Beaches are calling you! Australia, a blend of beauty and opportunities is a perfect place for international students. Want to study in Australia? Take the first step! Are you worried about the visa process? Don’t worry, carefully going through the formalities, you can increase your chances of getting a visa soon! Want to know how? Read on.

Australian Student Visa

The Australian Government provides an opportunity to all Sri Lankan students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first to enter the country and start your studies. The visa you need will depend on the course level, the type of study you want to pursue, and the duration of the program. As an international student, you would require a student (subclass 500) visa, regardless of your field of study, the university you applied to and the tuition fees.

Student visa (subclass 500)

Coming into effect on July 1, 2016, a student subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is mostly up to five years and in line with your enrolment date. For a smooth stay, you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and that you abide by the student visa conditions mentioned on your student visa. You can read up in detail about this kind of visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Scope of your subclass 500 visa

  • You can enrol in your desired study program and university

  • You can be accompanied by your family members to Australia

  • Dependents can apply for a dependent visa to seek permission to travel with the main applicant

  • Simple and streamlined visa requirements for all students

  • You can apply in or outside Australia through an online portal

Basic checks before you apply

  • You should be enrolled in your desired study program in Australia

  • You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your program

  • You must be equal to or more than 6 years of age

  • An evidence of welfare arrangement done in Australia (in case you are less than 18 years of age)

Gather your documents for an Australian student visa

When applying for your student visa to Australia, you will generally need:

  • Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment eCOE)

  • A valid passport

  • Your visa application fee

  • Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

  • Academic and work experience documents

  • Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)

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

  • Details of your health insurance policy (Overseas Student Health Cover)

  • Passport-sized photographs

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

*Please speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

How can IDP help with your visa application?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Australia, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; and also help you prepare the right documents for your student visa.

Visa fee for Australian student visa

As of July 1, 2024, the application fee for the Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) is AUD 1,600. This fee applies to primary applicants and may vary if dependents are included in the application.

  • Payment Methods: Visa application charges can be paid using various methods, including credit cards and PayPal. Be aware that certain payment methods may incur additional surcharges.

  • Fee Changes: Visa fees are subject to change. It's advisable to verify the current fee structure on the Department of Home Affairs website before submitting your application.

  • Refund Policy: Generally, visa application fees are non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or refused. However, specific circumstances may warrant a refund. Detailed information on refund eligibility is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

*Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges

English language requirements

To gain your Australia student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations, and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

While the minimum IELTS requirement for a student visa is 6.0, you will need to aim for a higher score to get into top universities. Moreover, the IELTS requirement may vary from course to course. For instance, courses like Business, IT and Engineering usually require a 6.5 IELTS score. The requirement for Nursing, Physiotherapy, and teaching is 7.0 or sometimes even higher. So, it is always advisable to get expert insights on the score you should be aiming for and how you should prepare for the same. IDP’s international education specialists can be of great help to you in this area.

Make sure your visa remains valid

Once you get your visa, there are several things you need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:

  • Remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance

  • Provide your Australian address to your university or college so they can contact you (don’t forget to let them know if you move)

  • Continue to be able to financially support yourself while in Australia

  • Don’t breach the working conditions that apply to your visa


If you want to change your qualification level, you will need to apply for a new student visa.

Want to know more? Connect with our international education experts at IDP, they will help you with the visa process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Ques 1: How long can I stay in Australia with a student visa?

Ans: The visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, rest all depends on your visa.

Ques 2: Can I work in Australia on a student visa?

Ans: Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during holidays.

Ques 3: How long does it take to process an Australian student visa?

Ans: Processing times can vary, but it mostly it can take about 29 days to 4 months, depending on the sector and individual circumstances.

Ques 4: Can I bring my family with me on a student visa?

Ans: Yes, eligible family members can accompany you to Australia on a dependent visa.

Ques 5: What happens if my student visa application is denied?

Ans: They will notify you of the reason for denial. You can appeal the decision or apply again with additional information.

Ques 6: Do I need health insurance for an Australian student visa?

Ans: Yes, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa.