Studying in Australia remains one of the most sought-after international education paths — thanks to the high-quality institutions, vibrant culture and post-study opportunities for international students. The Student visa (Subclass 500) is the key that enables eligible students to enter Australia for their education, but with new requirements coming into effect for 2026, applicants must pay close attention to funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and the updated Genuine Student (GS) or formerly Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of what international students need to know in 2026: from funds and insurance to the GS requirement and practical steps for a smooth visa application. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your student visa, this article will serve as your essential roadmap.
What is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live in Australia and study full-time at a registered institution. It is designed for international learners who have secured admission into a recognized course. The official government site outlines the major features of this visa category, intended to support full-time study in a registered course.
Key features include:
Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course.
Work rights (usually up to 48 hours per fortnight during term times) and unlimited hours during official breaks.
Requirements to maintain course enrolment, make academic progress and comply with visa conditions.
Funds & Financial Capacity Requirements
Minimum funds required
A critical part of the application is proving sufficient funds to support your tuition, living costs and travel expenses. Recent updates have raised the minimum financial capacity threshold. For instance, after 10 May 2024, a single student applicant must show funds of at least AUD 29,710 for living costs, plus tuition and travel.
Additional costs apply when dependents are included:
Partner/Spouse: extra AUD 10,394 per year.
Child / dependent: extra AUD 4,449 per year.
How to prove funds
The Department of Home Affairs accepts multiple evidence options such as:
Bank statements showing savings or fixed deposits.
Official loan letters from recognized banks.
Scholarships or financial sponsorship documentation.
Evidence of tuition fee payment for the first year of study.
Practical tips
Use recent bank statements (often the past 3–6 months) to demonstrate stability.
Explain any large recent deposits with accompanying documentation (e.g., loan or sponsorship).
Maintain the funds until the application is decided — sudden withdrawals or transfers can raise red flags.
“International student applicants must provide proof of at least AUD 29,710 … for living costs.” Study Australia
If traveling with family, calculate combined required funds for all members.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
What is OSHC and why it’s mandatory
All Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders must maintain valid OSHC coverage for the entire length of their stay — unless exempt. OSHC ensures health care and hospital costs do not become a burden on the Australian public system.
Cost and coverage snapshot
The average single-student OSHC premium for 12 months is in the range of AUD 1,200–1,400 depending on provider, and higher when covering partners/dependents.
Coverage typically includes:
Private and public hospital admissions.
Ambulance services.
Doctor and specialist consultations.
Dental, optical and physiotherapy are often not included in basic cover.
Choosing and maintaining OSHC
Purchase the OSHC policy before visa grant and ensure the start date aligns with arrival or visa date.
Maintain continuous cover for the full duration of study. A lapse could invalidate the visa.
Compare recognized providers (e.g., Bupa, Allianz, Medibank) for cost and service.
Genuine Student (GS) / Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
What changed and what it means
Previously, the requirement was known as the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. As of March 2024, the Australian Government replaced this with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for Subclass 500 applicants.
Under GS, applicants must provide clear evidence that they intend to study and return home after the course, rather than use the student visa for migration purposes. This typically involves answering structured questions in the visa form, rather than a free-form personal statement.
How to satisfy the GS test
Support your GS case by providing:
A well-reasoned study plan outlining how the chosen course aligns with your background, career goals and home country job market.
Evidence of past study or work relevant to the field.
Ties to your home country (e.g., family, property, future career opportunities).
No gaps in the education or employment history unless explained in context.
Failing to convincingly satisfy the GS test may cause delays or visa refusal.
See Also: Working Holiday Visa Australia 2026: Complete Step-by-Step (417 & 462)
Streamlining the 2026 Application Timeline
Key steps and timing
Secure enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Purchase OSHC policy and organize proof of funds.
Lodge your visa application with all required documents, ideally several weeks ahead of course commencement.
Await decision – processing times vary depending on workload, country of origin and completeness of application.
Arrive in Australia and activate the student visa, respect work rights and visa conditions, and keep your enrolment active.
Important timelines for 2026
Application fee increases: From 1 July 2025 the base application charge jumped to around AUD 2,000 for Subclass 500.
Visa duration: Granted stay will generally cover the length of your principal course plus additional stay period (e.g., 2 months after course end for overseas applicants). Ensure your OSHC cover and funds align accordingly.
Work rights: Full-time work is allowable only during designated breaks; otherwise maximum 48 hours per fortnight applies. Violating this may lead to visa cancellation.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistakes to watch out for
Incorrect fund calculations (for example, showing only tuition and not living/travel costs).
OSHC policy start date not aligned with visa start date.
Lack of clarity in GS statement or study plan — especially if the course seems irrelevant to prior experience or obvious migration intent.
Missing or inconsistent documents (bank statements with recent large deposits, incomplete scholarship evidence).
Working over 48 hours per fortnight or failing to maintain enrolment — this breaches visa conditions.
Best practice checklist
Ensure funds demonstrate tuition + living costs + travel for the first 12 months.
Make OSHC continuous and valid for the full study duration.
Write a clear study plan showing how the course benefits your future career.
Lodge early, keep evidence handy, and track application status through ImmiAccount.
Familiarize yourself with your student visa conditions (work hours, study load, update of address) to avoid breaches.
Call to Action
If you’re planning to study in Australia in 2026, start your preparation today. Print the checklist, compare OSHC providers, open a savings account and draft your study plan. Share this article with fellow students who are applying and subscribe for updates on visa rule changes and scholarship opportunities. Your study dream begins with the right preparation!
Ending Thoughts
Navigating the Student Visa (Subclass 500) for Australia in 2026 requires attention to funds, OSHC cover, and the Genuine Student (GS) requirement — each of which carries significant weight. By understanding the thresholds for proof of funds, securing continuous health insurance and presenting a credible study intent, applicants strengthen their application likelihood and position themselves for success.
Prepared students who align their visa application with the rules, stay compliant during their studies and apply career-wise after graduation will not only enjoy their study experience in Australia — they will maximize their options for the future. Make your move with clarity, not confusion.
People Also Love: Temporary Graduate (485) Visa 2026: Streams, Costs & Timeline Explained
