Australia Student Visa 500: Genuine Student Statement, OSHC and Funds for Indian Students

What changed for Indian student visa applicants

Home Affairs sets an evidence level for each country and education provider, and that level decides how much financial and English-language evidence you must supply. The department does not publish the levels. It reviews them twice a year, in March and September, and the latest update took effect on 30 September 2026 (Study Australia, 7 October 2026).

Because the level is not public, enter your passport country and your provider's CRICOS code in the official Document Checklist Tool (page updated 26 October 2026). From 2 October 2026, family members generally cannot be included in a student visa application, with exemptions such as doctoral students (Study Australia, 7 October 2026).

Australia student visa subclass 500: 10 steps to apply

Here is how to apply for an Australian student visa in ten steps, based on the Study Australia application guide.

Step 1: Choose your course and provider

1. Pick a course at a CRICOS-registered provider.
2. Read the letter of offer, including fees and refund terms.

Step 2: Get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

1. Accept your offer and meet the provider's enrolment requirements.
2. Ask the provider to issue your CoE.

Step 3: Buy OSHC health cover

1. Buy OSHC from a registered insurer unless an exemption applies.
2. Make sure the cover runs for your whole stay.

Step 4: Take an English test if required

1. Check the Document Checklist Tool for English evidence.
2. Book an approved test if no exemption applies.

Step 5: Gather proof of funds

1. Add up living costs, first-year tuition and travel.
2. Collect bank, loan or sponsor evidence.

Step 6: Prepare your Genuine Student statement

1. Write each answer in English, within 150 words.
2. Attach supporting documents to your ImmiAccount.

Step 7: Apply online

1. Create an ImmiAccount and enter your CoE details.
2. Upload documents, check every detail, pay and submit.

Home Affairs recommends lodging well before your course starts, with all supporting documents (Home Affairs processing times).

Step 8: Complete biometrics and health checks

1. Use My Health Declaration if you may need a health examination.
2. Give biometrics if the department asks for them.

Home Affairs gives no fixed time for this step. Waiting on external agencies for health, character and national security checks can lengthen processing (Home Affairs processing times).

Step 9: Wait for the decision

1. Check ImmiAccount regularly and reply by the date stated.
2. Avoid travel commitments based on an expected grant.

The Home Affairs global processing time is "Student visa, September 2026: 29 days", and it is updated monthly (Home Affairs processing times).

Step 10: Receive your grant and prepare to travel

1. Read your grant letter and visa conditions.
2. Give your provider your Australian address within seven days of arriving.

Genuine Student requirement (formerly GTE)

The Genuine Student requirement is the test Home Affairs uses to decide whether you genuinely intend to enter and stay in Australia as a student, with study as your main reason for applying. It applies to applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024 (Home Affairs, updated 24 September 2026).

From GTE to Genuine Student: what changed

The Genuine Student requirement replaced the GTE in Australia. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement now applies only to applications lodged before 23 March 2024. Under the Genuine Student requirement, a stated future intention such as applying for permanent residence later does not count against you. The department prefers answers inside the application form to a separate statement.

What the department asks

• Your current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and your economic situation.
• Why you chose this course with this provider, and what you understand about the course and living in Australia.
• How the course will benefit you.
• Any other relevant information.
• If you have held a student visa, or are applying in Australia on another visa, one more question.

How to answer each question

Answer only what is asked, in your own words, and back each claim with a document. The department says statements supported by evidence carry more weight. Useful evidence includes transcripts, an employer letter with a contact who can confirm your job, income tax returns or bank statements covering the 12 months before you apply, any job offer after your course, and an explanation of study gaps longer than two months in an academic year.

Common mistakes that lead to refusal

The department weighs your reasons for not studying at home, your knowledge of the course and provider, the value of the course, and your immigration history. Answers that skip these points weaken an application. In our counselling experience, copied sample text is the most avoidable mistake. Our visa application support team can review your answers before you lodge.

Australia student visa fee

The Student visa (subclass 500) base application charge for a primary applicant is AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026, up from AUD 2,000 (explanatory statement, Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026). Applicants enrolled in a standalone English-language (ELICOS) or non-award course are exempt from the increase to AUD 2,500; their charge rises only by CPI of 2.6% from the 2025-26 amount. Check the exact amount in the Home Affairs visa pricing estimator. A payment surcharge may apply if you pay by credit card or PayPal (Home Affairs fees and charges). Other mandatory costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), an English test where required, and any health examination, which you pay for yourself.

Key documents for your subclass 500 application

This table covers the four items this guide explains. The full checklist depends on your passport country and provider, so run the Document Checklist Tool for the complete list.

Proof of funds for an Australian student visa

Australia student visa financial requirements for a main applicant include AUD 29,710 (section 6(2)(b)(ii)(A)) for 12 months of living costs, under the government instrument in force since 10 May 2024, with no later amendment listed when checked on 5 November 2026 (Federal Register of Legislation). Tuition is the first 12 months of fees, less amounts already paid. The instrument asks for enough funds for travel but sets no travel figure.

If an exemption lets you include family members (see the FAQ below), the instrument adds AUD 10,394 a year for a partner (section 6(2)(c)(ii)(A)) and AUD 4,449 for each child (section 6(2)(c)(ii)(B)). Accepted evidence includes a money deposit with a financial institution, a loan from a financial institution, a government loan, or a scholarship or financial support. A parent's or partner's income can also count, shown by official income documents from the last 12 months, at AUD 87,856 or more (section 6(3)(b)(i)), or AUD 102,500 with a secondary applicant (section 6(3)(b)(ii)).

