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Updated October 9, 2026
India to Australia: Relocation Checklist
Australia hosts over 100,000 Indian students, under some of the world's strictest student visa rules. Work through this interactive checklist, see the real 2026 costs, and know what to do in your first 30 days.
Typical costs (2026)
AUD 1,600Student visa subclass 500 (2026; verify)
AUD 29,710Financial capacity, 12 months living (2026)
~AUD 650/yrOverseas Student Health Cover
~₹18,000IELTS test fee in India
48h/fortnightWork limit during term
2-4 yrsPost-study work visa (subclass 485)
Student visa fee was AUD 1,600 in 2026; an increase to AUD 2,000 has been discussed, so verify the current charge on the Department of Home Affairs site before lodging. Financial capacity is reviewed periodically.
Typical timeline
University offer and CoE (4 to 8 weeks), then visa processing of 24 to 46 days for most applicants, sometimes 2 to 3 months. Start 6 to 9 months before your intake; February and July are the main intakes.
The subclass 500 student visa
Australia has one student visa: subclass 500, applied for online through ImmiAccount. You need a CoE first, then you must satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement (since March 2024): four structured questions about your circumstances, course choice and career benefit. Weak GS statements are the top refusal reason. English minimums are IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, though universities set higher bars.
Money: the real budget
The 2026 financial capacity requirement is AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, on top of tuition and travel. Add OSHC (~AUD 650/year), the visa fee, medicals, police clearance and IELTS. Upfront costs before tuition typically run AUD 3,000 to 5,000. A refused application costs the fee and sits on your immigration record, so getting the sequence right the first time matters.
Documents that cause delays
Funds must be genuinely available: sudden large deposits without explanation trigger scrutiny. The GS statement must be specific to your course and career, not generic. Medicals must be with a panel physician; book early as slots fill. Name mismatches between passport, CoE and bank documents cause problems.
Arrival essentials
Get the TFN before you start work; employers need it for tax. The 48-hour-per-fortnight limit is strict and breaches can cancel visas. OSHC is mandatory and private: you are not covered by Medicare. Student accommodation near campus is expensive but simplifies the first month; sharehouses in suburbs cut rent sharply.
Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Australia student visa in 2026?
AUD 1,600 for the primary applicant on a subclass 500 visa in 2026. An increase to AUD 2,000 has been discussed, so verify the current charge on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
Since March 2024, applicants answer four structured questions (150 words each) about their circumstances, why this course, and career benefits. It replaced the old GTE statement; weak answers are the top refusal reason.
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, on a valid subclass 500 visa with a TFN.
What happens after I graduate?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you work 2 to 4 years depending on your qualification and location, a pathway many use toward permanent residence.
Is OSHC really mandatory?
Yes. You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover for your entire stay. International students are not covered by Medicare.