If you’re thinking about studying in Australia, you’re not alone. Even with higher visa expenses and stricter rules, Australia 🇦🇺 remains a top choice for international students. But with new policies and rising costs, it’s more important than ever to know if you qualify, what’s required, and how to improve your chances. This guide breaks down the eligibility criteria, explains who can and can’t apply, and offers practical tips for students who want to make Australia 🇦🇺 their study destination.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify to Study in Australia as an International Student?
To study in Australia 🇦🇺 as an international student, you must meet several requirements. These rules have become stricter in recent years, so it’s important to check each one carefully.
1. Enrolment in a Recognized Course
– Requirement: You must have a confirmed offer (Confirmation of Enrolment, or CoE) from an Australian institution for a full-time course.
– What counts: This includes universities, vocational education and training (VET) providers, and some private colleges.
– Example: If you receive an offer to study engineering at a public university or a diploma in hospitality at a recognized VET provider, you meet this criterion.
2. Student Visa Application (Subclass 500)
– Requirement: You need to apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500). This is the main visa for international students in Australia 🇦🇺.
– Application process: You must submit your application online, pay the visa fee, and provide all required documents.
– Visa expenses: As of July 1, 2025, the base fee is AUD 2,000 for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for family members.
– Official form: You can find the application and requirements for the Student Visa (subclass 500) on the Department of Home Affairs website.
3. English Language Proficiency
– Requirement: Most students must show they meet the English language requirement. For many courses, this means an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.
– Other accepted tests: TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are also accepted, but the required scores are similar.
– Example: If you’re applying for a business degree, you’ll likely need to show an IELTS score of at least 6.0.
4. Genuine Student Requirement
– Requirement: You must prove you are a genuine student. This means you truly intend to study and not use the visa for other reasons.
– How it’s checked: The government looks at your academic background, financial situation, and reasons for choosing Australia 🇦🇺.
– Change from GTE: This new requirement replaces the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test, but the goal is the same: to make sure students are coming to study, not just to work or migrate.
5. Financial Capacity
– Requirement: You must show you have enough money to cover your stay. This includes tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
– Living expenses: The government estimates you’ll need at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs. Accommodation can take up more than half of this amount, especially in big cities.
– Example: If your course lasts two years, you should be able to show access to at least AUD 59,420 for living expenses, plus tuition and travel.
6. Health and Character Checks
– Requirement: You must meet health and character standards. This usually means a health exam and a police certificate.
– Example: If you have a serious health condition or a criminal record, you may not qualify.
7. Age and Schooling (for under-18s)
– Requirement: If you’re under 18, you must have suitable welfare arrangements in place, such as a guardian or approved accommodation.
8. Cap on International Student Numbers
– Requirement: There is now a cap of 270,000 new international students per year. This is divided among public universities, VET providers, and private colleges.
– What this means: Even if you meet all other criteria, you may not get a place if the cap is reached.
Disqualifying Factors: Who Does Not Qualify?
Not everyone who wants to study in Australia 🇦🇺 will qualify. Here are some common reasons for disqualification:
- No valid offer: If you don’t have a Confirmation of Enrolment from a recognized institution, you can’t apply.
- Insufficient English: If your English test score is below the required level, your visa will be refused.
- Not a genuine student: If the government believes you’re not a real student, your application will be denied.
- Not enough money: If you can’t show proof of funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel, you won’t qualify.
- Health or character issues: Failing the health or character checks will result in a refusal.
- Cap reached: If the annual cap for your type of institution is full, you may not get a visa even if you qualify in other ways.
- Incorrect or incomplete application: Missing documents or false information can lead to automatic refusal.
Detailed Requirements with Examples
Let’s look at each requirement in more detail, with examples to help you see how they apply in real life.
Enrolment and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
– You must apply to and be accepted by an Australian institution.
– Once accepted, the school will give you a CoE, which you need for your visa application.
– Example: Maria from Brazil 🇧🇷 applies to study nursing at a university in Sydney. She receives her CoE and uses it to apply for her student visa.
Visa Application and Expenses
– The application is online, and you must pay the visa fee upfront.
– Visa expenses have increased sharply: from AUD 710 before 2024, to AUD 1,600 in mid-2024, and now AUD 2,000 from July 1, 2025.
– Example: Ahmed from Egypt 🇪🇬 applies in August 2025. He pays the AUD 2,000 fee as part of his application.
English Proficiency
– Most students need to show an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.
– Some courses may require a higher score, especially in health or education.
– Example: Priya from India 🇮🇳 wants to study engineering. She takes the IELTS and scores 6.5, meeting the requirement.
Genuine Student Requirement
– You must write a statement explaining why you want to study in Australia 🇦🇺, your career plans, and how the course fits your goals.
– The government checks your academic history and financial background.
– Example: Li from China 🇨🇳 explains in her statement that she chose Australia 🇦🇺 for its strong business programs and plans to return home after graduation.
Financial Capacity
– You must show bank statements, scholarship letters, or proof of income to cover tuition and living costs.
– Example: John from Nigeria 🇳🇬 provides bank statements showing enough funds for two years of study and living expenses.
