GS Assessment Covers:

• 🎯 Your current circumstances (educational background, employment history)
• 🌏 Your ties to home country (family, economic situation, commitments)
• 📚 Why you chose this specific course and institution
• 💼 How this course aligns with your career goals
• 🇦🇺 Your understanding of living and studying in Australia
• 📊 Realistic career plans post-graduation

• ✅ Relevant previous qualification
• ✅ Evidence of academic progression
• ✅ No unexplained study gaps (must provide valid explanation if any)
• ✅ Course relevance to career goals
• ✅ Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Australian institution

If you are under 18 years:

• Must have adequate welfare and accommodation arrangements
• Parent/guardian consent may be required
• Welfare arrangements must be approved by Department of Home Affairs

If bringing family members:

• Spouse/partner must meet health and character requirements
• Additional financial evidence required (AUD 10,394 for partner, AUD 4,449 per child)
• OSHC must cover all family members
• Family members can work up to 48 hours per fortnight

If studying postgraduate research:

• May have unlimited work rights (check visa conditions)
• Higher English requirements may apply
• Research plan and supervisor details required

Essential Documents:

1. Valid Passport - Must be valid for entire stay
2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) - From Australian institution
3. Academic Documents
   • Transcripts of all previous education
   • Degree certificates
   • Mark sheets
4. English Language Test Scores - Valid test results
5. Financial Documents
   • Bank statements (3-month history)
   • Proof of tuition fee payment or funds available
   • Scholarship letters (if applicable)
   • Loan sanction letters (if applicable)
6. Genuine Student (GS) Statement - Completed questionnaire
7. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - For entire stay duration
8. Health Examination - Medical certificate from approved panel doctor
9. Character Documents
   • Police Clearance Certificate
   • Form 80 (Character assessment)
10. Passport-sized Photographs - Recent (as per specifications)
11. Employment History - If applicable (work experience letters)
12. Welfare Arrangement Proof - For applicants under 18 years

1. Onshore Visa Restriction

❌ No longer allowed: Switching from visitor visa or Temporary Graduate Visa (485) to student visa while in Australia.

✅ New rule: Student visa applications must be lodged from offshore (outside Australia).

2. Evidence Level Framework (Country + Provider Based)

Student visa applications are assessed based on a combination of your country of citizenship and your education provider's risk level (Evidence Levels 1-3). This determines documentation requirements.

Recent Update (January 8, 2026): India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan were reclassified to Evidence Level 3, requiring comprehensive financial and academic documentation. Evidence levels are regularly reviewed based on visa outcomes and compliance history.

Note: Your individual evidence level is determined by both your nationality AND your chosen institution. Use the DHA Document Checklist Tool to check your specific requirements.

3. Course Hopping Restrictions

Limited ability to change courses after arrival. Must demonstrate valid reasons and maintain genuine student status.

4. Attendance & Progress Monitoring

Stricter monitoring of:

• Course attendance requirements (minimum 80%)
• Academic progress and satisfactory completion
• Work hour compliance (48 hours per fortnight during study)

5. National Planning Level Cap

Australia has introduced a 295,000 commencements cap for international students to manage migration levels.

6. Health and Character Requirements

Health: Must undergo medical examination from panel doctor approved by Department of Home Affairs. Required for all applicants and may include:

• Chest X-ray (for applicants 11 years and older)
• Full medical examination (may be required based on country of origin or course duration)
• Additional tests if studying health-related courses

Character: Must meet character requirements, including:

• Police clearance certificate from each country lived in for 12+ months in past 10 years (for applicants 16 years and older)
• Form 80 - Personal Particulars for Character Assessment
• No substantial criminal record
• Not considered a risk to Australian community

7. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) Mandatory

You MUST have health insurance from an approved OSHC provider before applying:

• Coverage must be for entire visa duration
• Cost: approximately AUD 600-1,000 per year (varies by provider and coverage)
• Must cover all family members included in visa application
• Approved providers: Allianz, BUPA, Medibank, NIB, OSHC Australia

1. How much does an Australia student visa cost in 2026?

The primary applicant pays AUD 2,000. Spouse/partner costs AUD 1,225, and children under 18 cost AUD 400. Fees increased 25% from July 1, 2025.

2. How long does it take to get an Australian student visa?

Processing time varies by university zone: Green Zone (4-6 weeks), Amber Zone (6-8 weeks), Red Zone (8-12+ weeks). Apply early during peak intakes (February, July).

3. What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

Replaced GTE from March 23, 2024. Instead of a 300-word statement, you answer targeted questions about your study intent, course choice, career goals, and ties to home country.

4. How much bank balance is required for Australia student visa?

Minimum AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses, plus first year tuition fees, return airfare, and OSHC (AUD 600-1,000/year). Funds must show 3-month history.

5. Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes, 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work cannot begin until course starts.

6. Which English test is accepted for Australia student visa?

Nine tests accepted from August 7, 2025: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1, OET, MET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic. Minimum typically IELTS 6.0 (no band < 5.5).

7. Can I apply for Australian student visa from India?

Yes, you must apply offshore (from outside Australia). Create ImmiAccount and lodge application online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

8. Is health insurance mandatory for Australia student visa?

Yes, OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for entire visa duration. Cost: AUD 600-1,000/year depending on provider and coverage level.

9. Can I bring my family on student visa?

Yes, spouse/partner and dependent children can be included. Additional financial proof required: AUD 10,394 for partner, AUD 4,449 per child annually.

10. What is the age limit for Australia student visa?

No maximum age limit for Subclass 500. However, you must demonstrate genuine intent and course relevance to career at any age.

11. Can I switch courses after arriving in Australia?

Limited. Course hopping restrictions apply. Must show valid reasons, maintain genuine student status, and may need to notify Department of Home Affairs.

12. What is the Traffic-Light Processing Model?

From November 14, 2025, universities are categorized as Green/Amber/Red zones based on enrolment cap usage. Green processes fastest, Red slowest.