Before You Apply: Getting Your Confirmation of Enrolment

The first step to applying for an Australian student visa is not filling out the application form. It's getting accepted into a course at an Australian education or training provider. You must enrol in a course at an accredited Australian institution and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you can lodge your visa application. Without a CoE, your application will be rejected.

Start by researching Australian universities, vocational training providers, or English language schools that offer the course you want to study. Apply directly to the institution or through an education agent. Once you receive an offer letter, accept it and pay any required deposits. The provider will then issue your CoE, which is a formal document confirming your enrolment and the details of your course.

The CoE will include:

  • Your full name and date of birth
  • The course name and duration
  • The total tuition fees for the course
  • The expected start and end dates
  • Any conditions attached to your enrolment

Keep your CoE safe. You will need to upload it when you submit your visa application. If your circumstances change (for example, you defer your course or change providers), you will need a new CoE.

Gathering Your Documents and Proving Financial Capacity

Before you apply, collect all the documents you will need. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of identity, proof of financial capacity, and evidence of English language proficiency (depending on your nationality and the course you are studying).

Financial capacity is a critical requirement. You must demonstrate access to at least AUD $29,710 to cover your first year of living expenses, in addition to the cost of your first year's tuition fees and return travel costs. This money must be genuinely available to you, not borrowed for the purpose of the visa application.

Acceptable proof of financial capacity includes:

  • Bank statements showing funds in your name or a sponsor's name
  • Proof of a scholarship or financial support from your government or an organisation
  • A statutory declaration from a family member confirming they will support you financially
  • Evidence of a loan from a financial institution
  • Proof of employment and income if you are self-funding

Bank statements should cover the last three to six months and clearly show the funds are available. If a family member is sponsoring you, they will need to provide a statutory declaration and evidence of their own financial capacity. Do not falsify documents or borrow money temporarily to meet this requirement. The Department of Home Affairs conducts thorough checks and can refuse your application if they suspect fraud.

You will also need to provide identity documents such as a passport, birth certificate, and any previous visas or travel documents. If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, depending on your nationality and the course requirements. Check with your education provider about their specific English language requirements.

Lodging Your Visa Application Online

Once you have your CoE and all supporting documents, you are ready to apply for your student visa. The application is lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs website using the ImmiAccount system.

Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create an ImmiAccount if you do not already have one. You will need a valid email address and a password. Log in and select 'New application'. Choose the Student visa (Subclass 500) option and follow the prompts.

The application form asks for personal details, passport information, your course details, your financial information, and details of any dependants travelling with you. Upload all your supporting documents as PDF files. The system will guide you through each section.

The visa application fee is AUD $2,500 for most applicants, as of 1 July 2026. If you are applying to study an ELICOS (English language) or non-award course, the fee is AUD $2,050. The fee is based on the date you lodge your application, not when you receive your offer or start preparing documents. Payment is made online by credit card or debit card.

After you submit your application, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Keep this number safe. You can use it to check the status of your application at any time through your ImmiAccount.

After You Apply: Processing and Visa Grant

Visa processing times vary from person to person. The Department of Home Affairs website provides indicative processing times, but these are not guaranteed. Most student visa applications are processed within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and whether the Department needs to request additional information.

During processing, the Department may contact you to request more documents or clarification on information you have provided. Check your email regularly and respond promptly to any requests. Delays in responding can slow down your application.

Once your visa is granted, you will receive a notification through your ImmiAccount. Your visa will be electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to carry a physical visa label or sticker. You can download a digital copy of your visa grant notice from your ImmiAccount and print it if needed.

Your student visa is typically valid for the duration of your course plus an additional period (usually a few months) to allow time for you to leave Australia or apply for another visa. Check your visa grant notice for the exact expiry date.

Understanding Your Work Rights and Visa Conditions

Once you arrive in Australia on your student visa, you have the right to work, but there are limits. You can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. This means if your course runs for 40 weeks a year, you can work a maximum of 48 hours every two weeks during those 40 weeks.

The 48-hour limit does not apply if you have started a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree. Students in these programs can work unlimited hours.

Work includes paid employment, self-employment, and voluntary work. It does not include work experience or internships that are part of your course. Some courses include mandatory work placements, which do not count towards your 48-hour limit.

You must have a valid Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia. Apply for one through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) after you arrive. You can apply online at ato.gov.au or visit an ATO office in person.

Your student visa also comes with conditions. You must maintain your enrolment in your course and make satisfactory progress. You must not engage in criminal activity. You must have health insurance for the duration of your stay. Most international students are required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is private health insurance specifically for international students. Your education provider can help you arrange this.

If you breach any of your visa conditions, your visa can be cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia. Take your conditions seriously and seek advice from your education provider or a migration agent if you are unsure about anything.

Useful Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Australian student visa application fee?

As of 1 July 2026, the Student visa (Subclass 500) application fee is AUD $2,500 for most applicants. If you are applying to study an ELICOS or non-award course, the fee is AUD $2,050. The fee is based on the date you lodge your application.

How much money do I need to show to prove financial capacity?

You must demonstrate access to at least AUD $29,710 to cover your first year of living expenses, in addition to your first year's tuition fees and return travel costs. This money must be genuinely available to you, not borrowed temporarily for the visa application.

Can I work while studying on an Australian student visa?

Yes, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. This limit does not apply if you are studying a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree, in which case you can work unlimited hours.

Do I need a Confirmation of Enrolment before I apply for a student visa?

Yes, you must enrol in a course at an Australian education provider and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you can lodge your visa application. Without a CoE, your application will be rejected.

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

Processing times vary from person to person. The Department of Home Affairs provides indicative processing times on their website, but most applications are processed within a few weeks to a few months depending on complexity and whether additional documents are needed.

What health insurance do I need as an international student?

Most international students are required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is private health insurance specifically for international students. Your education provider can help you arrange this when you enrol.

What happens if I breach my student visa conditions?

If you breach your visa conditions (such as failing to maintain enrolment or engaging in criminal activity), your visa can be cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia. Always seek advice from your education provider or a migration agent if you are unsure about your conditions.

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.