Health and Character
– You may need a health check and a police certificate.
– Example: Sofia from Spain 🇪🇸 completes a health exam and submits a police clearance with her application.
Age and Welfare (for under-18s)
– If you’re under 18, you need a guardian or approved accommodation.
– Example: Tom from Vietnam 🇻🇳 is 17. His parents arrange for him to stay with a family friend in Melbourne, approved by the school.
Cap on Student Numbers
– If the cap is reached, you may have to wait until the next intake or choose a different institution.
– Example: A VET provider reaches its cap for the year. New applicants must wait or apply elsewhere.
Alternative Options if You Don’t Qualify
If you don’t meet all the requirements, there are still ways to improve your chances or consider other options.
1. Improve Your English
– Take extra English classes or retake the IELTS or another accepted test.
– Many institutions offer pathway programs to help students reach the required level.
2. Choose a Different Course or Institution
– Some courses or schools may have lower entry requirements or more available spots.
– Consider VET programs, which often have more direct pathways to work and residency.
3. Apply Next Year
– If the cap is full, you may need to wait for the next intake.
– Use the extra time to strengthen your application.
4. Seek Scholarships or Financial Aid
– Some institutions offer scholarships to help cover tuition or living costs.
– Look for government or private scholarships in your home country.
5. Consider Other Countries
– If Australia 🇦🇺 is not possible, other countries like Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, or New Zealand 🇳🇿 may have different requirements and costs.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Student Visa
With competition growing and rules getting tougher, here are practical steps to boost your chances:
- Apply early: Start your application as soon as possible, especially if you’re aiming for a popular course or institution.
- Prepare strong documents: Double-check that all your documents are complete and accurate.
- Show clear study and career plans: In your statement, explain why you chose your course and how it fits your goals.
- Demonstrate financial stability: Provide clear, recent bank statements or scholarship letters.
- Meet or exceed English requirements: Aim for a higher score than the minimum to stand out.
- Choose high-demand fields: Programs in STEM, health, engineering, and business are popular and offer good job prospects.
- Stay informed: Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest updates on visa rules and caps.
What Makes Australia 🇦🇺 Attractive Despite Higher Costs?
Even with higher visa expenses and stricter rules, Australia 🇦🇺 continues to attract international students for several reasons:
- World-class universities: Australia 🇦🇺 has many institutions ranked among the best globally.
- Flexible study options: Students can choose from a wide range of programs, including practical VET courses.
- Post-study work rights: The Subclass 485 visa allows graduates to work in Australia 🇦🇺 for up to four years, which can lead to permanent residency.
- Multicultural society: Australia 🇦🇺 is known for its welcoming, diverse communities and high quality of life.
- Career pathways: Many students choose fields with strong job prospects, making it easier to find work after graduation.
Challenges and Things to Watch Out For
While Australia 🇦🇺 offers many benefits, there are also challenges:
- High visa and living costs: Budget carefully for visa expenses, tuition, and living costs, especially in big cities where rent can be very high.
- Stricter entry rules: Higher English requirements and the Genuine Student test mean you need to prepare well.
- Capped student numbers: With a limit on new international students, competition is tougher.
- Pressure on institutions: Some English-language schools have closed due to lower enrolments and higher costs.
Long-Term Outlook
Australia’s 🇦🇺 reputation for academic quality, career opportunities, and lifestyle remains strong. However, the country is becoming more selective. Only students with strong academic backgrounds, clear plans, and enough resources are likely to succeed.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, students who are strategic—choosing high-ROI programs, preparing strong applications, and meeting all requirements—are most likely to benefit from studying in Australia 🇦🇺.
Actionable Takeaways
- Check your eligibility: Review each requirement carefully before applying.
- Budget for higher costs: Plan for visa expenses, tuition, and living costs.
- Prepare your documents: Make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
- Aim for high-demand fields: Choose programs with strong job prospects.
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute, as spots may fill up quickly.
- Stay informed: Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest updates.
By understanding the new rules and preparing carefully, you can improve your chances of studying in Australia 🇦🇺, even as the process becomes more competitive. If you don’t qualify right now, use the time to strengthen your application or consider other study destinations. With the right plan and preparation, your dream of studying in Australia 🇦🇺 can still become a reality.
Learn Today
Student Visa (Subclass 500) → The main visa for international students to study full-time in Australia recognized institutions.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) → Official document confirming a student’s admission into an Australian course, required for visa applications.
IELTS → International English Language Testing System, a standard test to assess English proficiency for studying in Australia.
Genuine Student Requirement → A rule ensuring applicants intend to study in Australia, not use the visa for other purposes.
Financial Capacity → Proof that an applicant has enough funds to cover tuition, living, and travel costs while studying.
This Article in a Nutshell
Studying in Australia remains popular despite rising visa fees and stricter rules. Meeting enrollment, English, and financial criteria is essential. Competition intensifies with a 270,000 student cap. Early applications and strong planning improve visa chances. Australia offers quality education and post-study work, making it an attractive destination for international students.
— By VisaVerge.com
