC for your full stay. Apply online and wait for approval before booking flights.

Is a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree accepted for Australian master's programs?

Yes, most Australian universities accept a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree for master's entry, usually requiring 65% or higher.

How much money do I need to show for the student visa?

You must show ₹17L for 12 months of living costs plus your first-year tuition and return travel. The funds must be genuine and traceable.

How long does the student visa application take?

Visa processing takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on your institution's risk rating.

Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

What is the cost of the student visa and health cover?

The student visa fee is ₹1.4L (AUD $2,500) from 1 July 2026. OSHC costs ₹35,000 to ₹1.4L (AUD $600 to $2,500) per year.

What happens if my visa is refused?

The visa fee is non-refundable. Common refusal reasons include generic Genuine Student statements and insufficient proof of funds.