Student Visa Q&A
Thinking of studying in Australia? Whether you’re just starting or already enrolled, the process can feel overwhelming. At Study Gurus, we’ve supported hundreds of students and answered countless questions. Here are some of the most common ones to help guide you.
What do I need to apply for a student visa?
To apply for a student visa (subclass 500), you’ll typically need:
- A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian education provider
- English proficiency test results (e.g. IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your study and living expenses
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- A valid passport with adequate validity
- A Genuine Student (GS) Statement with supporting documents (academic records, financial details, and other evidence of your genuine intention to study)
How do I prove I have enough money to study in Australia?
You must show you have access to enough funds to support yourself (and any dependants) for at least the first 12 months in Australia. This amount varies depending on your course fees and how many people are included in your application, but you should be prepared to show at least AUD $40,000.
You can demonstrate financial capacity using:
- Bank statements (from you or a sponsor)
- Education loan documents
- Evidence of parental or partner support
Is an English test always required?
In most cases, yes—unless you’re exempt based on your passport, previous education, or country of origin.
Accepted English language tests include:
- IELTS (Academic)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge English (CAE)
- OET
- C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT
Academic - MET
Required scores vary depending on the institution and program.
You do not need to give evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:
- you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland
- you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course
- you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- you have completed at least 5 years’ study in English in Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- in the 2 years before applying for the Student visa you completed a substantial component of a course that would qualify you under the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a Student visa.
What should I include in my Genuine Student (GS) Statement?
The GS Statement is a key part of your application. It explains your personal motivation for studying in Australia and helps the Department of Home Affairs assess whether you’re a genuine temporary entrant.
Your GS Statement should include:
- Why you chose your course and institution
- Your academic background and work history
- Career goals and how your studies will help you achieve them
- Reasons for not studying in your home country
- Any ties (family, work, community) to your home country
This statement must be personalised and well supported by relevant documents.
What is OSHC and why do I need it?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for international students in Australia. It helps cover:
- Visits to the doctor
- Hospital stays
- Ambulance services
- Limited prescription medicines
You are required to hold OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa, not just your course dates. Note: your visa often extends beyond your course end date, so your OSHC must match the full visa duration.
There are currently six approved OSHC providers. You can arrange a policy on your own, or we can help you organise one at no extra cost.
