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    Study in Australia: universities, fees, visa, and points

    To study in Australia, Indian students choose top universities, with nine in the global top 100, on a subclass 500 student visa. You need admission, the Genuine Student requirement, finances of AUD 29,710 a year for living costs plus tuition, and English. Australia offers extended post-study work for Indian graduates under AI-ECTA and a points-tested route to permanent residence.

    Check your eligibility free
    See the visa steps
    9 universities in QS top 100
    Up to 4 yrs post-study for Indians
    Subclass 500 student visa

    Data current as of June 2026

    Why study in Australia

    Australia pairs world-class universities with full English-medium teaching, strong graduate employment, and one of the clearest study-to-work-to-residence pathways for Indian students, sweetened by the AI-ECTA trade agreement.

    One thing to make clear early, because it sets Australia apart from most European destinations. Studying in Australia on a subclass 500 visa has no points test. The student visa is based on admission, the Genuine Student requirement, finances, and English. A points test does exist, but it applies later, to skilled migration, the permanent residence pathway you may pursue after you graduate and gain work experience. We explain both clearly below, including a real points-test breakdown.

    With nine universities in the global top 100, extended post-study work rights for Indian graduates, and a transparent points-based migration system, Australia offers a complete pathway. We guide Indian students through every step, with extra care given India’s higher scrutiny level in 2026.

    How skilled migration points add up

    This applies after study, not to your student visa. The skilled migration points test scores several factors. The bars below show the maximum points available in the main categories, so you can see where a strong profile comes from.

    Age (25 to 32 yrs) 30

    English (superior) 20

    Skilled work experience 20

    Qualifications (doctorate) 20

    Australian study, other 20+

    Published pass mark: 65 points. Competitive invitations often need 90 or more.

    Maximum points by category in the skilled migration points test, an after-study pathway. Source: Department of Home Affairs points test, 2026. Maximums and pass marks can change, and invitation scores vary by occupation. Confirm current figures.

    Your study in Australia journey

    Australia has a clear sequence Indian students follow, from admission to a student visa, post-study work, and the points-tested residence pathway. The diagram shows the full flow.

    Enrolment CoE from provider

    Subclass 500 Student visa, Genuine Student

    Study Work 48 hrs / fn

    Subclass 485 2 to 4 yrs work

    Points test PR pathway

    The main steps to study in Australia, from enrolment to the points-tested residence pathway. Source: Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia guidance, 2026. Confirm current rules before you rely on them.

    Best universities in Australia for Indian students

    Australia has nine universities in the global top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2026, led by the University of Melbourne. The table shows leading choices and their guide positions.

    Leading universities in Australia, QS 2026
    University City QS 2026 guide
    University of Melbourne Melbourne Around 19
    UNSW Sydney Sydney Around 20
    University of Sydney Sydney Around 25
    Australian National University Canberra Around 32
    Monash University Melbourne Around 36
    Queensland, UWA, Adelaide, UTS Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney 42 to 96

    Source: QS World University Rankings 2026 via Study Australia, the Australian government, 2026. UQ around 42, UWA around 77, Adelaide University around 82, and UTS around 96 complete the nine in the global top 100. Positions vary by source and year and can change. Confirm current requirements with each institution.

    Australia’s Group of Eight leads for research, while universities like UTS and RMIT are strong for employability and industry links. We help you shortlist the right ones to study in Australia.

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    Tuition fees and the money you must show

    Australia has clear, published costs, and the visa requires you to show genuine funds. The table shows tuition, the financial capacity benchmark, and the main fees to plan for.

    Typical study costs in Australia for Indian students, 2026
    Cost Typical figure Notes
    Tuition, international AUD 30,000 to 50,000 / yr Higher for leading universities and medicine
    Living costs, visa benchmark AUD 29,710 / yr 2026 financial capacity figure
    Subclass 500 visa fee About AUD 2,000 Base application charge, can change
    Health cover, OSHC AUD 500 to 700 / yr Mandatory for the full visa period
    Return travel AUD 2,000 to 3,000 Shown as part of financial capacity

    Source: Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia, 2026, including the 2026 living-cost benchmark of AUD 29,710 a year. Tuition, fees, and the benchmark are set by universities and the authorities and can change. Since India is at Evidence Level 3, funds must be genuine, traceable, and usually held for at least three months. Confirm before you apply to study in Australia.

