Each year, Australia’s education system welcomes more than 700,000 international students. However, many other students find themselves denied due to missing documents or an incomplete application. The student visa will determine your entire educational journey in Australia.
The Student Visa (subclass 500) helps you study in Australia. A student visa allows you to study full-time in a registered course, to live, study, and work part-time, while you study. Having a clear understanding of the application process is essential for your success.
Understanding The Student Visa Requirements
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has established specific criteria for student visa applications. You must meet health, character, and financial requirements. Additionally, you need to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant status.
Your chosen course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This registration ensures the course meets Australian education standards. Without CRICOS registration, your visa application will face automatic rejection.
Essential Requirements For Student Visa Applications
Meeting the visa requirements demands careful attention to detail. Here are the core requirements every applicant must satisfy:
Requirement | Details | 2025 Updates |
Confirmation of Enrolment | Valid CoE from a registered Australian institution | Mandatory for all applications from January 2025 |
English Language Proficiency | IELTS 6.0 (academic) or equivalent | Higher scores are required for certain courses |
Financial Capacity | AUD $29,710 per year for living costs plus tuition fees | Updated annually for inflation |
Health Insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Must cover the entire visa duration |
Health Examinations | Medical checks as required | Depends on the country of origin |
Character Requirements | Police clearances from relevant countries | Valid certificates required |
Financial Evidence Requirements
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees for your course
- Return airfare to your home country
- Costs for accompanying family members
The Application Process Step by Step
Your visa journey begins with receiving a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your chosen institution. This document confirms your acceptance into the course and forms the foundation of your visa application.
Creating an ImmiAccount through the Department of Home Affairs website represents your next step. This online portal allows you to submit documents, track progress, and communicate with immigration officials. Keep your login details secure throughout the process.
The online application form requires accurate information about your background, education, and intended studies. Incorrect information can lead to visa refusal and potential future application difficulties. Double-check all entries before submission.
Health And Insurance Requirements
Health examinations are mandatory for most student visa applicants. The examination must be conducted by an approved panel physician. Results are valid for 12 months from the examination date.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides essential medical insurance during your stay. You must maintain this coverage for the entire duration of your visa. Several approved providers offer OSHC policies with varying benefits and costs.
The Role Of A Student Visa Agent
A student visa agent handles more than just paperwork.
Their job is to:
- Assess your eligibility based on your academic and financial background
- Explain your visa conditions clearly
- Assist in preparing and checking your documents
- Ensure your Statement of Purpose and Genuine Temporary Entrant response meet the required standards
- Lodge your visa application and manage any follow-up communication with immigration authorities
A registered student visa consultant team also helps ensure you avoid common mistakes—like submitting incomplete evidence, applying with a poor GTE statement, or failing to provide clear proof of financial support.
For students unsure about where to start or those overwhelmed by conflicting information online, consulting with professionals helps streamline the process and avoid delays.
Why Use A Local Migration Agent?
Engaging a local Student Visa Agent in Melbourne has some benefits. They know the local education providers, the course structure for each program of study, and also understand local immigration trends in Victoria.
They also provide you with better options for communication if you are already in Australia or planning to study in Melbourne.
If you’re comparing consultants, look for someone who is:
- MARA-registered
- Experienced with student visa applications
- Familiar with changes in education and immigration policy
- Clear in their pricing and scope of service.
We’ve previously published a helpful guide on how to select the right student visa consultant. This offers further tips on choosing the right agent for your case.
Ready To Begin Your Australian Study Journey?
Don’t let the complex student visa process hold back your dreams of studying in Australia. At Excel Migration, we’ve helped thousands of international students successfully navigate the 2025 visa requirements with our high success rate and over 15 years of experience. Our MARA-registered skilled migration agents in Melbourne understand exactly what it takes to get your student visa approved.
We offer transparent pricing, fast processing times, and personalised support throughout your entire application journey. Why risk rejection when you can work with Melbourne’s trusted student visa experts? Contact Excel Migration today for a professional assessment and let us turn your Australian education dreams into reality.