Study in Australia Checklist: What to Do Before Applying for Your Student Visa

For an Australian student visa you need a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from a registered institution, proof of financial capacity, valid health insurance (OSHC) and a genuine temporary entrant statement. English language proficiency and biometrics will also be required from applicants. To optimize your chances of being approved, start this process at least 3–6 months before your planned date of entry.

Knowing how to apply for a student visa in Australia is only half the story. The real challenge is preparing everything that goes into a strong application — before you even open the visa portal. This checklist breaks that process down into clear, manageable stages so nothing slips through the cracks.

Step 1: Choose the Right Course and Institution

The type of visa you can get depends on the course you choose. To apply for Australia’s student visa (subclass 500) you must be enrolled in a CRICOS registered course at an approved institution. CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Any real course for overseas students has to be listed on CRICOS.

Before selecting a course, ask yourself:

• Does the institution hold a valid CRICOS registration?
• Is the course aligned with your career or academic goals?
• What are the English language entry requirements?

• Does the course duration and study load match your visa conditions?

   

You can verify CRICOS registration directly on the Australian Government's CRICOS website. Do not skip this step — enrolling in an unregistered institution will make you ineligible for a student visa.

Step 2: Meet English Language Requirements

In Australia, most universities and TAFE institutions require an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0–6.5 overall, but the requirements vary depending on the institution and the level of the course. Other accepted tests are; TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced

Book your test early. You can get your IELTS and PTE results within 3-13 days. The test slots get filled fast, especially during the major intakes (February and July). If you do not get the score you need, many institutions have pathway English programs which you can do before you start your main course.

Step 3: Secure Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Once you accept your offer letter from an Australian institution and make the necessary tuition deposit, your institution will electronically send you a CoE.

Your CoE contains important information that is used in your visa application, including your start date of course, study load and tuition fees. Verify the accuracy of all details before continuing.

Step 4: Organise Your Financial Documents

The Department of Home Affairs requires proof that you can cover:

• Tuition fees for your first year of study
• Living expenses — currently assessed at AUD 29,710 per year for the main applicant (as per the 2024–25 financial year guidelines)
• Travel costs to and from Australia

• School costs for any dependent children accompanying you

   

Acceptable financial evidence includes recent bank statements (typically for the last 3-6 months), scholarship letters, financial sponsorship letters or proof of a student loan. Ideally, funds should be in the name of the applicant or their sponsor.

Step 5: Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is required for the duration of your stay in Australia on a student visa. It provides for basic medical and hospital services. You must buy OSHC before your visa is given to you – not after you arrive.

Several Australian insurers including Medibank, Bupa and CBHS are approved OSHC providers. Costs vary based on length of coverage and whether you add dependents. Some institutions will arrange OSHC for you as part of the enrollment process – check your letter of offer for details.

Step 6: Prepare Your Core Visa Documents

Once your CoE, finances, and OSHC are sorted, it's time to gather your supporting documents. Here's what most applicants will need:

What Is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement?

The GTE is one of the most checked parts of any student visa application. It’s a written statement to show that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes only – and that you intend to return home after your course is completed.

Your GTE statement must include the reasons you have chosen to study in Australia, this particular course and institution, your career plans after you complete your studies and your links to your home country. Weak or generic GTE statements are a common cause of visa refusals. Be precise, truthful, and well-organized.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia: The Submission Stage

Student visa applications are lodged online through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. The main applicant needs to pay AUD 710 for the application fee for a subclass 500 student visa (2024).

Processing times vary for different nationalities and times of the year, but for the Australian Government, the 50th percentile processing time is approximately 29–46 days for 75% of applications. Please apply at least 8-12 weeks prior to your course start date to avoid missing it.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Upload all documents as clear, high-resolution scans — blurry or cropped files cause delays
• Ensure names match exactly across your passport, CoE, and OSHC policy
• If any documents are not in English, include certified translations
• Respond promptly to any further information requests from the Department of Home Affairs

Don't Overlook Pre-Departure Preparation

Once you have your visa, the groundwork doesn't stop. Before you travel you should ensure that you have arranged accommodation, that you are aware of your visa conditions (including work hour limits – currently 48 hours per fortnight during term) and that you have a basic plan in place for your first week in Australia.

Studying in Australia is a major investment, and a smooth visa application process is the first step in the whole experience. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, a registered migration agent can help you avoid common pitfalls and delays.

Hui & Kuah Pte. Ltd. is a team of experts dedicated to helping students through this very complex preparation – from course selection to visa lodgment – so you can concentrate on what lies ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a student visa for Australia?

Approximately 75% of Australian student visa (subclass 500) applications are processed in 29–46 days. Processing times vary by nationality and the number of applications, so we strongly advise submitting your application at least 8–12 weeks before the start of your course.

What financial proof do I need for an Australian student visa?

You need to show you can cover tuition fees, living costs (minimum AUD 29,710 per year) and travel costs. Acceptable proof of finances are recent bank statements, scholarship letters or a formal sponsor letter, generally from 3 to 6 months transactions.

Is OSHC mandatory for an Australian student visa?

Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a visa condition that you need to meet. You must have a valid OSHC policy that covers your whole stay in Australia and must be purchased before you are granted your visa – not after you arrive.

What is the GTE requirement for an Australian student visa?

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement – A written statement of your genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily to study, and then return home. It should explain your motivations for studying, your choice of course and your plans after studying – vague responses are a common reason for visa refusals.