How to Apply Australia Study Visa from India

Are you an Indian Student looking to study in Australia?

Boarding a journey of academic learning and personal growth is a massive decision, and Australia stands as a beacon of unmatched prospects for individuals looking to expand their horizons and Study in Australia. Whether your goal is acquiring a world-class degree, i.e. MBA in Australia, engineering, humanities, or an English language course or want to progress your career at an faster pace, the Land Down Under caters to your ambitions in unique and remarkable ways.

With its unparalleled Academic Excellence, Global Recognition, Scholarship options, Post-Study Work Opportunities and high standards of living, it has become a magnet for the Indian students looking to apply for Student visa in Australia from India.

Indian graduates can work in Australia for up to 8 years

Recently, India and Australia signed a migration and mobility partnership pact to open up opportunities for students, academic researchers and business persons. A new scheme under this agreement from 1 July 2023 will allow Indian graduates studying in Australian tertiary institutions on a student visa, apply to work in Australia without visa sponsorship for up to 8 years. Read more

Key requirements to study in Australia

Generally, the visa you require depends on study program in Australia you are looking to choose. Irrespective of your field of study and university, etc. as an International Student, you need to apply for Student visa Subclass 500.  

Visa Subclass 500

The Visa Subclass 500 allows you to live and study in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is as per your date of enrolment (i.e. usually 5 years).  With this particular visa you can participate in an eligible course of study, bring family members to Australia with you. The current fees for this visa is AUD710 unless exempt.

Visa subclass	Base application charge	Additional applicant charge 18 and over	Additional applicant charge under 18	Non-internet application charge	Subsequent temporary application charge
Student visa (subclass 500) - All other students	AUD710	AUD530	AUD175	NA	AUD700

Financial Capacity Requirements for Student and Student Guardian Visas

Australia has revised the financial capacity requirements for individuals applying for Student and Student Guardian visas, effective from May 10, 2024. This change is applicable to both the Subclass 500 Student visa and the Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa.

 Minimum required funds to meet financial capacity requirements

Applicant Type	Financial capacity requirement before 10 May 2024	Financial capacity requirement after 10 May 2024
primary applicant	AUD24,505	AUD29,710
spouse or de facto partner of the Student primary applicant (not applicable to Student Guardian applicant)	AUD8,574	AUD10,394
dependent child	AUD3,670	AUD4,449
annual school costs	AUD9,661	AUD13,502
personal annual income if there is no member of the family	AUD72,465	AUD87,856
personal annual income where there is a member of the family unit	AUD84,543	AUD102,500

Note: As per latest update from Aussie govt., the student visa holders working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023 can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023. However, from 1 July 2023, work limitations for student visa holders will be re-introduced and capped at 48 hours per fortnight.

To apply for Subclass 500 visa you needs to:

• be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
• Have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• be 6 years or older
• Show that you have a welfare arrangement, if you are under 18

Cost of studying in Australia

The cost of studying in Australia can differ based various factors such as the type of study, i.e. undergraduate or postgraduate, the explicit course or program, the university or institution, and your lifestyle picks. The average tuition fees at institutions of Australia range between AUD 20,000 and AUD 50,000 a year.

S.no.	Australia Study Program	Average fees in AUD*
1.	School	$7,800 to $30,000 annually
2.	English language studies	$350-450 weekly (varies as per course length)
3.	Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma)	$4000 - $22,000 annually
4.	Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree	$20,000 - $45,000 annually
5.	Postgraduate Master’s Degree	$22,000 - $50,000 annually
6.	Doctoral Degree	$20,000 - $42,000 annually

Note: The charges mentioned above are indicative, please check the official source or to confirm the latest status call Visas Avenue Australia migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

The tuition fees for the study programs, i.e. medicine or dentistry and engineering can be higher, whereas, it can be cheaper to opt for subjects, i.e. arts, humanities, education, etc.

Scholarships for the students in Australia

Find below a few key scholarship programs you can choose to study in Australia as a student from India:

S.No.	Name of the scholarships	Description
1	Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)	Funded by the Australian Government, it covers a student’s tuition fee and health insurance for up to three years Supports a student’s (local and international) Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degree
2	Australia Awards	Funded by the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) Aims to provide students from developing regions an opportunity to pursue their UG/PG program at participating universities in Australia and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions
3	Destination Australia	This scholarship aims to encourage international students to study in regional Australia to regionally develop tertiary education providers in Australia and provide a learning experience to its students
4	John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)	Provides scientists from partner countries engaged in the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) research projects with the opportunity to obtain postgraduate qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions

Note: Above mentioned list is indicative, please check the official source or to confirm the latest status call Visas Avenue Australia migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777.

