The Australia Student Visa from India (Subclass 500) is your key to a world-class education. With major government policy updates in 2024 and 2025, including substantial fee increases and new financial requirements, expert guidance is essential. Bombay Migrations, led by MARA-Registered Agents, provides the latest factual advice and comprehensive application services, ensuring your application is accurate and compliant. We simplify the path for Indian students aiming for cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.
What is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the only visa that allows an international student to remain in Australia for full-time study in a registered course. It permits you to live in Australia for the duration of your course and grants you work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. The visa is crucial as it requires you to maintain enrolment, health insurance (OSHC), and comply with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement throughout your stay.
Factual Breakdown: Australia Student Visa Fees & Financial Proof (2025)
Following recent government updates, it’s essential to note that the financial requirements have increased significantly. Your application must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your first year’s tuition, travel, and mandatory living costs.
| Cost Component | Factual AUD (Primary Applicant) | Estimated INR Equivalent* | DHA Source & Effective Date |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | $AUD 2,000 | ₹ 1,12,000 | Applicable from July 1, 2025. |
| Minimum Annual Living Costs | $AUD 29,710 | ₹ 16,60,000 | Required proof for a single student for 12 months (Increased May 2024). |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Varies, AUD 600-1,000/year | ₹ 33,500 – 56,000/year | Must cover the full visa period (mandatory). |
| Travel Costs (DHA Estimate) | AUD 2,000 | ₹ 1,12,000 | The estimated cost for return airfare from India. |
Disclaimer: INR conversions are approximations based on an exchange rate of ₹ 56/AUD and are subject to daily fluctuation.
Acceptable Proof of Funds for Indian Students
The DHA requires clear, verifiable financial evidence. We guide clients across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore on preparing the following:
- Savings account statements (usually covering the last 3-6 months).
- Approved education loans from recognised Indian financial institutions.
- Fixed deposit receipts or other liquid assets.
Proof of parent/sponsor annual income (must be at least $AUD 87,856 for a single student).
Key Visa Requirements and Policy Changes (Mandatory)
The New Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
Effective since 2024, the GS requirement has replaced the GTE.10 You must now provide a concise, high-quality GS statement that focuses on your academic intent. Your statement must:
- Demonstrate a strong link between your chosen course in Australia and your past education/future career path in India.
- Prove that you understand the course and life in Australia.
- Explain why you chose Australia (and your specific city/institution) over studying in India or other countries.
Bombay Migrations specialises in drafting and reviewing GS statements to mitigate refusal risk.
Updated English Language Requirements
You must prove English proficiency with scores that have recently been raised:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5).11
- PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 50.
Australia Student Visa Processing Time from India: What to Expect
The processing time for the Study Visa for Australia from India is dynamic and based on two main factors:
Sector | 90% of Applications Processed Within | Key Factor for Delay |
Higher Education (Bachelor’s, Master’s) | 54 days to 5 months | Application completeness and the provider’s priority status. |
Postgraduate Research | 11 months | Complexity of research proposal and departmental review. |
“The 2025 Australia Student Visa journey is complex. With the new GS requirement and high $AUD 29,710 financial rules, misinformation is a major risk. Stop the confusion and get the verified facts.
Get the Factual 2025 Australia Student Visa Guide for India.”
How to Speed Up Your Visa Application
- Lodge Complete Documents: The single biggest factor in delays is incomplete documentation. Ensure your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) and all financial documents are decision-ready when you apply.
- Timely Medicals: Complete your health examinations with a panel physician immediately after applying to avoid processing delays after medical checks.
- Choose a High-Integrity Provider: Under the new Ministerial Direction 115, applications for institutions maintaining strict compliance are given Priority 1 status, leading to faster outcomes.
Why Our MARA Agents are Essential for Indian Students
Navigating the financial evidence, the new GS statement, and the constantly changing rules requires legal expertise.
- MARA Certification: We are MARA-registered agents, a legal requirement for providing migration advice in Australia. This ensures you receive ethical, up-to-date guidance, protecting you from common visa fraud and misinformation.
- Location-Based Support: Whether you need a best migration consultant in Melbourne to plan your PR pathway, or expert advice in Mumbai on financial documentation, Bombay Migrations offers targeted, localised support.
- Post-Study Pathway: We advise you not just on your student visa, but on the best courses and locations (e.g., studying in Adelaide or Brisbane offers regional benefits) to maximise your chances for the Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Australian Student Visa
How much money is required for a student visa in Australia from India?
As of May 2024, the minimum living cost requirement for a single student is AUD 29,710.12. You must also show funds for your first year's tuition fees and travel, making the total required amount significantly higher than this minimum.
What are the requirements for an Australian student visa from India after the 12th?
In addition to financial and English requirements, you typically need a minimum of 60% in your 12th standard (varies by university), a compelling GS statement, and an offer of admission (CoE) from a registered Australian institution.
Is it difficult to get a student visa for Australia from India now?
It is not necessarily more difficult, but the process is stricter due to the new GS requirement and increased financial proof. Completeness, accuracy, and professional guidance (like that offered by Bombay Migrations) are more critical than ever to avoid refusal.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for an Australian student visa from India?
The minimum required IELTS score for the visa application is now 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.5).
Can I work while studying on the Australia Student Visa, and what happens after I graduate?
Yes, your Student Visa (Subclass 500) permits you to work. You can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (e.g., semester holidays). Your primary focus must remain on your studies.
After you graduate, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows you to stay in Australia to work full-time for a duration between 2 to 4 years (depending on your qualification level and the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement rules). This post-study opportunity is a major benefit for gaining international experience and exploring skilled migration options.