Australia continues to be a top destination for international students, especially from India. Its globally recognized universities, post-study work opportunities, and quality of life make it ideal for academic and professional growth. But as of 2025, the Australian government has introduced several new student visa rules that every aspiring student must understand before applying.
Whether you’re planning to pursue your bachelor’s, master’s, or a vocational diploma, this blog will guide you through the latest Subclass 500 visa changes, eligibility criteria, document checklist, and expert tips to avoid rejection.
1. What Is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 visa allows international students to study full-time at an accredited Australian educational institution. This visa lets you:
• Stay in Australia for the duration of your course
• Work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods)
• Include your spouse or children as dependents
• Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing studies
In 2025, Australia has further tightened student visa policies to protect education quality and reduce misuse, which makes it more important than ever to apply correctly.
2. New Rules for Student Applications in 2025
A. Increased English Language Requirement
From 2025, the minimum IELTS requirement has been increased:
• For most courses: IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• For postgraduate and research degrees: IELTS 6.5–7.0 (no band less than 6.0)
• For vocational and certificate courses: IELTS Academic 5.5 (with no band less than 4.5)
Equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English are also accepted. Failing to meet this requirement leads to automatic refusal.
B. Financial Capacity Proof
The required financial threshold has been increased to reflect current living expenses in Australia:
• Living expenses: AUD 29,710 (for 12 months) for main applicant
• Travel costs: AUD 2,000 per person
• Tuition fees: Full one-year course fee or more
• Dependents: Additional AUD 10,394 for partner, AUD 4,449 per dependent child
Funds must be genuinely accessible and held in your account (or sponsor’s) for at least 3 months prior to application.
C. Genuine Student Requirement (GS) & Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Checks
The GS requirement has been made stricter to prevent misuse of student visas for migration purposes. You must prove:
• You genuinely intend to study
• Reason for choosing Australia
• How your chosen course aligns with your background and future goals
• Ties to your home country
• Current circumstances including social, employment etc
• Immigration history
• You will return home after studies (or apply through proper migration channels)
Applicants with poor academic records, gaps in education and or employment with no specific reason, or inconsistent statements are more likely to be refused.
3. Step-by-Step Student Visa Application Process
Applying for a Subclass 500 visa involves several steps. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Choose a CRICOS-Registered Course and Institution
Select a course and institution that is CRICOS-registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Your chosen course must be full-time and meet the visa requirements.
Step 2: Obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Once accepted into a course, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)—a document issued by your university or college. It’s required to apply for your visa.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need:
• Valid passport
• CoE from an Australian institution
• English language test results
• Financial documents (bank statements, education loan letters, sponsor’s income proof)
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) receipt
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Work experience letters (if applicable)
Step 4: Apply Online via ImmiAccount
Create an Immi account to complete your visa application, and upload all required documents.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fee
The current base application fee is AUD 2,000. Additional charges apply for dependents.
Step 6: Attend Medical Examination and Biometrics
Undergo a health check-up at an approved panel clinic. Biometrics are also required at a visa application centre.
Step 7: Await Visa Outcome
Visa processing usually takes 4–8 weeks but may vary depending on the completeness of your application and the volume of applications received.
4. Popular Courses for Students
International students are enrolling in a wide range of fields in Australia. Popular choices include:
• Engineering & IT: Software, Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity
• Healthcare: Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science
• Business & Finance: MBA, Accounting, Marketing
• Hospitality & Tourism: Culinary Arts, Event Management
• Education & Teaching: Early Childhood, TESOL
• Trade Courses: Automotive, Construction, Plumbing (especially for PR pathways)
5. Work Rights and Post-Study Visa
Part-Time Work
As a student visa holder, you can:
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters
• Work unlimited hours during semester breaks
This helps with living expenses but should not be your main source of funds.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa that allows you to stay and work in Australia for 2–4 years, depending on your qualification and location.
• Vocational study: 18 months
• Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
• Master’s degree: 3 years
• PhD: 4 years
• Regional study: +1 to +2 years additional stay subject to certain conditions
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common reasons student visa applications from India are rejected:
• Weak or inconsistent GTE statement
• Submitting fake or unverifiable financial documents
• Choosing a course unrelated to your past academic background
• Not meeting the minimum English language requirements
• Incomplete application or missing documents
To avoid rejection, ensure your application is accurate, your statements are honest, and your financials are in order.
7. How Rozario Enterprises Can Help
At Rozario Enterprises, we’ve helped hundreds of Indian students successfully study in Australia. Our services include:
• Course and university selection
• IELTS/PTE guidance
• Assistance in preparing your GTE statement
• Document verification and submission
• Visa application filing and tracking
• Dependent spouse and child visa support
We work closely with top institutions in Australia and ensure every student receives the personalized support they need.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s student visa landscape is evolving in 2025, and staying updated is the key to a successful application. With higher language standards, stricter GTE scrutiny, and financial checks, it’s vital to submit a genuine, complete, and well-supported application.
Planning to study in Australia? Let Rozario Enterprises guide you every step of the way—from choosing the right course to landing in Australia confidently.
DISCLAIMER: The above is generic in nature and MUST NOT be the only information relied upon to make your decision to apply. You need to contact our office to make an appointment with our Registered Migration Agent for a specific solution tailored to your situation.
