Australian Student Visa Guide: Costs, Process, Age Limit, Eligibility & Study Opportunities 

Planning to study in Australia is an exciting step, but understanding the visa process is equally important as selecting the right university. Because of its great schools, diverse culture, and good job prospects, thousands of students come to the country every year. In 2024, over 620,000 international students were enrolled in Australian institutions. You need to know the visa criteria, expenses, eligibility, and opportunities that await you in order to make your trip go more smoothly. This Australian Student Visa Guide covers the procedure in detail, including age restrictions, financial requirements, job rights, and post-study options, so you can prepare confidently and avoid frequent mistakes.  

Why Choose Australia for Higher Education?  

Australia has seven of the world's top 100 universities, including the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University. With over 600,000–650,000 international students registered each year (Department of Education, Australian Government), it is one of the most popular higher education locations. Students are attracted to:  

• Globally recognized degrees  

• Work opportunities while studying (up to 48 hours per fortnight)  

• Post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), offering 2–6 years depending on qualification 

• Reasonable tuition compared to the US and UK (up to 40% lower for certain courses) 

• Safe, multicultural environment with 200+ nationalities represented 

If you are still exploring destinations, check out Career Gyan’s guide on abroad education consultants in Bangalore for expert advice tailored to your needs.  

Types of Australian Student Visas  

Most international students seek the Subclass 500 Student Visa, which enables them to:  

• Stay for up to 5 years (depending on the course length)  

• Work part-time during study and full-time during breaks  

• Include eligible family members in the application  

For research students, the visa also provides additional time for thesis marking. You can learn more on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.  

Eligibility Criteria for an Australian Student Visa  

To get a Subclass 500 visa, applicants must complete several requirements:  

• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): Proof that you were accepted by a registered institution in Australia.  

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Proving that you actually want to study and then go back home after the course.  

• Financial Capacity: Proof that you have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs requires at least AUD 24,505 for living costs per year (2025 update), plus tuition and return airfare. 

• English Proficiency: Minimum scores often required are IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 60–90, or PTE 50–58. 

• Character and health requirements: Medical examinations and police clearance certifications.  

• Health insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the stay.  

For more detailed eligibility rules, refer to Study in Australia’s official site. 

Age Limit for Australian Student Visa  

There is no upper age limit, however most applicants are between 18 and 35 years old. But:  

• Applicants under the age of 18 must have authorized welfare arrangements.  

• Mature students must show significant academic achievement and clear career objectives.  

This flexible age policy makes Australia attractive for both undergraduate and postgraduate learners.  

Step-by-Step Application Process  

The Australian Student Visa application process involves these steps:  

Need help with document preparation? Career Gyan can assist with paperwork to improve approval chances.

Costs of Studying in Australia  

Here is a breakdown of the typical costs:  

For budgeting guidance, visit Numbeo’s Cost of Living in Australia. 

Work Opportunities During and After Studies  

Students don’t just spend — they earn back during and after studies: 

Example ROI: 

• 1 year of study costs ~INR 25 Lakhs 

• Part-time work earns ~INR 6–8 Lakhs/year → covers living expenses 

• Post-study job earns ~INR 30–50 Lakhs/year → recovers investment in 1–2 years 

This makes Australia an excellent choice for long-term career development.  

Study Opportunities in Australia  

Australia offers diverse range of academic opportunities across fields such as:  

• Engineering and IT (70,000+ students enrolled annually) 

• Business and Management (over 120,000 international business students) 

• Health and Life Sciences  

• Arts and Humanities  

• Agriculture and Environmental Studies  

Top universities include:  

• University of Sydney (ranked 19th globally, QS 2025) 

• University of Queensland  

• Monash University  

• University of Western Australia  

Do you want to learn more about the best-fit colleges? Get personalized study abroad advice from Career Gyan's experts.  

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them  

1. Financial Stress: Studying in Australia may be costly, with yearly expenses ranging from AUD 40,000–60,000. Many students struggle to combine tuition and living expenses. The simplest way to deal with this is to create a clear budget, examine part-time job alternatives, and look into university scholarships (worth AUD 5,000–15,000 annually for international students). 

2. Visa Delays: Processing dates can vary, and inadequate or erroneous documentation is a common cause of delays. To avoid this, send in your application at least 3–4 months before your course start date, verify all the paperwork again, and keep an eye on developments in your Immi Account. Getting ready ahead of time can help you stay calm.  

3. Adapting to Culture: Moving to a new nation introduces cultural differences that may seem overwhelming at first. With over 200,000 Indian students alone, Australia has strong student communities. Making friends makes it easier to adapt, stay motivated, and have fun when studying abroad.  

Conclusion

This Australian Student Visa Guide provides a detailed explanation of the costs, process, eligibility, age limits, and study options in Australia. Getting into one of the world's most dynamic educational institutions may seem hard, but the rewards are huge.  

If you need personalized assistance with applications, visa processing, and career advising, contact Career Gyan - your trusted partner in making your study abroad experience smooth and successful.