Australian Student Visa: Requirements, Process, Fees, Updates

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. The main requirement for studying in Australia is to obtain an Australian student visa. The student visa success rate in Australia is 80-85% which means if you meet all requirements your visa will be approved. 

In this blog, we will discuss the requirements, process, fees and other updates of an Australian student visa for international students. So, if you want to study abroad in Australia for the upcoming intake, you can always contact AIMS Education. 

What is a Student Visa in Australia?

A student visa in Australia is a temporary visa that allows international students to study full-time at an accredited educational institution in Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Visa Type: The most common student visa is the Subclass 500, which permits students to enroll in a full-time course at a university, college, or other eligible educational institution.

• Eligibility: To apply for a student visa, you must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia, provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel, and meet health and character requirements. You may also need to pass an English language test, depending on the course and institution.

The Subclass 500 student visa, introduced on July 1, 2016, allows you to stay in Australia for the length of your study program, usually up to five years, depending on your course. To ensure a trouble-free stay, you must keep your visa valid and follow the rules listed for your visa. You can visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for more details.

Types of Student Visa in Australia

There are different types of Australian student and training visas for people from other countries, including Bangladesh. Each visa is designed for different education needs and situations. Since it’s the key to studying in Australia, it’s important to understand the options. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the student visa that best fits your education plans.

Type of Study Visas	Duration to Stay
Subclass 500 Student visa	Up to 5 years
Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa	Until the student completes the course
Training Visa 407	Up to 2 years

What are the Requirements for a Student Visa in Australia?

You must meet some entry requirements to apply for a student visa in Australia. The main requirement is your age should be less than 20 to apply for an Australian student visa for bachelor’s degree. Here are some other student visa requirements in Australia for international students.

• Apply online whether you are inside or outside Australia
• Be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
• Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or qualify for an exemption
• Show proof of a welfare arrangement if you’re under 18
• If you’re already in Australia, you must have a valid visa to apply. Check the “Eligibility” section for details.

English Language Requirements for an Australian Student Visa

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular test for English language skills, used for study, work, and migration. Over three million people took the test last year. More than 11,000 organizations in 140 countries, including schools, employers, and governments, accept IELTS results.

For a student visa, the minimum IELTS score is 5.5, but you’ll need a higher score to get into top universities. The required score can change depending on the course. For example, courses like Business, IT, and Engineering often need a score of 6.5, while fields like Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Teaching usually require 7.0 or higher.

The minimum IELTS requirement for an Australian student visa is 5.5 but you’ll need a higher score to get into top universities. The required score can change depending on the course. For example, courses like Business, IT, and Engineering often need a score of 6.5, while fields like Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Teaching usually require 7.0 or higher.

Which Documents are Required for an Australian Student Visa?

When applying for an Australian student visa, you need to submit several important documents. These may change depending on the visa type, but here are some common documents required for an Australian student visa:

• Passport and visa application form
• Passport-size photos
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your school
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining why you want to study in Australia
• Financial proof and academic records
• English test results
• Health and character checks
• Proof of health insurance
• Evidence of connections to your home country
• Any other documents needed for your specific visa type

How Much Bank Statement is Required for an Australia Student Visa?

To get your Australian student visa approved, it’s important to show a bank statement with the required amount of money. The Australian government has set a specific amount you need to show as proof of funds. Here’s what you need to know:

	Financial capacity requirement before 10 May 2024	Financial capacity requirement after 10​​ May 2024
Primary applicant	AUD24,505	AUD29,710
Spouse or de facto partner of the Student primary applicant (not applicable to Student Guardian applicant)	AUD8,574	AUD10,394
Dependent child	AUD3,670	AUD4,449
Annual school costs	AUD9,661	AUD13,502
Personal annual income if there is no member of the family	AUD72,465	AUD87,856
Personal annual income where there is a member of the family unit	AUD84,543	AUD102,500

What is the Australian Student Visa Fee for International Students?

In Australia, student visa fees start at AUD 1,600 per application, unless you’re exempt. The time it takes to process a visa can be different for each person. You can check visa processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

How to Apply for an Australia Student Visa?

You should follow some steps to apply for an Australian student visa. Let’s explore the step-by-step guidelines to apply for an Australian student visa. 

Step 1 – Letter of Offer

Read your Letter of Offer carefully before accepting it. It will have details about your course, conditions for enrollment, and the fees you need to pay. Make sure you understand your rights, including the refund policy. If you don’t start or finish your course, the agreement will decide if you get a refund.

Step 2 – Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Once you accept your Letter of Offer and pay the deposit, your school will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This document proves that you’re enrolled in a course. You need to include a copy of the CoE in your visa application to show the government you are officially enrolled.

Step 3 – Proof of English Proficiency

Since Australian courses are taught in English, you may need to provide an English test certificate. This proves you meet the minimum English skills needed for your course.

Step 4 – Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

In your visa application, you will answer questions about why you want to study in Australia. This helps visa officers understand your reasons for applying and supports the documents you provide.

Step 5 – Financial Capacity Requirement

You must show proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses like travel, course fees, and rent. You need to prove you have at least $29,710 available.

Step 6 – Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

As an international student, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay in Australia. Without proof of this insurance, your visa will be refused. OSHC helps pay for medical care, most prescription medicines, and emergency ambulance services.

Step 7 – Health Requirement

You need to be in good health to study in Australia. You may need a medical exam to meet the health requirements for your visa.

Step 8 – Character Requirement

You also need to meet certain character standards. In your application, you’ll answer basic questions about your behaviour and past conduct. Sometimes, you may need to provide a police background check.

Step 9 – Apply Using ImmiAccount

You can apply for your student visa online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. You don’t need an agent to apply, but if you want help, use a registered migration agent or legal professional.

Step 10 – Check Travel Requirements

Stay updated on travel rules by visiting the Preparing for Your Travels page to make sure you’re ready for your trip.

When to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?

You can track your visa status through ImmiAccount after you’ve submitted your application. Make sure to apply no later than six weeks before your course begins, but not earlier than 12 weeks.

Australian Student Visa Processing Time for International Students

The Subclass 500 student visa lets you study, work, and stay in Australia. The time it takes to process the visa can vary based on factors like where you’re applying from and how many applications are being handled. On average, it takes about 50 days to process the application. You can speed up the process by making sure you submit all the correct documents and apply on time.

What is the Student Visa Success Rate in Australia?

The student visa success rate in Australia is 85.1% – 86.7% for international students. And the rejection rate for Australian student visa is only 13.3% – 14.9%. That means if you meet all the eligibility criteria and if you have submitted your student visa application before the deadline, there is a huge chance that your Australian student visa will be approved. 

Student Visa Rejection Reasons in Australia

Are you looking for the reasons why the student visa gets rejected in Australia? Here are some mandatory reasons for Australian student visa rejection. 

• Failed to meet the GTE requirements
• Invalid or missing documents
• Failed to meet the academic qualifications
• Failure to meet English requirements
• Invalid passport
• Financial instability
• Past criminal records, etc. 

Final Words

Australia is a top choice for international students who want high-quality education and a rich cultural experience. Its universities, advanced research centres, and lifestyle draw students from all over the world, including Bangladesh. This guide will give you important information on how to get an Australian student visa, helping you make your study abroad dreams come true. However, if you have any more confusion regarding this, you can always contact AIMS Education. 

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