Requirements for Australian Student Visa from India
- 12min Read
Blog Outline
30sec Snapshot
- Student visa and valid passport
- English proficiency
- Letter of acceptance from an Australian University
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Application fee payment receipt
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) receipt
- All academic documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Studying in Australia is definitely a dream come true with the increasing job opportunities and industries coming up there. India is Australia’s second-largest source country for international student enrolments, with a total number of 95,791. It stands as one of the premier choices for Indian students seeking top-notch education and career prospects as it ranks among the highest-paying countries for Indians, with an impressive average pay of AUD 125,803 (INR 69,60,963 approx.). Australia is also home to some of the leading educational institutions in the world that offer training facilities while simultaneously allowing part-time work opportunities. Thirty-eight Australian universities are included in the QS World Rankings 2024, and nine Australian universities are included in the top 100 universities in the world (2023).
When applying for foreign education, the first step for Indian students is receiving your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) letter. A COE letter indicates your admission to your preferred university, followed by the visa application.
It is important to understand the visa process to ensure your application does not get rejected due to the submission of insufficient or false documents.
Keep reading to understand the step-by-step process and more!
Read more about the best Australian colleges for Indians.
Australian Student Visa Process from India
There are different types of student visas in Australia available for Indian students who wish to study in Australia. Let’s look at the three types of student visas and the basic requirements for Australian student visas:
Student Visa - Subclass 500
Purpose: To pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Australia
Validity: Up to 5 years
Cost: AUD 650 (34,000 INR approx.)
Processing Time: Can take up to 57 days
Requirements:
- Enrollment: In a training, bachelor’s, or master’s degree course.
- Health Cover: Unless exempt, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Age: Must be at least 6 years old.
- Welfare Arrangements: Required for those under 18 years.
Additional Information:
- Allows family members to accompany.
- Online application is possible from within or outside Australia.
- Permits unlimited work hours in specific sectors, subject to visa conditions.
- From October 1, 2023, student visa applicants will need to show they have a minimum of 24,505 Australian Dollars in savings to cover annual living costs.
Training Visa - Subclass 407
Purpose: Completing work-related training or professional courses
Validity: Up to 2 years
Cost: AUD 325 (21,000 INR approx.)
Processing Time: 8 days to 8 months based on various factors
Requirements:
- Sponsorship and nomination for a work-based training program.
- Invitation if the sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency.
Student Guardian Visa - Subclass 590
Purpose: Supporting a child with a student visa.
Validity: The duration of the visa will be determined by the student visa holder’s stay and age.
Cost: AUD 710 (37,000 INR approx.)
Processing Time: 27 days to 6 months.
Requirements:
- Legal guardian, parent, or relative of the student.
- At least 21 years old.
- Sufficient funds for support.
- Able and willing to provide accommodation and other assistance.
Additional Information:
- Support duration matches the student’s course length.
- Age limit: 18 years and above.
- Usually does not permit work.
You can also read: Australian tourist visa for Indians!
Australia Study Visa Requirements
In addition to all these documents required for student visa Australia from India, you will need a valid passport. It is important to submit all the correct documents to ensure your Australia student visa application is processed quickly and smoothly. Let’s look at all the requirements below:
Offer Letter
One of the many requirements for Australia student visa is having your offer letter. Once you submit your application and it is accepted, you will receive an offer letter that you may or may not accept as per your choice. It is necessary to carefully assess all the details, student visa conditions in Australia, and structure before accepting the offer letter. Once you accept it, keep a copy of the letter of offer with you.
Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
CoE is another important document that falls under the Australia study visa requirements. The educational institution provides this after you have accepted the offer letter and deposited the fees for Australia student visa. You must include a copy of the enrollment confirmation in your visa application to provide proof.
English Proficiency Test
This may sound colonial, but as an Indian international student with a native language other than English an based on the university’s requirements, you must provide a certificate of your improved English proficiency test results to support your English language skills with evidence. Australia accepts the following English language proficiency test scores:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
- Occupational English Test (OET), (for health professionals)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
As a requirement for Australia student visa, GTE involves writing statements addressing two criteria:
- The first statement would explain your reason for coming to Australia is only to study and not for any other reasons.
- Second, an acknowledgement is required for Australia study visa requirements stating that you will reside in Australia temporarily and not overstay your visa.
The GTE is evidence of your intentions to return home after completing your studies and the visa period.
You will also need to include details about your ties back home, including your friends, family, job, or any other reasons you might have to return. You can also write about the future career or academic goals you want to pursue after returning to India.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Meeting financial requirements is crucial for an Australian student visa. Documentation proving adequate funds is necessary, and student loans serve as valid proof. Acceptable documents include bank statements, scholarship or grant details, and proof of annual income.
For individuals, an income above AUD 63,000 (33,00,000 INR approx.) is required, while families need an annual income of at least AUD 73,000 (38,00,000 INR approx.). Specific banks provide the required documents, so ensure that your financial institution is approved by the central bank (or equivalent) for the right paperwork to cover your student visa, course expenses, travel, rent, and additional costs.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
The requirements for Australia student visa also cover the health eligibility criteria, which means the candidate must hold insurance for overseas student health coverage. The lack of this document may result in your student visa application being rejected.
OSHC covers medical, hospital, prescription, and emergency ambulance services during your stay. Costs vary, starting at AUD 478 (INR 26,359 approx.) for 12 months of singles cover. You can get OSHC through your institution or online from providers. Compare options to find the best coverage for your needs using platforms like Finder.