    The money you must show is tuition plus the AUD 29,710 living benchmark plus travel, and it must be well documented. A scholarship or education loan can help. We confirm the exact figures for your program.

    The skilled migration points table

    Unlike study, skilled migration to Australia is points-tested. This is a real points table for the permanent residence pathway you may use after study and work experience. It does not apply to your student visa.

    Skilled migration points by category, indicative 2026
    Factor Detail Maximum points
    Age Highest at 25 to 32 years 30
    English ability Superior English, top band 20
    Skilled work experience 8 or more years overseas or in Australia 20
    Qualifications Doctorate; less for bachelor’s 20
    Australian study and others Study, regional, partner, state nomination 20+
    Pass mark Published minimum to be eligible 65

    Source: Department of Home Affairs points test for skilled migration, 2026. The published pass mark is 65 points, but invitations for popular occupations in recent rounds have typically required much higher scores, often 90 points or more. Maximums, the pass mark, and invitation cut-offs are set by the authorities and change over time. This table is an indicative guide for skilled migration, not your student visa, and is not a guarantee of an invitation.

    Studying in Australia, choosing an occupation in demand, and gaining Australian work experience can all add points later. We estimate your likely score and map a realistic pathway, honestly.

    Want to know your likely points score?

    Get a free eligibility check and we will estimate your skilled migration points and map a realistic study-to-PR pathway.

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    Admission and student visa requirements

    Separate from the migration points test, your student visa rests on admission, the Genuine Student requirement, finances, and English. This table is an indicative guide, not official cut-offs.

    Indicative requirements for Indian students, 2026
    Requirement Bachelor’s program Master’s program
    Academic record Class 12 completed Relevant bachelor’s degree
    English test IELTS about 6.0, 5.5 bands IELTS about 6.5, 5.5 bands
    Genuine Student Targeted visa questions Targeted visa questions
    Financial capacity AUD 29,710 plus tuition, travel AUD 29,710 plus tuition, travel
    Other OSHC, health, character OSHC, health, character, SOP

    Source: Department of Home Affairs and university admission guidance, 2026. These rows are indicative only, as each course and the visa set their own bars, and English minimums rose for 2026. The student visa is not points-tested. Confirm each program’s exact requirements before you apply.

    Your student visa is judged on admission, a genuine study purpose, money, and English, not on a points score. We assess your eligibility honestly before you apply.

    Popular courses for Indian students

    Australia is strong across technology, health, and business, and several fields align with skills in demand, which can help a later migration pathway.

    Technical

    Engineering, IT, and AI

    Strong engineering, computer science, data, and AI at Melbourne, UNSW, Sydney, Monash, and UTS.

    Health

    Healthcare and nursing

    Nursing, public health, and allied health, many linked to skills in demand.

    Business

    Business and accounting

    Business, management, and accounting and finance, with strong employer links.

    The student visa process

    To study in Australia, most Indian students need a subclass 500 student visa. This table explains the key steps so nothing is missed, with India’s Evidence Level 3 status in mind.

    Key subclass 500 steps for Australia, 2026
    Step What it is Why it matters
    Get an offer and CoE Accept your offer, pay the deposit Confirmation of Enrolment is required to apply
    Arrange OSHC Buy health cover for the full stay A visa condition
    Prepare Genuine Student answers Targeted questions, not an essay High scrutiny for Indian applicants
    Show financial capacity AUD 29,710 plus tuition and travel Genuine, traceable funds, held 3 months
    Lodge, biometrics, health Apply via ImmiAccount Apply 3 to 4 months before the course starts

    Source: Department of Home Affairs subclass 500 guidance and Study Australia, 2026. Steps, fees, and timelines are set by the authorities and can change, and processing commonly takes about four to nine weeks, sometimes longer for Evidence Level 3 applicants. Start well before your intake.

