Study in Australia from India: 2026 Guide
Australia remains one of the top study destinations for Indian students, but the rules became much stricter in 2026. After 18 years of guiding students from Punjab and Haryana, our advice is simple: getting to Australia is not the hard part, getting there the right way is. This page gives you the latest, accurate information before you apply.
What Changed in 2026: Latest Government Updates
Understand these changes before you apply. They are the main reason refusal rates have gone up.
Visa Fee Is Now A$2,500
From 1 July 2026, the Student visa (subclass 500) fee is A$2,500 (previously A$2,000). It is not refunded if the visa is refused.
India Moved to Evidence Level 3
From 8 January 2026, India is in the highest scrutiny tier. Expect more documents upfront, manual checks of bank statements and longer processing times.
Priority Processing (MD 115)
Since 14 November 2025, processing priority depends on your university or college and its enrolment allocation. The 2026 national planning level is 295,000 new students, so choosing the right institution matters more than ever.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
The GS requirement has replaced the old GTE test. Your course, background and future plans must form one clear, consistent and well-documented story.
Proof of Funds
You must show living costs of A$29,710 per year (latest reviewed figure), plus tuition and travel costs. Funds must be genuine and genuinely available to you.
No Onshore Switching
Visitor visa and subclass 485 visa holders can no longer apply for a student visa from inside Australia. You must apply from outside the country.
Why Study in Australia?
Even with stricter rules, Australia remains a strong option for genuine students.
42 Universities
Australia has 42 universities: 36 public and 6 private, offering a wide choice of institutions and locations.
Globally Ranked
Several Australian universities rank among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings.
Work While Studying
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and generally unlimited hours when it is not in session.
A$26.44 Minimum Wage
From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is A$26.44 per hour. Award rates may be higher depending on the job and industry.
Longer Post-study Work for Indians
Under the Australia–India ECTA, eligible Indian graduates get up to 2 years after a bachelor’s, 3 years after a master’s and 4 years after a PhD.
Research Opportunities
Research master’s and doctoral programmes with scholarships and research funding, depending on the university and project.
Wide Range of Courses
Business, IT, engineering, healthcare, nursing, education, construction, hospitality, accounting, science, agriculture and more.
Cities & Regional Options
Study in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Canberra, or in regional areas that may offer extra post-study benefits.
English Requirement
The student visa generally needs a minimum IELTS 6.0 overall or an equivalent PTE or TOEFL score. Many universities ask for more.
Australian Universities
Australia currently has 42 universities. University structures can change, so we always confirm the latest details with the official Study Australia directory.
📍 Australian Capital Territory 2
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Canberra
📍 New South Wales 11
- Australian Catholic University (campuses in several states)
- Charles Sturt University
- Macquarie University
- Southern Cross University
- University of New England
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Newcastle
- University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- University of Wollongong
- Western Sydney University
📍 Queensland 7
- Central Queensland University (CQU)
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
📍 Victoria 8
- Deakin University
- Federation University Australia
- La Trobe University
- Monash University
- RMIT University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- University of Melbourne
- Victoria University
📍 Western Australia 4
- Curtin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Murdoch University
- University of Western Australia
📍 South Australia 2
- Adelaide University (formed on 1 January 2026 from the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia)
- Flinders University
📍 Tasmania 1
- University of Tasmania
📍 Northern Territory 1
- Charles Darwin University
🏛️ Private Universities 6
- Bond University
- University of Notre Dame Australia
- Torrens University Australia
- University of Divinity
- Australian University of Theology
- Avondale University
Post-Study Work for Indian Students
Under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), eligible Indian graduates get these post-study work periods.
| Qualification | Post-study work period |
|---|---|
| Diploma / trade qualification | Up to 18 months |
| Bachelor’s degree | Up to 2 years |
| Bachelor’s with First Class Honours in eligible STEM / ICT | Up to 3 years |
| Master’s degree (coursework or research) | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | Up to 4 years |
Periods are subject to Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa requirements, including age limits, and the immigration rules in force when you apply. Studying in a regional area may allow an additional stay in some cases.
Popular Study Areas
We help you choose a course that matches your background, budget and career goals.
Watch This First
Vinay Hari explains what Australia’s student visa really involves. Tap to watch it here.
