Applying for a student visa isn't as easy as it used to be. Get it right from the start
Our team will work with you at every step, from checking your eligibility and documents, to guiding your Genuine Student (GS) statement, through to preparing, reviewing and lodging the application by a Registered Migration Agent.
What Is a Student Visa?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at a registered Australian institution, covering courses from primary school through to doctoral programmes.
A well-prepared application moves through the system cleanly. Your adviser handles the document compilation, Genuine Student (GS) statement, and lodgement so nothing gets missed.
| Visa subclass | 500 |
| Health cover | OSHC mandatory |
| Family inclusion | Eligible dependants |
An offshore student visa application can be granted in as little as 48 hours, but in other cases it may take significantly longer, sometimes more than 8 weeks. The most reliable way to understand current expected timeframes is to refer to the Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times.
Arrange Your OSHC →How We Can Help You
Eligibility Assessment
We go through your background, goals and documents with you to check whether you appear to meet key student visa requirements before you move ahead with an application.
Document Preparation
Together we organise your academic records, evidence of financial capacity, formal English test results and other supporting documents. We provide clear checklists and guidance, and help you make sure everything is complete and consistent.
Genuine Student (GS) Statement
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is how the Department of Home Affairs assesses whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia and understand your obligations. We guide you on how to present your circumstances clearly and honestly, and help you structure a GS statement that is specific to your situation.
Application Lodgement
We help you complete the application forms and upload your supporting documents in the required format. Lodgement is done carefully to reflect the information and evidence you have provided.
After Lodgement
We help you monitor the application process and, where appropriate, respond to any requests for further information, supporting you from lodgement through to a final outcome.
Student Visa Requirements Snapshot
Valid passport and identity documents
- Your visa will be linked to your passport details and used as your primary identity and travel document
- Must be valid and current at time of application
We check that your passport and identity information are current and consistent before progressing.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- A current CoE from a CRICOS-registered education provider is essential before lodging
- You will need to pay the first term or semester's fees to obtain the CoE
We assist you in obtaining an offer from the school and guide you through the enrolment process. Explore our education services →
Genuine Student (GS) information
- Explain your reasons for studying in Australia, your choice of course and provider
- Show how your plans fit your background and future goals
As a trusted agent and education counsellor, we guide you so that your GS responses are honest, consistent and easy to read for any Case Officer.
Academic qualifications and education history
- Certified copies of academic transcripts (translated into English where required)
- Completion certificates and any relevant professional qualifications
- A clear study history strengthens the overall credibility of your case
Financial capacity and proof of funds
- Demonstrate genuine access to funds covering tuition fees, living costs, travel and dependants' expenses
- Evidence includes bank statements, loans, sponsorship or scholarship letters
We help you understand what evidence is typically used and how to present it clearly. See indicative financial requirements ↓
Official English language proficiency test results
- A valid result from IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge
- Must meet both your course entry requirements and the visa minimum standard
See typical English test ranges ↓ · English & Foundation courses →
Health examinations and OSHC
- Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of your stay
- Complete health examinations with an approved panel clinic
We let you know when to book medicals, how to organise OSHC, and how to upload evidence correctly.
Character and background documents
- Police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived
- Character declarations supporting the character requirement for your visa
- All documents should be consistent with the rest of your application
Check with us on the set of documents or evidence that you need to provide. You wouldn't want to be short of providing the relevant documents.
Have questions about what documents you need? We can review your situation and give you a clear checklist.
Talk to Our TeamReference Tables
Indicative Student Visa Financial Requirements
From time to time, the Department of Home Affairs will revise and publish the official requirements, so it is important that you should always refer to the Document Checklist Tool before you apply.
| Component | What it covers | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living costs (primary student, 12 months) | Day-to-day expenses such as accommodation, food, transport and basic bills for the main applicant | Around AUD 29,710/year | Base living-cost benchmark for a single student for 12 months. Figures are indicative and can be updated by the Department. |
| Tuition fees | Course fees for at least the first 12 months of study (or full course if shorter) | AUD 15,000–47,000+/year | Use the tuition shown on your Letter of Offer / CoE, plus any non-tuition fees listed by your provider. |
| Travel to and from Australia | Initial travel to Australia and return travel | AUD 2,000–3,000 | This can vary based on your country, airline and time of year. |
| Additional living costs: spouse/partner | Extra living costs if a partner is included on the visa | Around AUD 10,394/year | Approximate benchmark for a spouse or de facto partner, in addition to the main student amount. |
| Additional living costs: each dependent child | Extra living costs for each dependent child | Around AUD 4,449/child/year | Added on top of the main student amount and any partner amount if applicable. |
| School-aged children: school fees | Public or private schooling costs for dependent children of school age | Around AUD 13,000+/child/year | Exact school fees depend on the state, sector and school; some exemptions apply in limited cases. |
Typical English Test Ranges for Study in Australia
| Study level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificates & Diplomas (VET) | Around 5.5 overall, no band below 5.0 | Around 42–46 overall | Around 46–60 | Common across many TAFE and private VET providers; some allow packaged ELICOS if your score is a little below this. |
| Bachelor degrees (most fields) | Typically 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | Typically 50–58 overall | Typically 79–87 | Common standard at many universities for standard undergraduate programmes. |
| Postgraduate coursework (most fields) | Often 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | Often 58+ overall | Often 79–90 | Many master's degrees use the same or very similar English level as standard undergraduate degrees; individual courses may set higher thresholds. |
These score ranges are a general guide only. Every university, college and course in Australia sets its own English language entry requirements, and some programmes (especially medicine, nursing, teaching, social work and law) often require higher overall scores and higher minimum sub-scores than standard courses. Always check the exact English requirement for your chosen course and provider, and confirm any visa-related English settings with the education provider, or a trusted education agent.
Registered & accredited migration agents
While You Study
While You're in Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just getting a visa approved; it's about feeling supported while you settle in, study and plan your next steps. Blue Education is based in Perth with partners around Australia, so you have a local team you can turn to throughout your journey.
We can help with:
- Arrival and orientation, including on-boarding sessions so you understand your new city, your campus and your visa conditions.
- Accommodation options, such as homestay, student housing or other arrangements that suit your budget and needs.
- Setting up an Australian bank account so you can receive money transfers before you arrive.
- Ongoing check-ins and welfare support, so you have someone to speak with if you need guidance or run into any issues.
- Study, migration and career planning if you want to change courses, extend your studies, or explore post-study work and skilled migration pathways.
Once you arrive in Australia, you are not on your own. You have a team in Perth that understands international student life and is here to support you from your first week through to graduation and beyond.
You can open an Australian bank account with CommBank up to 14 days before you arrive. Open an account →
What a student needs to know before arriving in Perth
After Graduation
Post-Study Work Options
Finishing your course is just the beginning. Australia offers several pathways for graduates who want to stay, work and build a career, and in many cases, work towards permanent residence.
Post-Study Work Visa
Subclass 485: 2 years for bachelor's and master's coursework graduates, 3 years for master's research and doctoral graduates.
Temporary Skill Shortage
Subclass 482: for graduates with an employer willing to sponsor, with pathways to permanent residence.
Employer Nomination Scheme
A direct pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers with employer support.
The same team that helped with your student visa can guide you through the transition. No need to start over with a new agent.
Explore Work Visa Options →Ready to apply?
We assess your eligibility, give you a clear document checklist, and lodge your application. No guesswork on your end.