Australia continues to be one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students because of its high-quality education, multicultural environment, and career opportunities. However, the Australian Government has recently introduced several new rules for student visas to ensure transparency and better visa integrity.
If you are planning to apply for the upcoming intakes, here’s everything you need to know about the latest Australian student visa rules for Indian students in 2025.
-
Genuine Student (GS) Replaces GTE
Earlier, students had to provide a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement explaining that they wanted to study in Australia temporarily. Now, this has been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
The GS focuses on whether the student is genuinely interested in pursuing education in Australia. The emphasis is on:
- Your academic background and chosen course relevance
- Your financial capacity
- Your future career plans
- Your immigration history
Instead of writing long essays, students now need to provide honest and clear documentation that supports their study intentions.
-
Increased Financial Requirements and Living Costs
To ensure students can support themselves in Australia, the minimum living-expense benchmark has been increased. As of 2025, students must show proof of approximately AUD 29,710 per year to cover living expenses.
This amount is in addition to tuition fees and travel costs.
Acceptable proofs include:
- Bank statements (your or your sponsor’s)
- Education loans sanctioned by nationalized banks
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) of sponsors
- Proof of regular income sources
Always remember: the funds you show should be at least three months old and verifiable.
-
Updated Visa Fees and Processing Time
The visa application charge for the Subclass 500 Student Visa has been revised for 2025. The fee is now slightly higher than in previous years.
Processing times can vary depending on the number of applications and your country of residence. Generally, most student visa applications are processed within 4 to 8 weeks, provided that all documents are complete and genuine.
-
Work Hour Rules for International Students
Australia allows international students to work while studying, but there are limits.
Under the new rules, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official university breaks.
This helps students manage living expenses, gain local experience, and enhance employability.
However, over-reliance on part-time jobs to fund tuition fees is not encouraged, as the visa is granted for genuine study purposes.
-
Risk Levels and Documentation Requirements
The Australian Department of Home Affairs reviews the risk levels of each country and education provider.
This means that depending on your nationality and the university you apply to, you may be required to submit additional documentation.
Indian students applying to recognized and low-risk institutions may have simpler documentation requirements, while those applying to higher-risk providers may be asked for more detailed financial and background checks.
-
Post-Study Work Opportunities (Temporary Graduate Visa)
After completing your studies, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to live and work in Australia.
The duration of this visa depends on your qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree graduates: up to 3 years
- Master’s by coursework: up to 2 years
- Master’s by research or PhD: 3 to 4 years
This post-study period allows Indian graduates to gain valuable international experience, improve their professional network, and even explore pathways toward permanent residency.
-
Updated English Language and Academic Requirements
Although the IELTS requirement remains unchanged for most institutions, some universities have introduced higher English-language standards.
Generally, students must achieve:
- Overall IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 or 7.0 depending on the course)
- Equivalent IELTS, PTE or TOEFL scores are also accepted
Some courses may accept medium-of-instruction letters from previous universities, but English test results remain the most reliable proof.
-
Medical Insurance (OSHC)
Every student applying for a visa must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire study duration.
This insurance covers basic medical and hospital expenses during your stay in Australia and is a mandatory requirement for visa approval.
-
Why Indian Students Prefer Australia in 2025
The number of Indian students studying in Australia has increased significantly due to:
- Globally recognized universities
- Flexible post-study work options
- Safe and multicultural communities
- Transparent visa process
- Strong Indian student support networks
With over 1, 50,000+ Indian students currently enrolled in Australia, the country remains one of the most welcoming destinations for international education.
-
Steps to Apply for an Australian Student Visa in 2025
- Choose a registered Australian university or college
- Receive your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Gather financial, academic, and identity documents
- Prepare your Genuine Student (GS) statement
- Purchase OSHC (health insurance)
- Submit your online visa application (Subclass 500)
- Complete biometrics and medicals if required
- Wait for visa outcome
Tip: Start your visa process at least 3 to 4 months before your intake to avoid delays.
-
Key Takeaways for Indian Students
- GTE replaced by GS – focus on genuine intention and documentation.
- Financial proof updated – show at least AUD 29,710 for living expenses.
- Work limit – 48 hours per fortnight during studies.
- Tuition fees & OSHC – must be paid before visa lodgment.
- Post-study work rights – remain attractive and flexible for Indian graduates.
These updates make Australia’s visa process more structured but still friendly for genuine international students.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s education system continues to offer world-class opportunities to Indian students.
The new 2025 student visa rules ensure that only genuine and well-prepared applicants succeed.
If you plan carefully — by choosing the right course, maintaining strong financial proof, and following GS guidelines — your chances of getting an Australian student visa are high.
For the February and July 2026 intakes, it’s best to start preparing now to meet all new visa requirements smoothly.
Leave a Reply