How to Apply to Study in Australia — International Student Guide
A Step-by-Step Overview for International Students
Applying to study in Australia as an international student involves two separate processes running in parallel — gaining admission to your chosen institution, and applying for a student visa (subclass 500) from the Australian Government. Both must be in place before you can begin your studies.
This guide walks through the full application process — from choosing your course through to receiving your visa grant. Use the tabs to navigate to the step most relevant to where you are in the process.
How to Apply to Study in Australia
To study in Australia as an international student, you need to do two things: gain admission to a CRICOS-registered institution, and apply for a student visa (subclass 500) from the Australian Government. These processes run alongside each other — your visa application depends on your institution application, so the order matters.
The application process involves these key steps:
- Step 1 — Choose your course and institution. Research CRICOS-registered institutions and courses that match your study goals, academic background and migration pathway. See courses with good PR prospects if PR is part of your plan, and education costs in Australia for tuition fee ranges before you commit.
- Step 2 — Submit your application to the institution. Apply directly to your chosen institution or through an approved education agent. Entry requirements, application deadlines and any required supporting documents vary by institution and course — check with the institution before applying.
- Step 3 — Receive and accept your Letter of Offer. If your application is successful, the institution will issue a Letter of Offer. Review the offer carefully — including any conditions, course fees and start dates — before accepting.
- Step 4 — Receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). Once you accept your offer and pay any required fees, the institution issues your eCoE. This is the key document needed to lodge your student visa application — offshore applicants generally cannot lodge without it.
- Step 5 — Apply for your student visa. Lodge your student visa (subclass 500) application through ImmiAccount. You’ll need your eCoE, English language evidence, financial capacity documents, health insurance, and your Genuine Student (GS) responses. See the full document checklist on the student visa (subclass 500) page.
What you need to meet for both applications:
- Academic requirements — each institution sets its own entry standards for the course you’re applying to; Foundation Studies or pathway programs may be available if you don’t meet them directly — see education pathways
- English language requirements — minimum test scores apply for both institution entry and your student visa; these vary by course level and whether you’re packaging with an ELICOS course
- Evidence of funds — you must show access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and return airfare. See the student visa fees page for the full breakdown
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for the full duration of your visa; arrange this before you lodge
Already in Australia? If you’re currently living or working in Australia on another visa, you may still be able to apply for a student visa onshore — check the pre-qualifying visa requirements on the student visa (subclass 500) page.
Appointed Education Agents
Education agents in your home country can assist with your institution application. Under the ESOS Act, all CRICOS-registered institutions are required to maintain and publish a list of their appointed agents. Visit the website of your intended institution to find approved agents near you.
Note that education agents handle institution applications — they are not migration agents and cannot advise on or lodge your student visa application. For your visa, you need a registered migration consultant. If you want both your institution application and visa application handled together, contact us — we manage both processes end to end so nothing falls through the gap between the two.
How to Apply to Study in Australia — Step by Step
Step 1 — Submit Your Application
There are two ways to apply for admission:
- Direct to the education provider — Download the application form from the institution’s website and submit it directly. If you’re applying to more than one institution, a separate application must be submitted to each one.
- Through an Australian education agent — Most institutions work with a network of approved agents. Agent details can be found on the institution’s website or by contacting them directly. Education agents assist with institution applications only — for your student visa application, you need a registered migration consultant. We handle both: contact us to manage your institution application and visa together.
Documents you’ll need with your application:
- Academic certificates — documents verifying your previous study and any qualifications you already hold
- English language proficiency evidence — your IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent test results. See current minimum scores on the student visa (subclass 500) page
- Credit recognition documents — if you’re applying for course credit based on prior study or work experience, provide the relevant certificates or supporting documents. All non-English documents must be translated into English by a NAATI-accredited translator
The exact documents required vary by course, institution and qualification level — check the institution’s specific requirements before you apply.
Step 2 — Receive and Review Your Letter of Offer
If your application is successful, the institution will send you a Letter of Offer. To confirm your place, you must sign and return an acceptance of offer — this can usually be done electronically.
