Do you need a visa to Australia? Complete guide for international students

Australia remains one of the most coveted destinations for international students in 2025, thanks to its excellent teaching quality, receptive job market, and enviable lifestyle. If you're planning an academic journey there, the answer is clear: yes, you'll need a visa! But don't worry, we're going to uncomplicate that process with a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.

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Visa types for students in Australia in 2025

Understanding which visa is right for your situation is the first step to a successful experience in Australia. In 2025, there are three main options available for those who wish to study in the country.

O Student Visa (Subclass 500) it is the most common choice for those planning courses longer than 14 weeks. This visa allows you to work up to 48 biweekly hours during the academic term and without a limitation of hours during school holidays, allowing for a perfect balance between study and professional experience. It is also possible to include dependents such as a spouse and children, facilitating complete family change during your academic journey. The program Study and Work in Australia from Be Easy offers full support for obtaining this visa.

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Alternative visas for students with specific objectives

If you are looking for a different experience or have time limitations, other visa options may be more suitable for your profile:

• Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462): Ideal for young people between 18 and 30 years old who wish to combine study and work in a period of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension. This visa is perfect for those who want a more flexible experience.
• Tourist Visa (Subclass 600): For short courses (up to 12 weeks), this may be a viable alternative. However, it should be noted that this visa does not allow paid work during your stay.
• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): Intended for parents or legal guardians who need to accompany students under 18 years of age during their studies in Australia.

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Essential Requirements for a Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Knowing the requirements in detail is essential to avoid problems in the visa application process. The Australian government requires specific documentation to prove your eligibility.

A Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) It is a mandatory document issued by the educational institution upon confirmation of your enrollment. It is important to verify that your course is registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students), as only registered courses allow the issuance of a student visa.

To prove your financial capacity, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to cover your living and study costs. In 2025, the minimum required values are: AUD 29,710 per year for the main student, AUD 10.394/year for spouse and AUD 4.449/year for each dependent child. This proof can be made through bank statements, proof of scholarships, or parents' income statement.

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Required documentation and compulsory health insurance

Correctly preparing your documentation significantly increases your chances of approval in the visa process. Check out the essentials:

1. Valid passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected return date
2. Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) of all the institutions where you want to study
3. Financial receipts detailed and updated
4. English proficiency results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge)
5. GTE Declaration (Genuine Temporary Entrant) explaining their study objectives
6. Proof of OSHC insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover)

OSHC insurance is mandatory for all international students in Australia. This insurance covers doctor visits, emergency hospital care, and some prescription medications. You must have valid coverage for the entire expected duration of your visa, ensuring your medical safety during your stay in the country.

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Step by step to apply for your student visa

The Australian visa application process takes place completely online, through the Immigration Department's ImmiAccount portal. Follow these steps to ensure a successful application:

1. Choose a course registered with CRICOS and register to obtain Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
2. Create an account on ImmiAccount on the official website of the Australian Immigration Department
3. Complete the online request form with attention to every detail
4. Gather all necessary documentation in digital format (PDF) as required
5. Make the payment of the visa fee (in 2025, approximately AUD$710)
6. Submit your request and regularly monitor the status through ImmiAccount

After submitting the request, the average processing time ranges from 15 to 40 days, depending on the time of year and the volume of applications. It is highly recommended to apply at least 2 months in advance of your course start date.

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Valuable tips for approving your Australian visa

The visa approval process can be challenging, but some strategies significantly increase your chances of success:

• Apply in advance, ideally 3 to 4 months before the start of the course
• Check all documentation thoroughly to avoid inconsistencies
• Be honest in every statement, especially in the GTE chart
• Maintain a solid and transparent financial history in the months prior to the application
• Prove strong ties with your country of origin to demonstrate the intention to return
• Present a clear career plan that justifies your choice of course in Australia

A well-drafted GTE statement can be decisive for your visa approval. This document should convincingly explain why you chose to study in Australia, how the course relates to your previous education and future objectives, and your intentions to return to your home country after completing your studies.

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How to prepare financially to study in Australia

Proper financial planning is essential for a successful experience in Australia. In addition to course costs, you should consider expenses such as:

• Accomodation: Between AUD $180 and $350 per week, depending on the city and type of housing
• Food: Approximately AUD$150 to $200 per week
• Transportation: About AUD$40 per week with student rate
• Study materials: AUD $500 to $1,000 per year
• Leisure and social activities: AUD $80 to $150 per week

Working while studying can help supplement your budget. With the 48-hour biweekly work permit during term time, you can earn between AUD$20 and $30 per hour in part-time work, contributing significantly to your monthly expenses.

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Options after completing studies in Australia

Australia offers excellent opportunities for international students after completing courses. The visa Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows graduates to remain and work in the country for 2 to 4 years, depending on the level and area of study. This period can be an excellent springboard for permanent residence opportunities through programs such as Skilled Migration Program.

To maximize your chances of remaining in Australia after your studies, consider courses in areas with a shortage of skilled labor, such as nursing, engineering, information technology, and education. These professions have priority in the country's immigration programs.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy offers full support to make your dream of studying in Australia an affordable reality. Our specialized team assists at every stage of the process, from choosing the ideal course and institution to preparing visa documentation, ensuring greater chances of approval. With our personalized Study and Work in Australia program, you'll have all the support you need for a transformative international experience. Get in touch today and discover how we can facilitate your academic journey abroad.

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