Your 2025 guide to securing a student visa in Australia

The Australian student visa, officially known as the Subclass 500 visa, is your gateway to pursuing a world-class education in Australia. It allows you to live and study in the country for the duration of your registered full-time course.

To be eligible, you'll need to fulfil the following criteria:

• Enrolment: Secure a place in a registered full-time course at an Australian educational institution.

• Genuine student: Demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Australia.

• Financial capacity: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.

• Health and character: Meet the necessary health and character standards set by the Australian government.

The visa application process involves gathering and submitting essential documents, such as your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of financial capacity, English language proficiency results, and health and character clearances.

Documents checklist for your visa application

• Visa application form (which your counsellor will help you complete)

• Visa application fee

• Four passport-sized photographs

• Valid passport

• Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment

• IELTS result (your counsellor can book you a place in an English test)

• Academic and work experience documents

• Statement of Purpose

• Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)

While it might seem a bit complex, don't worry! IDP's experienced consultants are here to guide you every step of the way, from understanding intake periods to ensuring a smooth and successful visa application. You can also download the IDP Live App for further support and free access to resources on your study abroad journey.

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement

The Genuine Student requirement is vital to the Australian student visa application. It essentially means that the Department of Home Affairs wants to ensure that your primary reason for coming to Australia is genuinely to pursue your studies. To assess this, they consider several key factors:

• Academic record and qualifications: Your past academic performance and qualifications demonstrate your commitment to learning and your potential to succeed in your chosen course.

• Chosen course of study and its relevance to future career plans: The Department wants to see a clear connection between your chosen course and your future aspirations. They'll assess whether the course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your career goals.

• Financial circumstances: Your financial situation is important to show that you can support yourself in Australia without needing to work more than your visa allows.

• English language proficiency: Your English language skills are evaluated to make sure you can actively participate in your studies and daily life in Australia.

• Immigration history: Your past immigration history, including any previous visa refusals or breaches of visa conditions, may also be taken into account.

To help showcase your genuine intention to study, here are some tips:

• Be clear and concise: In your statement, clearly articulate your academic and career goals, explaining how your chosen course aligns with them.

• Provide evidence: Support your claims with relevant documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, or proof of professional experience.

• Be honest and transparent: Provide accurate and truthful information in your application and supporting documents.

• Show your commitment: Highlight your dedication to your studies and your willingness to comply with all visa conditions.

Remember, the key is to present a convincing case that your primary motivation for coming to Australia is to pursue your education. By following these tips and providing comprehensive information, you can increase your chances of successfully meeting the Genuine Student requirement.

Financial requirements for Australian student visas

Demonstrating that you have the financial means to support yourself and any accompanying family members throughout your stay is also essential when applying for an Australian student visa. This involves providing evidence of sufficient funds to cover the following:

• Tuition fees: The cost of your chosen course of study.

• Living costs: This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.

• Travel costs: The cost of your flights to and from Australia.

• Schooling costs for dependents: If you're bringing your family, you'll need to show you can cover their education expenses.

Do note that the financial requirements have recently increased for some students. This change may affect your eligibility for a student visa. If you have any concerns about meeting these new requirements, you can always get free professional guidance to explore potential solutions to help you achieve your study abroad dreams.

To study in Australia, you must prove your English language proficiency. You'll need to achieve a minimum score on an approved English language test, proving you have the skills necessary to thrive in your studies and everyday life.

Several tests are accepted, including:

• IELTS

• TOEFL

• PTE Academic

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

The minimum scores for both the student visa and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) have also recently increased. If you're considering taking the IELTS test, IDP, as a co-owner, is a trusted provider of IELTS preparation courses and resources. We're here to help you prepare effectively and achieve the scores you need to secure your Australian student visa.

One of the many perks of studying in Australia is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience after graduation. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students to live and work in Australia for a specified period after completing their studies. This is a fantastic way to apply your newly acquired skills, build your professional network, and potentially even pave the way for permanent residency.

However, it's important to remember that post-study work rights can change, so staying up-to-date with the latest regulations is crucial. We recommend checking the Department of Home Affairs website or consulting with one of our experienced education consultants for the most current information.

Planning to study in Australia in 2025? These changes have recently been made to the student visa process. Here are the updates:

• New Intake Cap for 2025: The Australian government has introduced a cap of 270,000 new international student enrolments for 2025. While this may make the application process more competitive, IDP's expert counsellors can help you optimise your application and increase your chances of success.

• Genuine Student requirement: The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, effective for applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. This new requirement focuses on assessing your genuine intention to study in Australia.

• Higher English language requirements: From 23 March 2024, you'll need to meet higher English language scores for both the Student Visa (minimum IELTS score is now 6.0) and the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485, minimum IELTS score is now 6.5). Be sure to check the latest requirements and prepare accordingly before taking your test!

• Temporary Graduate Visa changes: From 1 July 2024, there are updates to the Temporary Graduate Visa, including the removal of the two-year extension of post-study work rights in a select degree and a new age limit of 35 (except for Masters and Doctoral graduates who can be under 50). However, the visa still provides up to 2 years’ length of stay for Bachelor’s degree holders, including Honours.

• Revised financial requirements: The financial capacity requirement for Student and Student Guardian Visas has increased to $29,710 for individual students, effective for applications lodged on or after 10 May 2024.

• Fee increases: As of 1 July 2024, the fees for student visas have increased from $710 to $1,600. Be sure to factor this into your budget.

• Onshore student visa applications restricted: From 1 July 2024, holders of certain visas cannot apply for a Student Visa while in Australia. They include Visitor and Temporary Graduate Visas.

Stay up-to-date with Australian student visa changes

The Australian student visa landscape is dynamic, with policies and procedures subject to change. To ensure a seamless application process to an Australian educational institution, make sure you’re updated on the latest news and developments.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can consult the official government resources:

• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

• Study Australia

Studying in Australia is a life-changing experience, and you’ll need to navigate the visa application process. At IDP, we're passionate about helping students achieve their dreams of studying abroad by providing personalised guidance and support throughout their journey, making the process as seamless as applying for an e-visa for other destinations.

From selecting the perfect course and university tailored to your academic background, interests, and career goals (with the help of resources like university rankings) to guiding you through the application and visa process and even preparing you for your arrival with pre-departure briefings, IDP's overseas education placement consultants are dedicated to ensuring your journey to studying in Australia is smooth and successful.

Ready to turn your dream of studying in Australia into a reality? Book a free counselling session with an IDP consultant today, and let's get started!