  {"id":23173,"date":"2023-12-05T12:54:34","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T04:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=23173"},"modified":"2025-11-19T14:37:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T06:37:44","slug":"all-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-student-visa-in-australia","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/all-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-student-visa-in-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"All you need to know about getting a student visa in Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re hoping to study in Australia, you\u2019ll need one very important tool: a valid visa! Australia\u2019s only full-time student visa is called the <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/student-500#HowTo\">Student (subclass 500) visa<\/a>, so this is most likely the one you\u2019ll need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although applying for a student visa can be a long process. From English language requirements to personal statements, there\u2019s a lot to learn. But don\u2019t worry &#8211; we\u2019re here to guide you through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the most updated information, remember to always check the <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/help-support\/applying-online-or-on-paper\/online\">Department of Home Affairs<\/a>. In the meantime, let\u2019s walk you through the basics of applying for a student visa in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting familiar with the ImmiAccount platform<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>The simplest and most common way to apply for an Australian student visa is online. The first step is to<a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/help-support\/applying-online-or-on-paper\/online\/create-your-immiaccount\"> create an ImmiAccount<\/a> for yourself. From here, you can begin your application (or get an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/applying\/international\/apply-via-an-agent\/\">education agent<\/a> to help you with it).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend spending a bit of time on the ImmiAccount platform to get familiar with it. With a little practice, you\u2019ll ensure you know how to use it when it\u2019s time to apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/help-support\/applying-online-or-on-paper\/online\"> Department of Home Affairs website<\/a> has plenty of helpful information about the ImmiAccount and how to use it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1701\" height=\"1701\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-Student-computer-visa-article-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23260\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-Student-computer-visa-article-3.jpg 1701w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-Student-computer-visa-article-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-Student-computer-visa-article-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-Student-computer-visa-article-3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1701px) 100vw, 1701px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Taking an English language test<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on where you\u2019re from, you may need to provide evidence of your <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/help-support\/meeting-our-requirements\/english-language\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">English language skills<\/a> as part of your visa application. This can be done by completing one of the many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/applying\/english-language-requirements\/accepted-english-qualifications\/#tests\">English tests<\/a> recognised in Australia, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ielts.org\/\">International English Testing System (IELTS<\/a>) or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pearsonpte.com\/pte-academic\"> Pearson Test of English (PTE<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, you\u2019ll need to receive a minimum score in a recognised English language test to get a student visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to scores, there are a few important things to remember. Firstly, some university courses may require a higher level of English language proficiency and therefore a higher score. Be sure to visit your university\u2019s website to double-check any course-specific conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1501\" height=\"1501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-curtin-english-visa-article.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23258\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-curtin-english-visa-article.jpg 1501w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-curtin-english-visa-article-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-curtin-english-visa-article-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1501px) 100vw, 1501px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondly, even if you don\u2019t meet the minimum score requirement, this doesn\u2019t mean your international study dream is over! There are English pathway programs you can pursue to improve your language skills before beginning your course. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/curtin-english\/\">Curtin English<\/a> to explore the English pathway courses available at Curtin, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/curtin-english\/\">even package your English language course<\/a> with your university course.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget that some citizens of some countries are exempt from English language testing. Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/student-500#Eligibility\">full list<\/a> of eligibility requirements under the <strong>Meet the English language requirements<\/strong> tab to see if this condition applies to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Providing proof of funds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When applying for a student visa, you may need to prove you have enough money in your bank account to support yourself and any dependents you may be bringing, such as a spouse or child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to prove that you have enough money for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>12 months of course fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12 months of living costs for you and any dependents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your travel to Australia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School fees for any school-age children you are bringing with you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We know what you might be thinking: exactly how much is all of this? The short answer: it depends on your unique circumstances. The Australian Government provides guidance on how to calculate these expenses <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/student-500#HowTo\">here<\/a> under the <strong>Gather your documents <\/strong>tab.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must be as accurate as possible, so take your time in calculating these costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Writing a Genuine Student (GS) statement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A GS statement is a short letter (roughly 300 words in total) that you\u2019ll write to confirm to the Australian Government that you are interested in studying in Australia on a<em> temporary<\/em> basis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>The GS statement serves two main purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To affirm that you are genuinely coming to Australia to study, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To affirm that you won\u2019t try to stay in Australia after your visa has expired.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The Australian Government assesses GS statements using certain criteria. It is important to provide information about your motivation for studying in Australia. You also need to show that you have strong ties to your home country. This might include your family and friends or an employment opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-typing-student-visa-article.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23262\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-typing-student-visa-article.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-typing-student-visa-article-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-typing-student-visa-article-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023-typing-student-visa-article-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Paying the application fee<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To submit your application, you will need to pay a fee. As of July 2025, the fee is <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/student-500#Âé¶¹Ö±²¥\">A$2,000<\/a>, which can be paid via the ImmiAccount portal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also need to pay a fee for your partner or children if you decide to bring them with you. You can use the Australian Government\u2019s official <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/visa-pricing-estimator\">visa pricing estimator<\/a> to work out how much your visa will cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Monitoring the status of your application<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve submitted your application, you may find yourself wondering if or when you\u2019ll be approved. Fortunately, you can keep track of your application status via the ImmiAccount platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep an eye on it and make sure to reply to any requests for more information as soon as possible.&nbsp;<br>If it feels like your visa is taking a while to come in, check the <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-processing-times\/global-visa-processing-times\">global processing times<\/a> on the Department of Home Affairs website. Using this interactive tool, you can enter your visa subclass and the date you submitted your application. It will then tell you if your application is still in the normal processing time range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to find visa support<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Keen to get started but need a bit of help? It might be worth seeking the help of a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mara.gov.au\/about-us\/what-we-do\"> migration agent<\/a> registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), or your education agent. These experts can help with your visa application process from beginning to end, giving you advice and updating you on the progress of your application. This is often a paid service but can be free if you meet certain criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about student visa requirements,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/campus-life\/living-australia\/student-visas\/\"> visit our website<\/a>. For any questions about applying to Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ &#8211; get in touch with our friendly <a href=\"https:\/\/future.connect.curtin.edu.au\/app\/ask\">enquiries team<\/a>. Good luck with your application!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1801\" height=\"1801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023students-phone-group-visa-article-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23259\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023students-phone-group-visa-article-2.jpg 1801w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023students-phone-group-visa-article-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023students-phone-group-visa-article-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT2023students-phone-group-visa-article-2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1801px) 100vw, 1801px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><sup><strong><em>Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong><br><em>This post is correct as of 19 November 2025, but is subject to change by Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ (in its sole discretion). Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ may change the content, and its location or blog, post, and web address. This post contains general information only. Users should consider how it applies to their personal circumstances and seek specific advice. This blog, post, and our website are not intended as, and shall not be construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice.<\/em><br><em>\u00a9 Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ 202<\/em>5.<\/sup><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re hoping to study in Australia, you\u2019ll need one very important tool: a valid [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4451,"featured_media":23248,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"2normal","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"5008,7366,4901,4553,7846,7666","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":3,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,114,87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23173","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-and-global-community","category-international-students","category-perth-campus"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"","qualification":"","link":"","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}},"post_components":false},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/INT2023-group-shot-visa-article.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Curtin","last_name":"University","display_name":"Âé¶¹Ö±²¥"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/23173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/23173\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}