Australia has announced major new changes in the international students Australia visa conditions and post-study work visa rules directly impacting the student’s plan of international education in Australia. International students have to know the new Australia student visa rules 2026 to apply for the visa without any errors, missing documents, or delays. The Subclass 500 visa renewal rules Australia, eligibility criteria for Australia student visa 2026, student visa compliance Australia, how many hours can international students work in Australia 2026, Australia student visa fees 2026, study abroad Australia for Indian students are all discussed clearly further.
International students on an Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) can study, live, and work in the country during their program. Students on the visa can also bring their dependent family members, work part-time, and upon graduation explore the post-study pathways.
Financial requirements Australia student visa - Must have sufficient funds to meet the living cost, tuition fees, travel costs, and OSHC. As per rules of the international student living cost Australia 2026, the candidate must demonstrate that he/she has at least AUD 29,710/year.
Financial Conditions for dependents in Australia student visa - AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 per dependent child.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Australia - The applicant has to provide a clear and convincing purpose for selecting the program and explain how the program matches their background and meets their future career objectives.
Australia University Admission Visa Rules-Visa Fees - The fees can range between AUD 1,600 and AUD 2,000.
Study Australia Visa English Proficiency Requirements - Overall IELTS score: 6.0 (Note: For foundation/pathway programs it is 5.5, and for packaged ELICOS courses it is 5.0.)
Australia Student Visa Working Hours - The work rights for international students Australia is as follows:
Australia student visa work limit 48 hours per fortnight during study and unlimited hours during breaks. Students enrolled in a master's for research and a PhD can work unlimited hours.
Note: For visa eligibility students should also have OSHC health insurance, academic transcripts, and a valid passport.
As per Ministerial Direction 115, starting November 14, 2025, offshore student visa applications will be prioritized using a traffic-light priority model. As per the model, the processing time will differ on the basis of how each institution can effectively manage its approved enrolment cap.
Students must now apply only from offshore, and no onshore switch from a visitor visa or temporary graduate visa to a student visa is allowed.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students to stay back in Australia for a temporary duration after they complete their studies. Students can gain work experience during this period and also access the skilled migration pathways. Students are allowed 2–3 years of full-time work rights depending on qualification level. The Temporary Graduate Visa streams have been renamed in 2025, and the details are as follows:
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Australia visa for bachelor’s/master’s students): This stream was previously known as the Post-Study Work Stream. This stream is applicable for graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from a registered Australian institution.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: This stream was formerly known as the Graduate Work Stream and can be applied to by vocational education and training (VET) graduates whose qualifications match an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: This stream was formerly known as the Second Post-Study Work Stream, and it can be applied for by eligible graduates who completed their education in a designated regional area of Australia and are looking to extend their stay.
Age: The maximum age has been reduced to 35 years.
Language Proficiency Overall IELTS score: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band). Also note that before the day the applicant applies for the visa, the results of the IELTS test must have been received within the 12 months.
Study requirement: The student must have completed a CRICOS-registered course while on a student visa.
Bachelor’s and Master’s by coursework – 2 years
Master’s by Research and Doctoral (PhD) degrees - 3 years
Note: The temporary two-year extension granted for certain degrees in areas of skill shortage is no longer in effect. The students with Subclass 485 visas have the option to extend their stay by living and working in a regional area in Australia by applying for a Second Post-Study Work visa stream.
As a student looking forward to studying in Australia, the updated visa rules mean having stronger preparation than ever and being alert to the visa eligibility and requirements. It will help you plan your study and post-study career efficiently. Understanding the Australia visa rules for Indian students 2026 and getting ready through adequate financial documentation, meeting language proficiency criteria, compliance, and meeting the genuine study outcomes are key to success.
While Australia continues to be a popular destination for study abroad, being informed about the changing student visa rules can strengthen your application. Immigration experts can help you with personalized and individual support on study in Australia visa guidelines. Speak with ImmiLaw Global study abroad consultancy for Australia visas higher education visa support.
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To apply for the Subclass 500 visa, students need a valid CoE, English proficiency score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), Genuine Student (GS) documentation, proof of sufficient funds, OSHC health insurance, academic transcripts, and a valid passport.
International students are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official university breaks. Certain sectors may offer temporary flexibility depending on government updates.
The GS requirement replaces the old GTE rule. Students must demonstrate genuine academic intent, realistic career plans, financial capacity, and a clear link between their chosen course and future goals.
Students must show evidence of funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and OSHC. As of the latest update, the required living cost amount has increased — students must check the most current figure before applying.
Yes. Eligible dependents (spouse and children) can accompany the student. However, financial requirements increase accordingly, and dependents may have restricted work rights depending on the student’s course level.
Graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing 2–3 years of full-time work rights depending on qualification level. Certain STEM and regional area degrees may offer extended work rights.
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