As an international student planning to study in Australia in 2025, understanding the Australia study visa requirements (Subclass 500) is essential. This comprehensive guide from Phoenix GRS covers everything—from academic eligibility to financial proof, health insurance, application process, and latest updates—to help you prepare a strong application and step confidently toward your Australian education.
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS‑registered institution is mandatory before submitting your visa application. Starting January 1, 2025, offer letters alone will not suffice—CoEs are non‑negotiable for both onshore and offshore applicants
2. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
Introduced in March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the previous GTE criteria. You’ll need to demonstrate through a Statement of Purpose (SOP) that your primary intention is to study in Australia temporarily and return home after completion. This includes explaining your academic background, career goals, choice of course and university, and ties to your home country .
3. Academic Eligibility & Course Registration
You must enroll full‑time in a course registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Entry requirements (like GPA or percentage scores) vary across institutions and programs. Confirm your academic profile aligns with your preferred course before applying.
4. English Language Proficiency
All applicants must meet the minimum English requirement, updated effective March 23, 2024:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: 60–79 (undergrad), 80–100 (postgrad)
- PTE Academic: 50–58 (varies by course)
- Cambridge English (C1 Advanced): 162–169+ depending on provider
- OET: accepted only for healthcare programs
Note: Online or at-home tests are not accepted for visa purposes.
5. Financial Requirements
To comply with Australia study visa requirements, you must prove sufficient funds for:
- Tuition fees (first year)
- Living expenses (~AUD 24,505 per year as a single student)
- Return airfare (~AUD 2,000–3,000)
- OSHC insurance premiums
As of 2025, the minimum funds required for a single student total roughly AUD 29,710 per year, plus evidence of travel costs and tuition fees .
Acceptable financial documents include bank statements, education loan approvals, fixed deposit receipts, or sponsorship letters with supporting bank records.
6. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Every visa applicant must secure Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from a registered provider. Coverage must begin from the day you arrive—and not the course start date. OSHC is typically valid for the full course duration and must be maintained throughout.
7. Health and Character Requirements
You will need:
- A health examination (including chest X-ray if applicable)
- A police clearance certificate, if requested
- Completion of the Australian Values Statement
Applicants over 16 must declare any criminal convictions. Non-compliance or failure to disclose can result in visa refusal or cancellation later.
8. Visa Application Fee & Processing Time
The Subclass 500 application charge increased from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 in July 2024. It may increase further to AUD 2,000 in 2025, or higher for premium services, amid government plans to regulate the international education sector .
Average processing times range between 4 to 8 weeks (or 16–49 days), depending on applicant profile and institution priority classification.
9. Student Visa Features & Conditions
Work Rights:
You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during course breaks. Postgraduate research students may work full-time year-round.
Visa Duration:
Grants cover the full duration of your course (up to 5 years), plus a post-course buffer (typically 2–3 months)
Family Inclusion:
You can bring eligible family members—partner and/or dependent children—on the same application, provided additional requirements are met .
Attendance & Progress:
You must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Your education provider tracks your attendance and academic performance; failing to meet conditions could lead to visa cancellation .
10. Recent Policy Updates & Reforms for Australia study visa?
Student Caps & Processing:
Australia has capped annual international student commencements at 270,000 for 2025 to manage infrastructure and migration pressures. Visa applications are now prioritized into high-priority (P1) and standard categories, based on provider and country risk profile.
Fee Increases:
The government doubled student visa fees in mid-2024 and plans further increases tied to pre-election commitments—possibly reaching AUD 2,000 to 2,500 or higher for certain institutions.
Australia Study Visa Requirements Checklist (2025)
Here’s a quick summary of the key requirements:
Requirement | Details |
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) | CRICOS-registered institution, mandatory from Jan 2025 |
Genuine Student Statement | SOP explaining genuine intent and career plans |
Academic Eligibility | Meet institution-specific GPA/qualifications |
English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0 (no band <5.5), TOEFL, PTE, etc. |
Financial Proof | AUD 29,710+, tuition, travel, sponsorship documents |
OSHC Insurance | From a registered provider, from arrival to visa expiry |
Health & Character Checks | Medical exam, police clearance, Values Statement |
Application Fee | AUD 1,600 (possible rise to AUD 2,000+) |
Work & Visa Conditions | 48 hrs/fortnight work limit, full-time enrolment, maintenance of progress |
Why Choose Phoenix GRS for Your Australia study visa?
At Phoenix GRS, we specialize in guiding students through every step of the Australia student visa process:
- Personalized SOP preparation
- Financial proof assessment and documentation support
- OSHC provider coordination
- Application submission via ImmiAccount
- Post-arrival compliance and study support
Our experts stay updated with policy changes to ensure your application is compliant and competitive.
Contact Phoenix GRS Today for Your Australia study visa
- 📍 Address: 2nd Floor, KMJ Identity, Post Office, No.515, 20th Main Rd, above Chaayos, Koramangala 8th Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
- 📞 Phone: +91 9071570020
+91 9164373352
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- 🌐 Website: https://phoenixgrs.com/
Services Offered
- Pre-assessment & course counseling
- SOP/Genuine Student documentation
- Financial planning & OSHC procurement
- Application tracking & communication with DHA
- Pre-departure orientation & onshore support
