If you’re planning to study in Australia in 2025, the good news is that the student visa process is now more streamlined and easier to follow. This simple step-by-step guide will help Indian students understand how to apply for Australia study visa, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect before and after arriving in Australia.
Whether you’re enrolling in an undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational course, this guide will keep you on track and make your study abroad journey a lot smoother.
Application Steps for Australia Study Visa 2025
The Australia Study Visa process in 2025 is designed to be student-friendly and efficient. Follow these key steps to ensure a smooth and successful application experience.
Step 1 – Letter of Offer
Begin by applying to a CRICOS-registered Australian institution that suits your academic and career goals. Once your application is accepted, the university or college will issue a Letter of Offer outlining your course details, duration, tuition fees, and terms. Review it carefully and accept the offer to move forward.
Step 2 – Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
After accepting your offer and paying the initial tuition deposit, the institution will then send you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This official document is therefore mandatory and must be included in your visa application to confirm your place in the course.
Step 3 – Proof of English Proficiency
You must demonstrate adequate English language skills through an approved test. Commonly accepted exams include:
- IELTS – minimum 6.0 overall
- TOEFL iBT – minimum score of 64
- PTE Academic – minimum score of 50
Check your institution’s specific score requirements, as some courses (like nursing or law) may demand higher results.
Step 4 – Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
As part of your visa application, you need to prove you are a genuine student with clear intentions to study in Australia. This includes:
- A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your course choice and career goals
- Academic and employment background
- Evidence of ties to your home country to show you’re not using the visa for migration
You must demonstrate that you are a genuine student intending to study full-time in Australia. This replaces the former GTE requirement.
Step 5 – Financial Capacity Requirement
You must provide evidence that you can financially support yourself (and any dependents if applicable) for tuition, living costs, travel, and OSHC. Minimum funds required in 2025 are:
| Applicant Type | Required Funds (AUD) |
| Student only | $29,710 |
| Student + Partner | $41,203 |
| Student + Partner + 1 Child | $46,516 |
Accepted financial evidence includes:
- Bank statements
- Education loans
- Financial support letters
These documents must be recent, verifiable, and clearly show you meet the funding threshold.
The Australian Government uses a living cost benchmark of approximately AUD 29,710 per year for a single student, but exact requirements depend on your individual circumstances.
Step 6 – Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This health insurance covers basic medical and hospital expenses and is compulsory for all student visa holders. Additionally, your university may assist with this, or you can choose from registered providers directly.
Step 7 – Health Requirement
To ensure public health safety, you may be required to undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray by a panel doctor approved by the Australian government. Typically, this is needed if you plan to study for more than 6 months or, alternatively, if you are from a high-risk country.
Step 8 – Character Requirement
You must meet the character requirements by providing police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, as instructed by the Department of Home Affairs. This, therefore, ensures you have no criminal background that could pose a risk to Australian society.
Step 9 – Apply Using ImmiAccount
Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create an ImmiAccount. Fill out the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application, upload all required documents (CoE, passport, OSHC, financial and character documents, English test scores), and pay the visa fee: AUD 2,000 (updated in July 2025).
Once submitted, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track your application status.
Step 10 – Check Travel Requirements
Before travelling to Australia, check the Department of Home Affairs and your education provider for any visa, health, or travel updates relevant to your journey, such as:
- Vaccination mandates
- Arrival declarations
- COVID-related testing (if any)
These requirements can change quickly. So, keep checking updates from official Australian government sources.
Document Checklist for Australia Student Visa 2025
| Document | Description / Purpose |
| Letter of Offer | Official offer from a CRICOS-registered institution |
| Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) | Proof of enrollment after deposit payment |
| Proof of English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic test results |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Explanation of study intentions and career goals |
| Academic and Employment Records | Transcripts, certificates, and job history |
| Evidence of Financial Capacity | Bank statements, loan documents, or financial support letters |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Health insurance for medical/hospital expenses |
| Medical Examination & X-ray | Health checks by approved panel doctor |
| Police Clearance Certificates | Background checks from countries lived in for 12+ months |
| Passport | Valid travel document |
| Visa Application Form & Fee | Completed application via ImmiAccount + payment (AUD 2,000) |
Working in Australia During and After Study
One of the major advantages of holding an Australia Study Visa is the ability to work while studying. As a Student Visa holder, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Research students (Masters by Research or PhD) may work unlimited hours after course commencement.
After graduation, international students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to live, study, and work in Australia for 2 to 3 years depending on your qualification and location.
This visa is a great bridge toward permanent residency if you plan to stay longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing incomplete or incorrect documents
- Ignoring OSHC or buying an invalid plan
- Submitting your application too late
- Not meeting Australia Study Visa requirements
- Not checking for the most updated visa changes for 2025
So, avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of a smooth and successful application process.
FAQs
1. How much money do I need to show for an Australia Study Visa in 2025?
You need to show at least AUD 29,710 to cover tuition and living expenses for 12 months.
2. Can I work while on a student visa in Australia?
Yes, up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Research students may work unlimited hours after course commencement.
3. Do I need health insurance to study in Australia?
Yes, OSHC is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
4. What English tests are accepted for a student visa Australia?
IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic are accepted if required by your course provider. Minimum scores are set by the institution.
5. How long does it take to get an Australia Study Visa?
Processing times vary depending on your application and provider. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates.
Final Thoughts
Getting an Australia Study Visa in 2025 is not as daunting as it seems. By following this structured approach and preparing well in advance, you can turn your dream to study in Australia into a reality. Moreover, ensure you stay updated with official government announcements to meet Australia Study Visa requirements. Additionally, always double-check requirements before applying for your student visa Australia to avoid delays and ensure a smooth process. And if you ever need help, just ask our AI Assistant.
