Why Study in Australia from India in 2026?

Australia is one of the leading destinations for Indian students, with universities, vocational colleges and pathway courses across every state. This guide explains the Australia student visa (subclass 500) requirements for 2026, based on the Australian Government's official pages. Rules change often, so always confirm the latest details on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.

Last checked against official sources: 20 October 2026.

What Is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study full-time in a registered Australian education provider. It covers higher education, vocational education and training (VET), pathway courses, English language courses (ELICOS), school study and postgraduate research. Read the official page: Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500).

New Student Visa Rules from 2 October 2026

From 2 October 2026, new rules apply to the Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). The Australian Government says they do not affect current Student visas or genuine students applying from outside Australia.

  • Applying inside Australia: most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia. If you apply from outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
  • Family members: you can no longer include family members in a Student visa application unless an exemption applies (for example doctoral students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, and some government-sponsored students). Family members cannot be added after the visa is granted.
  • Changing providers: a new Transfer stream is planned for students who change education providers. Details are still being developed.

Sources: Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules and Study Australia: Student visa changes, October 2026.

Australia Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

You generally need an offer from your education provider. After you accept it and pay your deposit, the provider issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Your CoE must still be valid when Home Affairs decides your application. Check providers and courses on the official CRICOS register.

2. Genuine Student (GS) requirement

The Genuine Student requirement applies to applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024 and replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test. The online application asks about your current circumstances, why you chose this course and provider, and how the course will benefit you. Each response has a 150-word limit and must be in English. Supporting documents carry more weight than statements alone. Read the official guidance: Home Affairs: Genuine Student requirement.

3. Financial capacity

You must show you can pay for your course fees, travel and living costs. Study Australia lists the minimum living-cost evidence for an international student applicant as AUD 29,710. Your actual costs may be higher depending on where you live. Home Affairs explains the accepted evidence under "Gather your documents" on the Student visa page, and its Document Checklist Tool shows exactly what applies to you.

4. English language proof

The evidence you need depends on your main course. Home Affairs accepts results from these tests taken at a secure test centre: IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT (select "TOEFL iBT for Australia" when booking), Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, Michigan English Test (MET) and OET. Tests taken fully online or at home, such as IELTS Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition, are not accepted. Use the Document Checklist Tool for the score your course needs.

Sources: Home Affairs: English language visa requirements and Study Australia: Language testing organisations.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

You must hold OSHC for the duration of your stay, unless an exemption applies. Study Australia lists the approved OSHC providers: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

6. Health and character

You may need a health examination, which you can arrange through Home Affairs health examinations. You must also meet the character requirement, and some applicants need a police certificate.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa from India

  1. Choose a course and provider and apply for admission.
  2. Receive and read your Letter of Offer, including the refund terms.
  3. Accept the offer, pay the deposit and receive your CoE.
  4. Arrange an approved English test, if your course requires one.
  5. Take out OSHC.
  6. Prepare your Genuine Student answers and financial evidence.
  7. Complete any required health examination.
  8. Lodge your application online through ImmiAccount.
  9. Check the current processing times and wait for your decision before booking travel.

Follow the official walkthrough: Study Australia: How to apply for your visa. Current processing times are on the Home Affairs processing times page.

Can You Work on an Australian Student Visa?

Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You cannot work before your course starts. Master's by research and doctoral students can work unlimited hours after their course starts. Confirm your own conditions in your visa grant letter or through VEVO.

After Your Studies: Temporary Graduate Visa

Many students go on to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Check the eligibility rules on the official Study Australia Temporary Graduate visa page, because family-inclusion restrictions for this visa are also being introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Study Australia lists AUD 29,710 as the minimum living-cost evidence for a student applicant. You also need to cover course fees and travel. Check the Document Checklist Tool for your own case.

Do I need IELTS or PTE for an Australian student visa?

Most applicants prove English with an approved test. The required score depends on your main course, so check it in the Document Checklist Tool. Home-based online tests are not accepted.

Is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test still used?

No. The Genuine Student requirement applies to applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

Can I bring my family on a student visa?

From 2 October 2026, family members can be included only if an exemption applies, and they cannot be added after the visa is granted.

How many hours can I work as an international student?

Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Official Sources

Visit www.winyourvisa.com for more country guides. This article is general information and is not legal advice.