Study in Australia from India
Australia is now the most expensive major country in which to apply for a student visa. The application charge rose to AUD $2,500 on 1 July 2026, and it is not refunded if you are refused. Add the Genuine Student test, a higher English requirement and limits on new enrolments, and the message is plain: Australia wants fewer, better-prepared students. For those who choose the right course, it still offers post-study work rights and extra points towards PR.
The numbers that matter
Student visa charge
AUD $2,500 from 1 July 2026
Post-study (485) visa charge
AUD $4,600 from 1 March 2026
Work while studying
48 hours a fortnight during term
Minimum English for the visa
IELTS 6.0 overall, or equivalent
Age limit for the post-study visa
35 for most applicants
What the visa officer assesses
The Genuine Student requirement
You answer targeted questions about your circumstances, why you chose this course and provider, how the course will benefit you, and your study history. Officers look for:
- A course that makes sense given your education and work so far
- A clear reason for choosing Australia and this institution
- Evidence of ties and prospects, whether in India or through a lawful pathway afterwards
- A consistent story across your application, documents and any interview
Applicants are refused when the course is a step backwards, when there is a long unexplained gap, or when the answers read as copied.
Money
You must show you can pay for travel, tuition for the first year, and living costs at the amount the government sets, which was AUD $29,710 a year for a single student when last revised. Funds can be savings, an education loan from a recognised lender, or a sponsor’s income. The history of the money matters as much as the amount.
English
The visa needs IELTS 6.0 overall or an equivalent test. Universities often ask for 6.5, and regulated courses such as nursing and teaching ask for 7.0.
Limits on enrolments
Australia sets a national planning level for new international student commencements and gives each university and college an allocation. Providers that are within their allocation get faster visa processing. Popular courses at popular universities fill early, so apply well ahead of the intake.
Working during and after study
| Rule | |
|---|---|
| During term | 48 hours a fortnight |
| During scheduled breaks | Unlimited |
| Research master’s and PhD students | No limit |
| After graduating | Temporary Graduate visa, subclass 485 |
| Length of the 485 | Generally 2 years for bachelor’s and coursework master’s graduates, and 3 years for research master’s and PhD graduates |
| 485 conditions | Under 35, a recent eligible qualification, and English at the required level |
From study to PR
Australian study helps your points in several ways:
- 5 points for meeting the Australian study requirement
- 5 more for studying in a regional area
- 5 for a Professional Year in accounting, IT or engineering
- Points for Australian work experience gained on the 485
- Access to state graduate pathways, which many states favour
PR is not automatic. Graduates in health, teaching, engineering, trades and social work have the clearest path. Graduates in general business and management have found it hardest.
Choosing a course with migration in mind
- Check the occupation first. Find the occupation the course leads to, confirm it is on the skilled lists, and read the skills assessment rules.
- Check professional accreditation. A nursing, teaching or engineering degree must be accredited for registration and assessment.
- Consider regional campuses. Extra points, and in some cases a longer post-study visa.
- Count the full cost. Tuition, living costs, the visa and the post-study visa together.
Questions people ask us most
How much is the Australian student visa fee?
AUD $2,500 for applications lodged from 1 July 2026.
Can I get PR after studying in Australia?
It is possible and common in shortage occupations. It depends on your occupation, points and state.
How much can I earn working part-time?
It depends on the job. Part-time work helps with living costs but will not cover tuition.
Can my spouse come with me?
Yes, as a dependant. Their work rights depend on your level of study.
What is the age limit for a student visa?
There is none for the student visa. The post-study visa is limited to under-35s for most graduates.
Choose the course before the college
We will tell you which courses fit your background, pass the Genuine Student test, and lead to an occupation Australia wants.