The Letter of Offer is a legally binding contract between you and the institution. It sets out:
- The course you will be enrolled in
- Enrolment conditions
- The fees you are required to pay
- The refund arrangements if you don’t start or complete your course
If a dispute arises — for example, if you withdraw before your course starts — this document determines whether and how much you are refunded. Keep a copy permanently.
Before you sign your Letter of Offer:
- Read it carefully — every condition, not just the fee amount
- Confirm you understand the refund policy in full — particularly what happens if your visa is refused
- Do not accept if you are not satisfied with any term — once signed, it is a binding contract
- Keep a copy permanently — you’ll need it if you ever need to make a claim against the institution
Important: confirm you meet the student visa requirements before you accept your Letter of Offer and pay any tuition fees. A refused visa does not automatically entitle you to a full tuition refund — the refund terms in your Letter of Offer govern what you receive.
Step 3 — Receive Your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
Once you’ve accepted your Letter of Offer and paid your deposit, the institution issues your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) by email. Your eCoE confirms:
- Your course start date
- Total course fees
- The duration of your course
The eCoE is the central document for your student visa application — you cannot lodge offshore without it in most cases. If you’re packaging multiple courses (for example, ELICOS followed by a degree), you need a separate eCoE for each course in your package.
Step 4 — Lodge Your Student Visa Application
With your eCoE in hand, you can lodge your student visa (subclass 500) application online through ImmiAccount — the Department of Home Affairs’ online lodgement system. You’ll need your eCoE details at lodgement. Paper applications are rare and significantly slower — always lodge online.
The only applicants who don’t require a CoE are secondary school exchange students and students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence. All other international students must have a CoE before their visa can be granted.
Check your visa eligibility before you pay. Confirm you meet all student visa eligibility requirements — including English level, financial capacity and the Genuine Student criteria — before you accept your Letter of Offer and pay tuition fees. Get a free student visa eligibility check if you’re not certain.
What Happens After You Lodge Your Visa Application
After lodgement, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application based on your Genuine Student (GS) responses, financial documents, English evidence, health and character checks. You can track your application status through ImmiAccount.
Respond to any requests for further information immediately — delays in responding directly extend your processing time. Once your visa is granted, your visa details including conditions will be available in VEVO.
See the full current student visa processing times and plan your lodgement date to allow sufficient time before your course start date — we recommend at least 12 weeks’ lead time for most applicants.
Australian Student Visa Options
Australia’s student visa framework covers a range of visa types depending on your study duration, your age and your purpose for coming to Australia. The right visa for you depends on how long you want to study and what you want to do while you’re here. Below is a summary of all current options.
Student visa (Subclass 500)
The subclass 500 is the main Australian student visa, covering all levels and types of study for international students. It is the correct visa for:
- Independent ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
- Schools — primary and secondary
- Secondary school exchange programs
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Higher education — bachelor, master and doctoral degrees
- Postgraduate research
- Non-award courses
- International students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence
The 500 visa requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution, and you must meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, English language, financial capacity and health insurance conditions. See the full requirements, processing times and fees on the student visa (subclass 500) page.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
Allows up to 4 months of study as part of a working holiday in Australia. Key requirements:
- Aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for some passport holders) and hold an eligible passport
- Principal purpose of the visa is to holiday in Australia — study is a secondary activity
- Must enter or remain in Australia as a genuine visitor
- Meet health and character requirements
- Sufficient funds for airfares and personal support during your stay
The 4-month study limit cannot be extended on a working holiday visa. If you decide to pursue longer-term study after arriving on a working holiday visa, you’ll need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) — subject to pre-qualifying visa requirements. See the Work and Holiday in Australia tab for more on how the working holiday connects to longer-term study and migration options.