    Good planning is everything here, more so at Evidence Level 3. We prepare strong Genuine Student answers and a clean, traceable financial file, then guide your subclass 500 application so each step lines up.

    Worried about the subclass 500 process?

    We prepare your Genuine Student answers and Evidence Level 3 ready finances, then manage your application so nothing slips.

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    Work rights and post-study options

    Australia has clear rules for working during study and a strong post-study visa, with extra time for Indian graduates under the AI-ECTA agreement.

    Work and post-study rights in Australia, 2026
    Stage What you can do Notes
    During studies 48 hrs / fortnight Unlimited during scheduled breaks
    Research students Unlimited hours Master’s by Research and PhD
    After graduation Subclass 485 Apply within 6 months, usually under 35
    AI-ECTA benefit, Indians Up to 3 to 4 years Master’s up to 3, PhD up to 4
    Toward residence Skilled migration points test Subclasses 189, 190, 491

    Source: Department of Home Affairs and reporting on the AI-ECTA agreement, 2026. The subclass 485 base fee rose to about AUD 4,600 from March 2026, and the age cap is generally 35, with exceptions for research graduates. Hours, durations, and fees are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm current details before relying on them.

    The AI-ECTA agreement gives Indian graduates more post-study time than most nationalities, which is a real advantage for gaining experience and building points toward residence. We explain how each stage connects.

    The Indian community in Australia

    Australia has one of the largest Indian communities outside India, which makes settling in easy for new students.

    People of Indian origin are among Australia’s largest migrant groups, concentrated in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and Indian nationals are a leading source of skilled migration. You find Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, gurudwaras, and active cultural associations in every major city, with festivals like Diwali widely celebrated and strong student networks on every big campus.

    Sydney and Melbourne

    The biggest hubs

    The largest Indian communities, with established neighbourhoods, food, and cultural life.

    Brisbane and Perth

    Growing fast

    Rising Indian populations and strong demand from students and skilled migrants.

    For students

    Ready support

    Active student associations, temples, and societies on and around every major campus.

    For an Indian student, this community and Australia’s multicultural cities mean a soft landing, familiar food, and ready support in every major centre.

    An honest view for Indian students

    Australia offers world-class education and a strong pathway, but 2026 brought tighter rules, higher scrutiny for India, and real costs that need careful planning.

    India is assessed at Evidence Level 3, the highest scrutiny tier, so financial documents and academic records are checked closely and a weak or generic Genuine Student response is a common reason for refusal. Costs are real, with tuition plus the AUD 29,710 living benchmark plus travel to show, and the subclass 485 fee rose to about AUD 4,600 in 2026. Australia also runs a national planning level that can slow applications to some providers. None of this is a ban, and well-prepared, genuine applications are still approved at high rates, but preparation matters more than ever.

    Australia charges international tuition of about AUD 30,000 to 50,000 a year, while Indian applicants need a Confirmation of Enrolment, a subclass 500 visa with a Genuine Student response, financial capacity of AUD 29,710 a year plus tuition and travel, and Overseas Student Health Cover, may work 48 hours a fortnight, and after graduating can use the subclass 485 visa, with up to three to four years for many Indian graduates under AI-ECTA, before a points-tested residence pathway.

    Factual overview, drawn from the Department of Home Affairs, Study Australia, and the AI-ECTA agreement, current for 2026. Fees, financial benchmarks, points, and visa rules are set by the relevant authorities and can change.

    Meeting the requirements improves your chances, but admission and the final visa decision rest with the institutions and the Australian authorities, and a points test invitation is never guaranteed. We give you a realistic view and manage the timeline with you.

    Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about studying in Australia

    Our education experts guide Indian students through every step to study in Australia, from universities and the subclass 500 visa to Genuine Student responses, finances, the 485 post-study visa, and the skilled migration points test. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free eligibility check today.