Health Requirements
There are additional health guidelines that you’ll have to look into. Proper health conditions before entering the country’s boundaries must be taken note of because they are a government requirement. The Australian government requires a chest X-ray and medical checks for certain criteria of students, depending on the tuberculosis risk in their home country. India is classified as a high tuberculosis-risk country, and Indian students may be required to undergo a chest X-ray under the following circumstances:
- Are intending to work or study to be a doctor, dentist, nurse or paramedic
- Will enter a hospital, aged or disability care facility
- Will work or train at an Australian childcare centre
- Have had previous household contact with tuberculosis or
- Are requested to do so by the Department.
Character Certificate
Several Australians may have played movie villains but in real life? They would need to fulfil certain character requirements for Australia student visas to meet the eligibility criteria for even studying in Australia. You will be required to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct to pass the character requirement test and also provide a police background check to ensure proper conduct.
Character certificate questions are “Yes/No” questions. For example,
- I have never been convicted of a crime or any offence in any country;
- I do not have any spent convictions under any spent convictions legislation in any country or any convictions on my police record.
Know more about the character certificate requirements.
In a Nutshell
- Offer Letter
- Confirmation of Enrollment
- English Proficiency Test
- Genuine Temporary Entrant
- Proof of Sufficient Funds
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Character Certificate
Note: We would like to emphasise the critical importance of submitting truthful and genuine documents when applying for a visa. False or fraudulent documentation can lead to severe consequences, including future permanent disqualification or bans from entering a particular country.
Study in Australia with ease with a student forex card today and manage your finances effortlessly!
Australia Student Visa Process: Step-by-Step
Learn how to get student visa for Australia by following these steps.
Step 1: You must have the Australian institution’s offer letter to fulfil the eligibility criteria. Also, ensure you’ve read the Australian student visa new rules.
Step 2: Apply for the visa online for faster processing and acceptance of the application. To apply, you will need a certificate of enrollment (CoE), OSHC, a valid passport, and proof of your temporary stay in hand.
Step 3: After filling out your Australia student visa application online, you must pay the Australia visa fees for Indian students and get a reference number.
Step 4: Certain health checkups and interviews for character certificates will be done to declare whether you are eligible to enter Australian boundaries, and that is it. These health requirements are dependent on what you are studying and which country you belong to. India is classified as a high-risk tuberculosis country, and students may be required to undergo a chest X-ray.
Once all the conditions are satisfied and you fulfil the requirements for an Australia student visa, you will be granted your student visa.
We hope now you know how to get student visa for Australia. Your application will be cancelled if you fail to provide the required documents on Australia student visa processing time or miss the interview deadlines.
In a Nutshell
To study in Australia:
Step 1:Apply to institutions, obtain a CoE, read visa rules.
Step 2: Apply online with CoE, OSHC, passport, and proof of stay.
Step 3: Pay fees
Step 4: Undergo health checks and interviews based on course and country.
Make the knowledgeable journey of staying in step with the process of getting your very own Australian Visa!
Tips and Tricks for a Successful Australian Student Visa Application
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you with a successful visa application:
- Early Preparation: Begin the visa application process well in advance to account for potential delays and ensure timely submission.
- Thorough Documentation: Gather all required documents meticulously, ensuring they align with the specific requirements of your chosen visa subclass.
- Genuine Intent: Craft a clear and compelling Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement expressing your genuine intent to study and return home after completion.
- Financial Readiness: Demonstrate financial capability by providing evidence of funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Health Check: If required, undergo a health examination promptly and submit the necessary health documents.
- English Proficiency: Meet the English language proficiency requirements and submit valid test scores.
- Welfare Arrangements (if under 18): For applicants under 18, ensure documented and clear welfare arrangements are in place.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your Australian educational institution and include it in your application.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on visa policies and procedures, staying informed about any changes.
- Professional Assistance: Consider seeking guidance from registered migration agents for a comprehensive and accurate visa application process.
Key Takeaways
- Australia student visa fees for Indian students differ depending on the type of visa subclass. Student Visa Subclass 500 (AUD 650), Training Visa Subclass 407 (AUD 405), Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590 (AUD710)
- The requirements for an Australian student visa include an offer letter, confirmation of enrollment, English proficiency test, genuine temporary entry, proof of sufficient funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Health requirements, and Character certificate.
- There is no student visa in Australia age limit, and anyone of any age can apply to study or get training in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
After receiving your offer letter for a degree/program in Australia, the subsequent steps for obtaining a student visa from India vary based on the type of degree. Here’s a breakdown for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Graduate Certificate/Diploma Programs:
- Choose the specific bachelor’s, master’s, or graduate certificate/diploma program for which you’ve received an offer letter
- Understand GTE Requirements
- Create ImmiAccount
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach Required Documents
- Pay Visa Application Fee
- Health Examination
- Biometrics Collection (if required, applicants may need to provide biometrics. Check if this applies to your specific program.)
- Submit Application
- Track Your Application
- Await Decision
- Visa Grant
The candidates seeking student visas in Australia require proof of English language proficiency. Australian institutions accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo for the same.
The visa processing can take from 8 days to around 8 months, depending on various factors.
Australian student visa processing time from India can vary from about four weeks to ten months.
The visa success rate for Australia from India is about 50%. It is relatively easier for Indian students to get a visa for Australia.