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
For parents, custodians or nominated relatives who need to live in Australia as the guardian of an international student under 18. Key conditions:
- Study up to 3 months, or study ELICOS for up to 20 hours per week for the duration of the visa
- Meet the Genuine Temporary Stay requirement — the guardian must demonstrate they genuinely intend to stay only temporarily (note: the GTE statement was replaced for student visas but the genuine temporary framework still applies to the 590)
- Sufficient funds for airfares and living costs — minimum AUD 19,830 per year for the guardian, plus AUD 2,970 per year per accompanying child
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold acceptable health insurance — Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or equivalent
See the full requirements, documents and visa conditions on the Student Guardian visa (590) page.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
For eligible international students who have completed an Australian qualification and want to stay in Australia to gain work experience — the key bridge between a student visa and permanent residency. Key features:
- Unrestricted work rights — no limit on the type of work or hours you can work
- Stay duration depends on your qualification: 18 months for trade (Graduate Work stream) graduates completing the Job Ready Program; 2 years for bachelor’s graduates; 3 years for master’s graduates; 4 years for PhD graduates
- Regional study bonus — additional 1–2 years may be available if you studied in a regional area
- Must apply in Australia and must have held an eligible student visa within the last 6 months
- Must meet Australian study, English proficiency, health insurance, health and character requirements
- The stream you apply under — Graduate Work or Post-Higher Education Work — determines the specific requirements
Entry Requirements for Studying in Australia
Before you can begin studying in Australia, you need to meet two sets of requirements — those set by your chosen institution for course admission, and those set by the Department of Home Affairs for your student visa (subclass 500). These are separate requirements and both must be satisfied. Meeting one does not guarantee you meet the other.
English Language Requirements
Most Australian institutions and all student visa applications require evidence of English language proficiency. The level required by your institution for course entry and the level required for your student visa (subclass 500) are set independently — and in some cases the visa requirement is higher than the course requirement, or vice versa. Always confirm both thresholds before sitting your test.
The current minimum English scores for the student visa (subclass 500) are:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) for standalone visa applications — from 23 March 2024
- IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) — when packaged with 20+ weeks of ELICOS
- IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) — for recognised university pathway or foundation programs
See the full test-by-test score table on the student visa (subclass 500) page, including PTE, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge CAE and OET equivalents.
Academic Requirements
Academic entry requirements vary significantly by institution, course and qualification level. Always read the course information on the institution’s website carefully and contact them directly to confirm what’s required for your specific application. Below is a general guide by study level:
- English language courses (ELICOS) — Entry requirements vary between institutions and according to the level of English course you want to study. Most courses have no formal academic prerequisite, but a placement test at enrolment is standard.
- Schools (primary and secondary) — Requirements vary between schools and states or territories. Academic performance and ability are considered as part of the application, and some schools may require an interview or assessment. See the Schools in Australia tab for more on the school system and Bringing your Children? for state-by-state fee information.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Most VET courses don’t require an entrance exam. However, some courses — particularly at Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma level — may have specific prerequisite subjects or minimum work experience requirements. See the Vocational Education tab for a full breakdown of VET qualification levels and career outcomes.
- Higher Education — Undergraduate — To enter an Australian bachelor’s degree program you generally need an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent. Some courses also require specific prerequisite subjects — for example, mathematics for engineering or science subjects for health. If you don’t meet undergraduate entry requirements, a Foundation Studies program may be the right pathway — see below.
- Higher Education — Postgraduate — Entry requires satisfactory completion of at least one undergraduate degree. For research programs (masters by research or doctoral), institutions may also assess research ability, publication history and relevant work experience. For coursework masters, your undergraduate degree must generally be in a related field.
Tip — Foundation Studies
If you don’t yet meet the academic requirements for undergraduate entry, consider a Foundation Studies program. Also known as bridging study, Foundation programs are typically one year of intensive preparation offered by most higher education institutions. A university allocates you a conditional place in an undergraduate course on the basis that you achieve the required grades in your Foundation year. See the Education pathways tab for full details.