    Check eligibility free

    Study in Australia frequently asked questions

    Why study in Australia as an Indian student?
    Australia offers world-class universities, with nine in the global top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2026, full English-medium teaching, strong graduate employment, and a clear study-to-work-to-residence pathway. Indian graduates also get extended post-study work rights under the AI-ECTA trade agreement, longer than most other nationalities. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps Indian students choose the right course and university to study in Australia.
    What are the best universities in Australia?
    The University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, the University of Sydney, the Australian National University, and Monash University lead the QS World University Rankings 2026, followed by the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, Adelaide University, and UTS, with nine Australian universities in the global top 100. The right choice depends on your field. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you shortlist the best universities in Australia for your profile and budget.
    Is there a points system for Australia?
    Yes, but not for study. Studying in Australia on a subclass 500 visa has no points test, it is based on admission, the Genuine Student requirement, finances, and English. A points test applies later if you pursue skilled migration, the permanent residence pathway through subclasses 189, 190, and 491. That points test scores age, English, qualifications, work experience, and other factors, with a published pass mark of 65 though competitive scores are usually much higher. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains both the study requirements and the later points test so you can plan ahead.
    How does the Australian skilled migration points test work?
    The skilled migration points test scores you across categories including age, English ability, skilled work experience, qualifications, Australian study, and partner or state nomination factors. The published minimum to be eligible is 65 points, but invitations for popular occupations in recent rounds have typically needed much higher scores, often 90 points or more. Studying in Australia and gaining local work experience can add points. This test applies to skilled migration, not to your student visa. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you estimate your likely score and plan a realistic pathway.
    What is the subclass 500 student visa?
    The subclass 500 student visa is the main visa to study full-time in Australia. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered institution, must meet the Genuine Student requirement, show financial capacity, hold Overseas Student Health Cover, and meet English, health, and character rules. The base application charge is about AUD 2,000. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides you through the full subclass 500 process so your application is complete and on time.
    How much money do I need for the Australia student visa?
    For 2026 applications, Indian students must show financial capacity for living costs of at least AUD 29,710 a year, plus the first year of tuition and return travel of about AUD 2,000 to 3,000. Funds should be genuine and usually held for at least three months, since India is assessed at the higher Evidence Level 3 scrutiny tier. The amount is set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change. BestMigrationConsultant.com confirms the current financial capacity requirement before you apply.
    What is the Genuine Student requirement?
    The Genuine Student requirement replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test in March 2024. Instead of one long essay, you answer targeted questions in the application about your circumstances, why you chose the course and university, how it helps your career, and your ties to India. For Indian applicants at Evidence Level 3, clear, specific, and honest answers matter a great deal. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you prepare strong Genuine Student responses for your plan to study in Australia.
    How much are tuition fees in Australia for Indian students?
    Tuition for international students commonly ranges from about AUD 30,000 to 50,000 a year for many bachelor’s and master’s programs, with leading universities, medicine, and some specialist courses higher. Fees vary widely by university, course, and level. Figures change, so confirm the current fee with your university. BestMigrationConsultant.com gives you a clear fee picture to study in Australia.
    What are the admission requirements for Australia?
    Requirements vary by program. You generally need a recognised qualification for your level, IELTS around 6.0 to 6.5 with no band below 5.5 for many courses, and the documents the university asks for, sometimes including a statement of purpose and references. The visa adds the Genuine Student requirement, finances, and health and character checks. Each program sets its own bar. BestMigrationConsultant.com checks your eligibility against your target programs to study in Australia.
    Can I work while studying in Australia?
    Yes. Under 2026 rules, subclass 500 student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Master’s by Research and PhD students have unlimited work rights once the course starts. The limit is per fortnight, a rolling 14-day period, and breaching it can affect your visa. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the work rules so you can plan to study in Australia realistically.
    What is the post-study work visa in Australia?
    The Temporary Graduate visa, subclass 485, lets eligible graduates live and work in Australia after study. You must usually be under 35 at application, meet the Australian study requirement, and apply within six months of your completion letter. Indian graduates benefit from the AI-ECTA agreement, which adds extra stay, so many master’s graduates get up to three years and PhD graduates up to four years. The base fee rose to about AUD 4,600 from March 2026. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how the 485 fits your plan to study in Australia.
