Student Visa Requirements Australia

A CRICOS course and valid CoE are normally required. Since 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia. Current students also need an exemption for a further onshore application. Existing visas remain valid under their conditions. Check Home Affairs application rules before enrolling.

Depending on your circumstances, your application may require evidence of identity, enrolment, Genuine Student (GS) responses and supporting evidence, financial capacity, English language ability where required, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), health and character documents, and welfare arrangements for eligible students under 18.

The GS requirement applies to Student visa applications lodged from 23 March 2024. Applicants answer questions in the online application about their current circumstances, reasons for choosing the course and provider, the benefit of the course and other relevant information. Each response has a 150-word limit and should be supported by evidence where relevant.

Budget for travel, unpaid tuition, living costs and eligible family costs. The 12-month student living-cost benchmark remains A$29,710. Evidence must show genuine access to funds. Use the Funds Calculator and your personalised checklist.

Home Affairs opened a consultation on GS and financial evidence reforms on 30 October 2026. These are proposals; no decisions have been made. Read the consultation status.

English evidence is required where the Department’s checklist says it applies, subject to applicable exemptions. Approved tests and requirements can change, so applicants should check the current Home Affairs requirements rather than relying on an old test-score table.

You must have adequate Overseas Student Health Cover for the proposed visa period unless an exemption applies. Make sure coverage does not have gaps where your study involves multiple providers.

Check your passport details, CoE, financial evidence, GS responses, English evidence if required, OSHC and any health, character or welfare documents. Re-check the Department’s Document Checklist Tool immediately before submission because the checklist is updated periodically.