Student Visa Requirements
The student visa you need depends on your course — the student visa (subclass 500) covers the full range from ELICOS through to postgraduate research. The key requirements are:
- Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) — issued by your CRICOS-registered institution after you accept your offer and pay your deposit
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement — replaced the old GTE statement from 23 March 2024; you answer targeted questions in the application form about your reasons for studying in Australia. See the full guide on the Genuine Student (GS) page
- Sufficient funds — minimum AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition fees and return airfare. See the full financial capacity breakdown on the student visa fees page
- English language proficiency — minimum IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (unless exempt)
- Health and character requirements — including medical examinations and police certificates if requested
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for you and any family members on your student visa for the full duration of your stay
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Australia has a mandatory health cover system specifically for international students — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC helps cover the cost of:
- Medical and hospital care you may need while studying in Australia
- Most prescription medicines
- Ambulance in an emergency
You must arrange OSHC for yourself and any family members travelling with you before you arrive in Australia — it is a mandatory condition of your student visa. You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your time on a student visa. Letting your OSHC lapse is a visa condition breach that can lead to visa cancellation.
OSHC is separate from the health insurance required for Student Guardian visa (590) holders, who need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) — not OSHC.
OSHC is available from several approved private health insurers. Your institution may bundle it with your tuition or offer to arrange it for you — if so, check what level of cover is included before accepting.
Education Agents and Migration Agents — What You Need to Know
Once you’ve chosen your course and institution, you can enrol directly with the institution. If you need help with the admission process, or with your student visa application, you can choose to use an agent — but it’s important to understand the difference between the two types of agents available to you, because they have very different roles and legal responsibilities.
What an Education Agent Does
An education agent can help you understand your study options in Australia, assist with your institution application and provide general guidance on living in Australia. Many agents have studied in Australia themselves and can share firsthand experience.
However, education agents are not authorised to provide migration advice or to manage your student visa application — this is a legal restriction under Australian law. An education agent based in Australia can only give migration advice if they are also a Registered Migration Agent (RMA). If your agent isn’t registered as an RMA, any visa advice they give you is unlicensed and potentially unreliable.
For your student visa application, you need a registered migration consultant — not an education agent. We handle both institution applications and student visa lodgement, so you don’t need to coordinate between two separate providers. Contact us to discuss both together.
Tips for Choosing an Education Agent:
- Check the institution’s agent list first — under Australian law, every institution that uses education agents must list all of its appointed agents on its website, by country. An agent not on the list is not authorised to represent that institution.
- Speak to more than one agent — Australian institutions typically appoint multiple agents in each country. Compare what they tell you and don’t rely on a single source.
- Confirm they are authorised — ask to see the agent’s letter of appointment from the institution you want to apply to. A reputable agent will provide this without hesitation.
- Choose an agent with real Australia experience — agents who have studied or lived in Australia will have genuine knowledge of the education system, visa process and daily life — not just brochure knowledge.
- Ask about fees upfront — clarify any fees the agent charges for their services before you commit to working with them.
- Get a third party to review documents before you sign — have a trusted friend or advisor help you understand any contracts or agreements before you put your name to them.
- Be realistic about what agents can promise — education agents cannot guarantee a permanent visa, course placement or work after graduation. Their role is to assist with applications, nothing more. If an agent’s claims sound too good to be true, they almost certainly are. A reputable agent will be straightforward about what the process involves and what the outcomes depend on.
Using a Migration Agent for Your Student Visa
For your student visa application, Australian migration law requires that advice and lodgement be handled by a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) — or by a lawyer qualified to give migration advice. This applies whether you’re applying from overseas or onshore in Australia.
Key facts:
- Some Registered Migration Agents are based overseas or have representatives in international markets — you don’t need to be in Australia to access a registered migration agent
- If an education agent is based in Australia and gives you migration advice, it is against Australian law unless they are also a Registered Migration Agent
- You can verify whether an agent is registered on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) website — search by name or registration number before you engage anyone for migration advice
- Unregistered migration advice is not just unreliable — acting on it can result in a refused application, wasted fees and delays to your study plans
We are registered to provide migration advice and to lodge student visa applications on your behalf. Get a free student visa eligibility check to get started, or contact us directly to discuss your situation.