    What extra post-study benefit do Indian students get?
    Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian graduates receive longer post-study work rights than most other nationalities. In practice this can mean up to three years for many master’s graduates and up to four years for PhD graduates, with some STEM and regional study adding more. This extra time is a real advantage for gaining experience and building toward skilled migration. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how the AI-ECTA benefit fits your plan to study in Australia.
    What is the cost of living in Australia for students?
    Living costs vary by city, with Sydney and Melbourne the most expensive and cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane generally cheaper. The visa financial capacity benchmark for living costs is AUD 29,710 a year, which is a useful planning guide, though actual spending depends on rent and lifestyle. Accommodation is the largest cost. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you plan a realistic budget so you can study in Australia comfortably.
    What documents do I need to study in Australia?
    You generally need a valid passport, a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered institution, Overseas Student Health Cover, English test results, academic transcripts, financial documents, your Genuine Student responses, and medical and police clearances. India’s Evidence Level 3 status means financial and academic records are checked carefully, so consistency matters. BestMigrationConsultant.com prepares and checks your full document set so your application to study in Australia is complete.
    What courses are popular for Indian students in Australia?
    Popular fields include engineering and IT, data science and artificial intelligence, business and management, accounting and finance, healthcare and nursing, and construction and trades, many of which align with Australia’s skills needs. Choosing a course linked to a skill in demand can strengthen a later skilled migration pathway. The best course depends on your goals. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you match your profile to the right course and university to study in Australia.
    Does studying in Australia lead to permanent residence?
    Studying does not directly grant permanent residence, but it can be a strong step toward it. Many students use the 485 post-study visa to gain Australian work experience, then apply through the points-tested skilled migration stream, subclasses 189, 190, or 491. Indian nationals are among the largest groups of skilled migration grant holders. Points thresholds can be competitive, so plan early. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how studying in Australia can fit into a longer plan toward residence.
    Why is India under Evidence Level 3 and what does it mean?
    Australia classifies countries by assessed risk in visa processing, and India was moved to Evidence Level 3, the highest scrutiny tier, which means financial documents and academic records are checked more carefully and inconsistencies are caught. This is not a ban, and strong, specific, genuine applications continue to be approved. It does mean you should document funds clearly and avoid sudden large deposits. BestMigrationConsultant.com prepares an Evidence Level 3 ready file for your plan to study in Australia.
    Is there an Indian community in Australia?
    Yes. Australia has one of the largest Indian communities outside India, concentrated in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with Indian-born residents among the biggest migrant groups and Indian nationals a leading source of skilled migration. There are Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, gurudwaras, and active cultural associations in every major city, with festivals like Diwali widely celebrated. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you settle in well when you study in Australia.
    When should I apply to study in Australia?
    Start about a year ahead. The main intakes are February and July, with some November starts. Apply for admission first, accept your offer and pay the deposit to get your Confirmation of Enrolment, arrange health cover, then lodge your subclass 500 visa, ideally three to four months before your course starts. Australia also runs a national planning level that can affect timing, so apply early. BestMigrationConsultant.com builds a clear timeline with you so your plan to study in Australia stays on track.
    What if my Australia student visa is refused?
    A refusal often points to weak or inconsistent financial evidence, a vague Genuine Student response, missing documents, or course-progression concerns, which matter more under Evidence Level 3. Some decisions can be reviewed, and many issues can be fixed and a fresh, stronger application made. Acting on the real reason matters. BestMigrationConsultant.com reviews the cause and helps you decide on the strongest next step for your plan to study in Australia.
    How can BestMigrationConsultant.com help me study in Australia?
    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students through every step to study in Australia. We run an eligibility check, shortlist universities and courses aligned to your goals, secure your Confirmation of Enrolment, prepare strong Genuine Student responses and Evidence Level 3 ready finances, arrange health cover, and guide your subclass 500 visa. We also explain the 485 post-study visa, the AI-ECTA benefit, and the skilled migration points test. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com to start your free assessment and plan your studies in Australia with confidence.

    Written and reviewed by

    Author: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    Reviewed by: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students and professionals on overseas study, work, and PR pathways. University fees, financial requirements, points tests, and visa rules are set by universities and governments and can change at any time. This page is guidance and application support, not legal advice.

    Last reviewed: June 2026