Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500): Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students 2026

The Australian student visa process is more complex than most students expect. I've seen too many applications rejected for avoidable mistakes — poor financial documentation, weak GTE statements, or simply not understanding what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for.

This guide covers every step, based on our experience with hundreds of successful Australian visa applications.

Understanding Subclass 500

The Subclass 500 (Student Visa) is the main visa for international students in Australia. It covers all levels of study — from English courses to PhDs. Key features:

• Allows you to study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution
• Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during sessions, unlimited during breaks
• Valid for the duration of your course + extra time (usually 2-3 months)
• Can include family members (partner and children)
• Application fee: AUD 710 (~₹39,000)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get Your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)

Before you apply for the visa, you need a CoE from your Australian university. This requires:

• Accepting your offer letter
• Paying the first semester tuition (or at least a deposit)
• Meeting any conditional requirements (English scores, academic transcripts)

Timeline: Allow 2-4 weeks after paying tuition to receive your CoE.

Step 2: Prepare Your GTE Statement

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement is the most critical part of your application. It's a 1-2 page written statement explaining:

• Why you chose this specific course and university
• Why Australia (and not another country)
• Your career plans after graduation
• Your ties to India (family, property, job prospects that will bring you back)

Common GTE mistakes that lead to rejection:

• Being vague about career plans — "I want to gain international exposure" isn't specific enough
• Not explaining course relevance to your background — why Data Science if you studied Commerce?
• Ignoring the "genuine temporary" part — you need to show you intend to return (even if you secretly hope to stay)
• Copy-pasting templates from the internet — immigration officers read thousands of these and can spot templates instantly

Read our detailed GTE statement guide and SOP for Australian student visa.

Step 3: Financial Documentation

You must prove you can fund your education. Options:

• Bank statements: Show sufficient funds to cover tuition + living expenses (approximately AUD 24,505/year for living + full tuition)
• Education loan sanction letter: From a recognized bank showing approved loan amount
• Scholarship letter: If you have funding from the university or external body
• Financial sponsor declaration: If parents or family are funding, include their income proof, tax returns, and a sponsor declaration

Tip: Show funds that cover at least the first year of tuition + 12 months of living costs. Having extra is always better.

Step 4: Health Insurance (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory. You must have OSHC for the entire duration of your visa. Popular providers:

• Medibank (most popular)
• Bupa
• Allianz
• CBHS

Cost: approximately AUD 500-600/year for singles.

Step 5: Health Examination

You'll need a medical exam from a panel physician approved by the Australian government. This includes:

• General physical examination
• Chest X-ray (for tuberculosis screening)
• Blood tests (if required based on your medical history)

Book your medical exam BEFORE submitting the visa application — the results are uploaded directly to the immigration system.

Step 6: Gather Supporting Documents

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• CoE from your university
• GTE statement
• Financial documents
• OSHC proof
• Academic transcripts and certificates (10th, 12th, UG degree)
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score report
• 2 passport-size photos
• Police clearance certificate
• Previous visa history (if any)

Step 7: Apply Online via ImmiAccount

All applications are submitted online through Australia's ImmiAccount system:

1. Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
2. Select "New Application" → "Student" → "Student Visa (500)"
3. Fill in all personal, educational, and financial details
4. Upload all supporting documents
5. Pay the application fee (AUD 710)
6. Submit

Step 8: Wait for Decision

Processing times (2026):

• 75% of applications: processed within 29 days
• 90% of applications: processed within 42 days
• Some applications (complex cases): up to 3-4 months

You may be asked for additional documents or called for an interview (rare but possible).

Common Rejection Reasons (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Weak GTE statement (40% of rejections): Be specific, genuine, and connect your past experience → this course → future career plan.
2. Insufficient funds (25%): Show more than the minimum. Include loan approval + family savings + property docs.
3. Incomplete documents (15%): Double-check every requirement. One missing document can delay or derail your application.
4. Inconsistencies (10%): If your GTE says one thing and your resume says another, it raises red flags.
5. Previous visa refusals (10%): If you've been refused a visa to any country, declare it honestly and explain the circumstances.

After Your Visa Is Granted

Once approved:

• Your visa is electronically linked to your passport (no sticker)
• Check your visa grant letter for conditions (work hours, enrollment requirements)
• Arrive in Australia no more than 90 days before your course starts
• Attend orientation at your university
• Activate your OSHC upon arrival

Congratulations — you're on your way to studying in Australia!

The Cost of Getting Rejected

An Australian visa rejection isn't just a financial setback (you lose the AUD 710 application fee and potentially your first semester tuition deposit). It also creates a permanent record in your immigration history that can complicate future visa applications — not just to Australia, but to other countries like the US, UK, and Canada.

This is why I always tell students: invest in getting your first application right. The money you spend on proper guidance for your GTE statement and documentation is a fraction of what a rejection costs — financially and emotionally.

If you're applying to Australia, work with someone who understands what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for. Our team has processed hundreds of successful Australian visa applications and can help you avoid the common pitfalls.

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• Student Accommodation in Australia
• Study in Australia: Complete Guide