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Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) — Complete Guide for Indians (2026)
Everything Indian students need to know about the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) in 2026 — eligibility, English requirements, cost of studying, OSHC, work rights, and the pathway to PR.
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students — and for good reason. World-ranked universities, a multicultural environment, and a clear pathway to permanent residency after graduation make it compelling.
This guide covers the student visa process, what to expect while studying, and how to use your Australian education as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
What Is the Subclass 500 Student Visa?
The Subclass 500 is Australia's student visa for international students enrolled in a registered course at an Australian institution. It covers:
- University degrees (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
- TAFE and vocational education
- English language courses
- Foundation programs
- Postgraduate research
Eligibility
To be granted a student visa, you must:
- Have an offer of enrolment from a registered Australian institution
- Demonstrate genuine intention to study (the Genuine Student requirement)
- Meet English proficiency requirements — typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall for universities
- Have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — compulsory for the duration of your visa
- Meet health and character requirements
The Genuine Student Requirement
Home Affairs assesses whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia rather than using the student visa primarily as a migration pathway. They consider:
- Whether your study is consistent with your previous qualifications and career plans
- Your financial situation and whether you can genuinely fund your studies
- Your circumstances in India (family ties, employment, assets) — these suggest you have a reason to return
- Your immigration history
A personal statement explaining how the course fits your career goals strengthens your application.
Cost of Studying in Australia
Tuition fees (international students):
| Level | Annual fee range |
|---|---|
| University Bachelor (3 years) | $28,000–$50,000/year |
| University Master (2 years) | $32,000–$55,000/year |
| PhD (3–4 years) | Many programs are scholarship-funded |
| TAFE/Vocational | $8,000–$22,000/year |
Living costs: Home Affairs estimates $24,505 per year for a student (verify current figure at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
Total cost of a 2-year Master's degree in Australia: Approximately $100,000–$150,000 AUD including tuition and living costs before work income.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is compulsory for the entire duration of your student visa. Your university will often arrange OSHC on your behalf and include it in your enrolment.
OSHC covers:
- GP visits (rebate applies — you may have a gap payment)
- Hospital treatment (including emergency)
- Limited mental health coverage
- Limited medicines coverage
OSHC does not cover dental, optical, or pre-existing conditions (in most plans). Private extras cover can be purchased in addition to OSHC.
Work Rights on a Student Visa
Student visa holders can work in Australia under the following rules:
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester
- Unlimited hours during official university vacation periods
- Your partner (if also on a student visa as a secondary holder) may also work, subject to conditions
Important change: Rules on work hours have changed in recent years. Verify current restrictions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au when applying.
Working as a student helps cover living costs and builds Australian work experience — which is valuable for subsequent PR applications.
The Pathway from Student Visa to PR
Australia's student-to-PR pathway:
- Student visa (500) — study for 2–4 years
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485) — after graduation, you can apply for a 2–4 year post-study work visa. Duration depends on your qualification level and location of study
- Work and build PR points — Australian work experience and qualifications earn strong points in the skilled migration points test
- Skills assessment — get assessed by the relevant body for your occupation
- EOI in SkillSelect — apply for 189, 190, or 491
- PR — typical timeline from arriving as a student to receiving PR: 5–8 years
Regional study bonus: If you study at a regional campus (or a campus outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane), you earn extra points for the temporary graduate visa and potentially qualify for regional visa bonuses. This is increasingly attractive for Indian students.
English Requirements for Student Visa
| Institution type | Typical minimum IELTS |
|---|---|
| University (Bachelor) | 6.0–6.5 overall, no band below 5.5 |
| University (Master) | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| TAFE | 5.5–6.0 |
| Foundation program | Lower — varies by provider |
PTE Academic is accepted in place of IELTS for most institutions.
Popular Courses for Indian Students
Indian students in Australia cluster in courses that combine strong employment outcomes with PR migration prospects:
- IT (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science) — strong demand and MLTSSL-listed occupations
- Accounting and Finance — leads to CPA/CA ANZ pathway, MLTSSL occupations
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) — Engineers Australia assessment, MLTSSL listed
- Healthcare (Nursing, Paramedicine, Allied Health) — strong demand particularly in regional Australia
- MBA — management qualifications, though migration pathways are less direct than technical fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a student visa while in Australia on another visa?
Yes — you can apply for a student visa from within Australia (onshore) or from India (offshore).
Do I need to return to India while my student visa application is processed?
Not necessarily — if you are already in Australia on a valid visa, you can apply onshore. If offshore, you can arrive once the visa is granted.
Can my family come with me on a student visa?
Yes — your spouse and dependent children can be included as secondary holders on your student visa. Work rights for your spouse depend on the level of your course.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) and how long does it last?
- 2-year degree: 2 years on the 485
- 3-year Bachelor's degree: 3 years on the 485 (4 years from a regional institution)
- Master's by coursework (2 years): 3 years on the 485 (4 years regional)
- PhD: 4 years on the 485
Is studying in Australia worth it for migration purposes?
For Indian students who study in IT, engineering, nursing, or accounting, the combination of Australian qualifications, Australian work experience, and a post-study work visa creates a competitive PR pathway. The total investment (tuition + living + time) is significant — evaluate it as a long-term migration and career investment, not just an education expense.
Verify current student visa work hour restrictions, 485 visa durations, and tuition costs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and your intended institution.
This guide is maintained by the AustraliaWasi editorial team and updated regularly. Always verify current requirements with official Australian government sources.