Latest updates from 2024
Updates from the Department of Home Affairs:
Changes in English language requirements
Starting March 23, 2024, "the minimum score required for a Student visa from an IELTS test score increases from 5.5 to 6 (or its equivalent)."
Other changes:
The minimum score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) from IELTS increases from 4.5 to 5.0.
For students studying English only through ELICOS, there will be no change.
The test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Read more about the new English requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website
Genuine Student Requirement
"The Government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This is effective for student visa applications lodged on and after 23 March 2024.
This requirement does NOT apply to student visa applications lodged before 23 March 2024. We will continue to assess these applications against the GTE requirement."
Read more about the Genuine Student requirement on the Department of Home Affairs website
Step 1: Get evidence of English language proficiency
Most international students need to meet English language requirements to gain entry into their course and receive a student visa. If you need help determining the scores you need, or if you’re simply looking for more information, check our answers to a few common questions.
Australia accepts IELTS for migration purposes and for all visa applications that require evidence of English language proficiency.
Step 2: Apply to an education provider in Australia and get a CoE
Before you can apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500) to Australia, you should be accepted into an Australian study program. There is free help available for you. If you have an offer letter from a university, you need to accept this and pay the tuition fees. The education provider sends you an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You need this for your visa application.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. There are experts who can help you apply for any Australian university course free of charge.
An IDP Education Counsellor can assist on your study journey
We offer free counselling to provide expert guidance on course selection and applications.
Step 3: Create an account with the Australian immigration authorities
You can usually apply for an Australian visa online. This also lets you track your progress. Before you start your visa application, you have to create an account on the Department of Home Affairs website here.
To apply for a student visa, you will need the following documents:
The CoE you received from your university
Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Don’t have this? Compare health insurances for international students.
Your Passport
Proof of temporary stay: on your application you may show that you only plan to stay in Australia temporarily. For example, you can support this claim by attaching proof of employment or a letter from your school in your home country or similar documents.
Sometimes you will need to provide additional documents. You can use the tool on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 4: Complete the visa application online
If you are an international student coming to Australia, you should apply for a Subclass 500 visa. It’s probably a good idea to apply for your visa at least 6 weeks before your course starts.
“I took IELTS as I’m going to study in Australia. IELTS is one of the biggest English tests in the world, which means lots of countries and institutions recognize it.”
- Jackie from China got her IELTS score for a Student Visa.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee and get a TRN-number
You need to pay a fee to get an Australian visa. This may not be refunded when you visa is rejected, so it’s a good idea to get advice before you submit your visa application. When you have completed the application, you pay the application fee. The fee is currently about $575. After you submit your application, you get a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Save this so you can track your application online.
Step 6: Possible health check-up and interview
Sometimes you have to complete a health check and/or an interview. You get information about this when you complete the visa application.
Step 7: Your visa decision
How long does it take to get your Student Visa (subclass 500) decision? You usually get an outcome within a couple of weeks if your application is complete. However, the quality of your application can affect this. Also, it can depend on how busy the Australian immigration authorities are. A mistake on your application can cause a delay or result in rejection.
When your Student Visa application has been processed, you will get an email notification. Your visa is electronic, so it might be a good idea to print the Visa Grant letter and keep this with your passport when you travel to Australia.
Step 8: Travel to Australia
When you have your visa, you can book your travel and enter Australia. Welcome! When you’re here, check fun things to do in Adelaide or read why Melbourne is the most liveable city. If you want to avoid awkward mistakes: get to know Australian place names that are commonly mispronounced.
IELTS for Study
Want to study in Australia? With IELTS, you know that your score can help you with a Student Visa. We’re here to help you get the score you need.
Immigration and the law
Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in Australian student visas, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Australian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent. However, you can also get free advice for student visas.
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