An education loan sanction letter can serve as evidence. Our education loan for your proof of funds service explains how to arrange one. The evidence you are asked for can be stricter for some countries. Home Affairs has consulted on possible changes to the Genuine Student guidance and the financial capacity rules, and states that no decisions have been made (page updated 30 October 2026).

Australia student visa processing time

The Department of Home Affairs shows a median of 29 days for Student visas, as of September 2026 (official processing times, updated 2 November 2026). A median is the midpoint, so half of applications take longer. Use the department's processing time guide for the current figure.

The department lists what slows an application: high lodgement volumes, integrity checks, incomplete applications, identity, character or health requirements not yet met, and a provider with a lower priority status (student visa processing priorities).

Student visa conditions and work hours

The Australia student visa work hours limit is 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session (Study Australia, checked 5 November 2026).

Sources for this table: Home Affairs, 4 May 2026.

Breaking a condition can put your visa at risk, so check your conditions in VEVO after the grant and keep your enrolment current.

OSHC and Confirmation of Enrolment explained

What is OSHC and how do you buy it?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia is health insurance for international students that helps pay for medical and hospital care, ambulance and limited medicines, but not dental, optical or physiotherapy (PrivateHealth.gov.au, September 2026). It is compulsory for your visa. You buy it directly from one of six registered insurers: ahm OSHC, Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare), Bupa Australia, CBHS International Health, Medibank Private and nib OSHC. Prices vary between insurers, and cover must last for your full stay (Study Australia).

What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document your education provider issues to confirm your enrolment in a specific course (Home Affairs). You usually receive it after you accept your offer and meet the enrolment requirements. The visa needs it because you enter its code in the application, and it must still be valid when the department decides.

After you graduate: the Temporary Graduate visa (485)

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international students live, study and work in Australia after finishing their studies. Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months. Post-Higher Education Work stream: the length depends on your qualification and circumstances; check the Home Affairs page before applying. Indian nationals: stays of 2 to 4 years, as agreed in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Home Affairs Student visa and Temporary Graduate visa program report, December 2025, p.9). Study Australia lists the basics (checked 5 November 2026): you generally need to be 35 or under, hold a student visa within the last 6 months, and have recently completed an eligible course at a CRICOS-registered provider. The application charge rose to AUD 5,750 on 1 July 2026 (Study Australia, 7 October 2026). Read more about study in Australia, or see our post-study work visa comparison.

Australia student visa 500 FAQs

Is the Genuine Student requirement the same as the old GTE?

No. The Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test for applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. It asks about your circumstances, your course and provider, and the benefit of the course, and a stated wish to apply for permanent residence later does not count against you. Australia assesses the Genuine Student requirement under Ministerial Direction 106.

How long does the Australian student visa take?

Home Affairs shows a median of 29 days for Student visas, as of September 2026. Half of applications take longer. Incomplete applications, integrity checks and a provider's priority status can slow a case. Check the department's processing time guide, updated monthly, for the current figure before you plan your travel.

How much is the Australian student visa fee?

The base application charge for a primary applicant is AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026. You also pay for OSHC, an English test if you need one, and any health examination. Check the department's Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.

Is OSHC compulsory for a student visa?

Yes. Keeping adequate health insurance is a visa condition, and OSHC in Australia is the product designed to meet it. You must hold it for your whole stay unless an exemption applies. Buy cover from a registered OSHC insurer, and make sure the cover lasts as long as your visa.

Can I work on a subclass 500 visa?

Yes, up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, including exam periods. Hours are unlimited in scheduled course breaks. You cannot work before your course starts unless another visa you hold allows it. Check your conditions in VEVO after your grant.

How much money do I need to show?

For a main applicant, the instrument in force since 10 May 2024 sets AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs. You also show the first 12 months of tuition, less amounts paid, and enough for travel. Your evidence level can change which documents are requested, so use the Document Checklist Tool.

Do I need an English test for the subclass 500?

It depends on your evidence level and your provider. Home Affairs says you may need results from an approved test, and exemptions may apply. Enter your passport country and provider in the Document Checklist Tool, and upload the English evidence it lists with your application.

Can I include my spouse or children in my application?

Generally not since 2 October 2026. Family members cannot be included in a first or further Student visa application unless an exemption applies, such as for doctoral students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, or fully funded foreign government scholarship holders. Family members also cannot be added after a grant.

What if my Confirmation of Enrolment changes while my application is assessed?

Attach the new CoE to your ImmiAccount as soon as you can. A CoE must still be valid when the department decides, and it becomes invalid if it is cancelled or the course is complete. A missing valid CoE can stop your application.

How many words can I write for each Genuine Student answer?

Each response has a limit of 150 words, and all answers must be in English. Put them in the application form, since the department prefers that to a separate statement, and attach your supporting documents. To practise explaining your plans aloud, read our guide to student visa interview questions.

Can an education loan count as proof of funds?

Yes. The financial capacity instrument accepts a loan from a financial institution, and a government loan, as evidence. Keep the sanction letter showing the amount and the borrower, and add bank evidence for any remaining costs. Check the Document Checklist Tool for what your provider and passport country require.

Get help with your Australian student visa

If you want a second pair of eyes on your Genuine Student answers, funds evidence or OSHC and CoE details before you lodge, Vidysea counsellors can review your file. Talk to our study visa assistance team to plan your application.