Australia Student Visa Requirements 2026

Before you can study in Australia, you must satisfy a set of visa requirements that the Australian Department of Home Affairs uses to assess your application. These requirements cover your academic background, English ability, finances, health, and genuine intent to study. This page gives you a clear, complete overview so you know exactly what to prepare and where Gemini's team can help.

1. Enrolment in a CRICOS-Registered Course

The foundation of any student visa application is a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution. This confirms you have been accepted into a full-time course that is approved for international students in Australia. You cannot apply for a student visa without it.

• Must be full-time (minimum 20 hours per week of formal study)

• Your institution must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)

• From 1 January 2025, only a CoE is accepted. Letters of Offer are no longer valid for onshore applications

2. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

As of 23 March 2024, the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement was replaced by the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This is a structured questionnaire with four questions, each with a 150-word limit.

3. English Language Requirements

Note: From 7 August 2025, the 485 Post-Study Work Visa raised its English requirement to IELTS 6.5 overall. If you plan to stay after graduation, consider aiming for 6.5+ from the outset.

4. Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate you can fund your tuition, living costs, and travel. The Australian Government sets indicative minimum figures, updated annually:

Acceptable evidence includes personal bank statements, education loan approval letters, scholarship letters, or a sponsor's financial evidence with a signed declaration.

5. Health Insurance: OSHC

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all Subclass 500 visa holders. It must cover the full duration of your stay in Australia and begin on the day you arrive. OSHC covers hospital, medical, and limited pharmaceutical costs.

• Must be purchased from an approved Australian OSHC provider

• Cost: approximately AUD 600–800 per year for a single student (higher for families)

• Your institution may have a preferred OSHC provider; check before purchasing
  

6. Health and Character Checks

All applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements:

• Health examination: conducted by a panel physician using the HAP (Health Applicant Portal) system

• A chest X-ray may be required depending on your country of origin

• Police clearance certificate required from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (for applicants 16 and over)

7. Age and Passport

• Hold a valid passport that extends beyond your intended study period

• No minimum age for students (but guardianship requirements apply for those under 18)

• Age requirements apply to the 485 Post-Study Work Visa (under 35 or 50 for research degrees)

Quick-Reference Requirements Table

How Gemini Helps You Meet Every Requirement

• We help you select the right CRICOS-registered course and institution to match your profile

• Our registered migration agents review and guide your GS statement answers

• We provide a personalised document checklist based on your nationality and course

• We connect you with approved OSHC providers and panel physicians

• We review your financial documents before lodgement to avoid refusals