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Study Abroad · AUD

Study in Australia

Practical, career-focused study with post-study work pathways for eligible graduates.

Official facts on this page last checked 25 Sept 2026.

A sandstone university cloister with jacaranda trees in bloom

Why students choose Australia

Australia's universities and vocational providers offer practical, industry-connected courses. Student visa holders can work part-time during study periods, and eligible graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa.

  • Career-focused courses

    Many programmes include placements, projects or industry partners.

  • Work while studying

    Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours during study periods.

  • Graduate pathways

    The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets eligible graduates stay and work for a period.

Intakes: Main intakes are February/March and July; some providers offer additional intakes.

Degree levels and popular subjects

Degree levels

  • Diploma / VET
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's by coursework
  • Master's by research
  • PhD

Popular subject areas

  • Nursing and health
  • IT and cyber security
  • Accounting
  • Engineering
  • Hospitality
  • Education

Typical requirements

Every institution and course is different

These are typical patterns, not rules. Each university sets its own academic and English requirements — always check the course page, and ask Orbit to review your profile.

Academic

  • Undergraduate: +2 results that meet the provider's minimum requirement.
  • Postgraduate: a recognised bachelor's degree; some courses require relevant work experience.
  • Requirements differ by provider and course.

English language

  • Providers set their own English requirements; the Department of Home Affairs also sets visa English rules.
  • IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and other tests may be accepted. Check both your provider and the visa requirements.

Prepare with Orbit: IELTS · PTE · TOEFL · Duolingo

Study gaps

Providers and the Department of Home Affairs may look at gaps as part of assessing whether you are a genuine student. Explain any gap clearly with evidence. There is no single rule that applies to everyone.

Tuition and living costs

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD). Amounts change — see the official figures and dates below.

Tuition

Tuition is set by each provider and course and appears on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Living costs

The Department of Home Affairs sets the financial capacity evidence required for the visa. Check the current amount on the official page before preparing documents.

Estimate your costs for AustraliaVisa fees, funds you may need to show and yearly costs — itemised, with sources.Calculate Costs

Orbit offers financial guidance and bank-loan services; loan decisions are made by the lender. Plan your finances

Scholarships

Scholarships are competitive and eligibility varies. Search all scholarships

How to apply

  1. 01

    Choose a provider

    Shortlist CRICOS-registered courses that fit your goals, budget and entry requirements.

  2. 02

    Apply and get an offer

    Submit academic documents, English results and a statement where requested.

  3. 03

    Accept and receive CoE

    Accept the offer, pay the required deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.

  4. 04

    Lodge the visa

    Apply for the subclass 500 visa online through ImmiAccount.

  5. 05

    Health and biometrics

    Complete any requested health examinations and biometrics.

Application checklist

  • Valid passport
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • English test results
  • Evidence of financial capacity
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Statement addressing the genuine student requirement (as requested)
Apply Now

Your university or the visa authority may ask for more; Orbit confirms your exact list.

Student visa (subclass 500)

You need a Confirmation of Enrolment in a registered course, health insurance, and to meet the genuine student, financial and English requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Steps

  1. 1Receive your CoE
  2. 2Arrange OSHC
  3. 3Apply online through ImmiAccount and pay the visa charge
  4. 4Complete health checks and biometrics if requested

Documents usually needed

  • Passport
  • CoE
  • OSHC
  • Financial evidence
  • English evidence
  • Academic documents

Admission, scholarship, loan and visa decisions are made by the relevant institution, lender or government authority and depend on each student's circumstances. Orbit guides and prepares you; it cannot guarantee an outcome.

Key facts and official sources

Fees, funds and work rights change. Each figure shows its official source and the date Orbit last checked it. Where we couldn't confirm a figure, we send you to the official page instead of guessing.

Student visa application charge

From A$2,500 per application (from 1 July 2026, unless exempt)

Checked 25 Sept 2026Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500)(opens official source in a new tab)

Work during study periods

Up to 48 hours per fortnight (no limit for master's by research and doctoral students)

Checked 25 Sept 2026Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500)(opens official source in a new tab)

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Post-Higher Education Work stream: 2–3 years depending on qualification; Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months

Applicants must generally be 35 or under (exceptions apply).

Checked 25 Sept 2026Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa(opens official source in a new tab)

Financial capacity amount

Check official sourceCheck the current amount with the Department of Home Affairs.

Checked 25 Sept 2026Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500)(opens official source in a new tab)

Official websites

Questions students ask

What is the genuine student requirement?

Home Affairs assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. You may be asked to explain your study plans, circumstances and any gaps. Answer honestly and back it with documents.

Can I work while I study?

Yes, within limits. During study periods the current limit is 48 hours per fortnight for most students. Check Home Affairs for the current rule.

Ready to apply to Australia?

Share your profile and documents, and an Orbit counsellor will review realistic options with you.