Australia is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students looking to pursue higher education abroad. With top-ranked universities a multicultural environment and post-study work opportunities it continues to attract thousands of students every year. To begin your journey you must secure the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
This article outlines all the essential visa requirements documents English tests financial proofs and application steps for Indian students applying in 2025.
What is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 Visa is the official visa for international students to study full-time in Australia. It allows you to:
- Enroll in a CRICOS-registered course
- Stay in Australia for the entire duration of the course
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester
- Include family members in the visa application
Read More: Canada 2 Year Temporary Work Permit 2025 – Eligibility Process and Job Opportunities
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
To apply for the Australian Student Visa 2025 Indian students must:
- Have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria
- Show proof of financial capacity
- Provide English language proficiency
- Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Meet health and character standards
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
The first step is getting admitted to a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia. Once accepted the university will issue a CoE which is mandatory for the visa application.
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
The GTE requirement ensures that you intend to study temporarily and not use the visa as a way to stay permanently. Your statement must include:
- Reasons for choosing Australia
- Why you chose your course and university
- Your academic and career background
- Future plans after course completion
- Ties to India (family job prospects property)
Note: Make your GTE statement personal realistic and genuine.
3. English Language Proficiency
Indian students must provide evidence of English ability through an accepted test. Minimum score requirements are:
| Test | Required Score |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5) |
| TOEFL iBT | 64 |
| PTE Academic | 50 |
| Cambridge English (CAE) | 169 |
Your university may require a higher score so check before applying.
4. Financial Requirements for Indian Students
You must prove you can financially support:
- Your tuition fees
- Living expenses: approx. AUD 24 505 per year
- Return airfare and travel expenses
Accepted financial documents include:
- Personal bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Fixed deposit certificates
- Loan approval letters from recognized banks
- Parent or guardian’s income proof with affidavit of support
Family members must also show additional financial support if they are applying with you.
5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Health insurance is compulsory for international students. You must obtain OSHC for the entire duration of your stay. Many institutions offer OSHC during admission or you can purchase it from approved providers like:
- Bupa Australia
- Medibank Private
- nib OSHC
- Allianz Care
6. Character and Health Requirements
You may need:
- Medical examination and chest X-ray (if requested)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Indian authorities
- Honest answers to character-related questions on the visa form
Documents Required for Indian Students
Here’s the complete checklist for the Australian Student Visa 2025:
- Valid passport
- CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
- GTE statement
- English language test results
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of funds (bank statements FDs income tax returns)
- OSHC policy certificate
- Passport-sized photos
- Birth certificate or Aadhaar card
- PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
- Medical test results (if required)
Application Process for Subclass 500 Visa (Indian Students)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Receive your CoE from a registered Australian institution
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
- Fill out the Student Visa Application (Form 157A)
- Upload all documents
- Pay the visa application fee (approx. AUD 710)
- Book a biometrics appointment at the nearest Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC)
- Wait for your visa outcome
Biometrics and Visa Centers in India
You must give biometric information at one of the AVACs located in:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Chandigarh
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
- Kochi
Processing Time for Indian Students
- Standard processing time: 4 to 8 weeks
- Delays can occur if documents are missing or incomplete
Tip: Apply at least 3 months before your course starts.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
- Weak or copied GTE statement
- Insufficient financial documents
- Low English test scores
- Gaps in academic or work history
- Lack of strong ties to India
- False or misleading documents
Bringing Your Dependents (Family Members)
Indian students can include:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Children under 18 years
Documents required:
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
- Birth certificates
- Educational or job details of the dependent
- Financial proof for their expenses
Visa Fees in 2025
| Applicant Type | Fee (approx.) |
| Main applicant | AUD 710 |
| Additional adult | AUD 530 |
| Child | AUD 175 |
Fees may change so check the latest rates on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Tips to Improve Visa Success Rate
- Start preparing your documents early
- Submit a personal and specific GTE
- Choose a course aligned with your past studies and future goals
- Maintain transparency in all documents
- Avoid fake or forged certificates