📅 Intakes
- Main intakes: February and July
- Some institutions also offer a November intake
- Because of Evidence Level 3, start planning 6 to 8 months ahead
🎯 The Genuine Student (GS) Test Is Where Most Files Fail
- Does your course match your academic and work background?
- Are your story and documents consistent?
- Most refusals happen at this assessment
- Read our guide: 20 reasons Australian student visas get refused
Documents You Will Need (Evidence Level 3)
Indian applicants must now submit a more complete file. We share a personalised checklist for your profile.
- Valid passport
- Class 10, Class 12 and graduation certificates and mark sheets
- English test score (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL)
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution
- Genuine Student (GS) answers with supporting evidence
- Proof of funds: bank statement history, source of funds and income tax returns
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Gap explanation and work experience letters (if applicable)
- Details of any previous visa refusals
How We Help You
A clear, transparent process from your first call to departure.
Profile Assessment
A full review of your qualifications, scores, budget and goals, with an honest eligibility check.
Course & Institution
A course that fits your story, at an institution with good visa processing priority.
GS & Documentation
Strong, consistent GS answers and a complete file prepared for Evidence Level 3.
Filing & Pre-departure
Expert review before lodging, then guidance on travel and settling in Australia.
🔁 Refused Before? There Is Still a Way
If your Australian visa was refused, the refusal reasons must be understood before you apply again. We work closely on refusal cases with honest strategy, never false promises. The visa decision always rests with the Australian Government, so be cautious of anyone who guarantees a visa.
💵 How Much Does It Cost?
The visa fee (A$2,500) and the funds requirement are listed above. Tuition and living costs vary by course, city and university, and change every year. In a one-to-one session, we give you a realistic budget, scholarship possibilities and a funds plan for your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what students and parents ask us most.
How much is the Australian student visa fee in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Student visa (subclass 500) application charge is A$2,500 for the main applicant, up from A$2,000. The fee is not refunded if the visa is refused, so it is important to lodge a strong, complete application the first time.
What changed for Indian students in 2026?
From 8 January 2026, India was moved to Evidence Level 3, the highest scrutiny tier under the Simplified Student Visa Framework. Indian applicants now need more complete financial and academic evidence upfront, bank statements may be checked manually, and processing can take longer.
Is IELTS compulsory for Australia?
An English test is required, but IELTS is not the only option. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and some other tests are also accepted. For the student visa, the general minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall or an equivalent score, and many universities ask for more. We confirm the exact requirement for your course.
How many hours can I work while studying in Australia?
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours when the course is not in session. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is A$26.44 per hour. Work conditions can change, so we confirm the current rules during your counselling session.
Can I go to Australia on a visitor visa and apply for a student visa there?
No. Visitor visa holders and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders can no longer apply for a student visa from inside Australia. The student visa must be applied for from outside Australia.
What post-study work options are there after studying in Australia?
Eligible graduates, generally aged 35 or under, may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Under the Australia–India ECTA, eligible Indian graduates can stay up to 2 years after a bachelor’s degree (3 years with First Class Honours in STEM or ICT), up to 3 years after a master’s degree and up to 4 years after a PhD. Diploma and trade graduates can get up to 18 months. All periods are subject to the rules in force when you apply.
Is Australia possible after a study gap or dropout?
In many cases, yes, if the gap is explained clearly and supported by documents. Read our guide on studying abroad after a gap or dropout.
Do you guarantee an Australian visa?
No. No genuine consultant can guarantee a visa. The decision is always made by the Australian Government. We focus on making your application as strong and genuine as possible, not on promises.
Talk to an Australia Counsellor
Share a few details and our team will call you back to discuss your study abroad options.
Thank you! Our counselling team will contact you soon. For urgent queries, WhatsApp us on 95131 65527.
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Talk to Our Team
Angels Immigration & Education Consultant Pvt. Ltd., guiding students since 2008. Mohali: SCO 505, Sector 82, JLPL Industrial Area · Jalandhar: BMC Chowk · Email: me@vinayhari.com
Information is based on official sources (Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia) as of 30 September 2026. Australian rules and fees change from time to time, so we confirm the latest requirements before you apply. Visa decisions are made solely by the Australian Government. We do not guarantee admission or visa outcomes.