Australia Intakes/Semesters for students

The Australian colleges and universities have programed 2 major intakes or semesters. These two intakes in Australia are:

• Semester 1: Begins late February/early March to late May/early June
• Semester 2: Begins late July/early August through to November

If you are new to Student visa process, and not able to choose the right course or university, please fill the free assessment form to receive a call from Visas Avenue Australia student visa expert.

Top study programs to study in Australia

Find below the list of top and most desired study programs by the international students to pursue higher education in Australia:

1. MBA
2. Social Sciences
3. Medicine
4. Engineering
5. Business Analytics
6. Life Sciences
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Top Universities to study in Australia

Find below the list of top universities in Australia and their global rankings:

S.No.	Institution	QS Ranking 2023 (Globally)
1	The Australian National University	30
2	The University of Melbourne	33
3	The University of Sydney	41
4	The University of New South Wales	45
5	The University of Queensland	50

Employment prospects in Australia

Australia is providing the international students with the opportunities to gain valuable work experience through post-study work programs. With effect from 1 July 2023, work limitations for student visa holders will be re-introduced and capped at 48 hours per fortnight. These measures help you apply your newly acquired skills in a professional setting, enhancing your employability and growing your global network. By enrolling in to the Australian education system, you equip yourself for a smooth transition from academia to the corporate world.

New Measures for International students in Australia applicable from 1 July 2023

• From 1 July 2023, Foreign higher education graduates in Australia with eligible qualifications will get additional 2 years of post-study work rights.
• Post-study work rights for selected degrees in areas of verified skills shortages will be increased from:
• Two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees.
• Three years to five years for select Master’s degrees.
• Four years to six years for all Doctoral qualifications (PhDs) 
• The extension adds to the existing additional 1 to 2 years of work rights for eligible foreign students who study, live and work in regional parts of Australia.
• The DHA has also announced an increase to the part -time working hour limit for the foreign students in Australia, from 40 hours to 48 Hours per fortnight.

Read more

Employment alternatives for the International students in Australia 

• On-campus
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Tutoring
• Office jobs
• Freelance
• Miscellaneous
• Volunteering

Cost of living in Australia

The cost of living in Australia depends on the city or region where you plan to live and study. Normally, major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have higher living cost compared to regional parts of Australia. Projected living expenses, counting accommodation, groceries, transportation, and entertainment, can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 a year. As a reference, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) costs roughly AUD 450 to AUD 800 per year. Here is the list of few common expenses while living in Australia as an international student:

Expenses	Weekly budget (indicative)
Groceries and eating out	$140 to $280
Gas, electricity	$10 to $20
Phone and Internet	$15 to $30
Public transport	$30 to $60
Car (after purchase)	$150 to $260
Entertainment	$80 to $150

Study in Australia FAQs

If you still have questions in mind below frequently asked question on Study in Australia will surely clear your doubts:

What are the entry requirements for studying in Australia?

The requisites for the entry in Australia differ based on the study program and institution you apply to. Normally, you require meeting academic qualifications, English language proficiency requirements (i.e. in tests like IELTS or TOEFL), and meet other key criteria of university or a particular course.

Is cost of living is high in Australia for Indian students?

While estimating the cost of studying in Australia, it's essential to consider numerous expenses such as accommodation, food, health coverage, travel, and tuition fees. The average annual tuition fees at tertiary institutions in Australia typically range between AUD 20,000 and AUD 30,000. Its crucial to carefully analyse even the small expenses and ensure to carry sufficient funds when you reach Australia. Moreover, you can also make up for your daily expenses through post study work.

What are the post-study work opportunities in Australia?

Australian government offers post-study work opportunities for international students via the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This particular visa allows graduates to work in Australia for a definite period, based on the qualification acquired. helps gain valuable work experience and may improve the prospects of securing long-term employment or gaining PR in Australia.

Can I bring my family with me while studying in Australia?

In certain cases, foreign students can bring their family members to Australia. The Spouses and dependent children of the students can apply for visas to accompany the student. However, it's essential to review the precise visa requirements and conditions for bringing family members and make certain that you meet the fiscal requirements to support them.

Are there any research or PhD programs in Australia?

Yes, Australia is famous for its research and provides a wide range of prospects for research-oriented studies, including PhD programs. Several universities have dedicated research facilities and offer scholarships and funding to the research students.

Can I extend my student visa in Australia?

Well in few cases, it is possible to spread your student visa while you are in Australia. This can happen when you need extra time to complete your studies or if you are transitioning to a different level of study. It's crucial to check the visa conditions and parameters and consult with the DHA or an immigration expert for guidance on your particular situation.

Can I work in Australia after graduation if I don't have a job offer?

Yes, the Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485 allows foreign students to work in Australia after completing their studies. The Post-Study Work stream of this particular visa subclass allows graduates from higher education institutions to work for a period of 2 to 4 years, based on the highest qualification acquired. It does not require an employment offer at the time of application.