What are the requirements for a student visa in Australia?
A student visa is a temporary visa that allows students to stay in Australia for the length of their course. There is a broad range of courses that students can choose to study and it’s important to pick a CRICOS-accredited course. CRICOS stands for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
Once you have the confirmation of enrolment from your chosen university or education provider, you can prepare your visa application.
One of the most important parts of the application is the Genuine Student requirement. Students will have to answer a series of questions to prove that their primary reason for applying for a student visa is to study in Australia.
You also have to meet English language requirements as well as financial requirements. You need to have enough money that is genuinely available to you to pay your course fees as well as travel and living costs for you and your accompanying family members while you are in Australia.
The 12-month living cost is:
- Student: AUD$21,041 (£11,205)
Alternatively, you can show proof of annual income. The current benchmark is A$62,222 for single people.
What are the rules for bringing family as an international student?
The Australian government has recently announced that dependants will no longer be allowed to be included as part of a student visa application.
This only applies to future applicants; students with families who are currently studying in Australia will be allowed to remain.
Certain groups of students such as PhD students, Pacific Islanders and ASEAN students will be exempt.
The government has not yet announced when the restrictions will come into effect or the full terms and conditions around the changes. We will update this page accordingly when more information is released.
Do I have work rights as an international student?
Most student visa holders are allowed to work 40 hours per fortnight while the course is in session. During holidays this is extended to full-time work rights for the main visa holder. The dependant partner is allowed to work part-time.
Only if you study a master’s by research or a doctoral degree do the main visa holder and partner get full-time work rights.
Which family members count as dependants?
Under Australian immigration law, partners both married and de facto, as well as children, are seen as dependants and as such are members of the family unit.
What are the costs/timings involved?
The visa application charge for a student visa is AUD$710 unless you are exempt.
Additional fees apply if you engage a professional migration service to assist you.
The processing time for student visas is about three to five months.
Can I stay in Australia after I graduate?
For many students the student visa is the starting point of their migration journey in Australia. It provides opportunities to benefit from a world-renowned education system, build networks and foster your career.
There are various ways you can extend your stay after you have completed your course. Subject to your eligibility, you could apply for a postgraduate visa, skilled visa or work visa.
How do I start the application process?
The application process for most Australian visas is online, including student visas. Applicants can create an online ImmiAccount on the Australian government website.
Remember, migration laws in Australia are constantly evolving so it is important to check all the key information before starting your application.
This article was first published in August 2021. It was updated in September 2026 by THE Student editor Seeta Bhardwa.
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