Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education
What are the Australian student visa requirements for studies starting in 2028?
For studies starting in 2028, you need the Australian Student visa (Subclass 500). Under 2026 rules, the fee is AUD 2,000 per primary applicant, living costs are at least AUD 29,710 per year plus tuition, and minimum IELTS is 6.0 overall. Indonesian applicants face Level 2 SSVF: financial and English evidence are mandatory. Rules may change before 2028.
Key facts
| Visa type | Subclass 500 (For full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution) |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (2026) | AUD 2,000 per primary applicant (Raised from AUD 1,600 [verify]) |
| Living cost evidence | AUD 29,710 per year (Excludes tuition and travel [verify]) |
| Minimum IELTS for visa | 6.0 overall (Previously 5.5; universities may be higher [verify]) |
| International tuition | AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (Depends on program and university) |
| Living costs estimate | AUD 20,000–25,000 per year (For planning) |
| Total 3-year bachelor's | AUD 120,000–200,000 (Including tuition and living costs [verify]) |
| SSVF level Indonesia | Level 2 (2026) (Financial and English evidence mandatory [verify]) |
Visa type and Genuine Student requirement
For a full-time course starting in 2028, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study at a CRICOS-registered institution. The visa application is made online through ImmiAccount after you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the GTE test; you answer targeted questions (maximum 150 words each) about your course choice, how it fits your background and career goals, your ties to Indonesia, and your intention to comply with visa conditions.
Financial requirements for Indonesian applicants
Indonesia was reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) in 2026. This means financial evidence and a valid English test result are mandatory in most application combinations.
- Visa application fee: AUD 2,000 per primary applicant (2026), up from AUD 1,600.
- Living cost evidence: at least AUD 29,710 per year, plus tuition and travel; more for dependants.
- Typical international tuition: AUD 20,000–45,000 per year.
- Typical living costs: AUD 20,000–25,000 per year for planning.
- Estimated total for a 3-year bachelor's: AUD 120,000–200,000 including tuition and living costs.
English language requirements
The minimum English level for the visa is now IELTS 6.0 overall, up from 5.5 in 2026. Indonesian applicants in most combinations must provide a valid English test result.
- Undergraduate: universities typically require IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall.
- Postgraduate: usually IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall; medicine and law commonly require 7.0+.
- Alternatives such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Duolingo may be accepted by universities, but visa rules may specify accepted tests; confirm before booking.
Planning for 2028 and post-study considerations
All requirements above are current as of 2026 and may change before your 2028 course start. Check the Department of Home Affairs website and your institution's international office regularly.
- Post-study work: the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to stay and work after finishing their course; duration depends on qualification.
- Start your planning early: prepare funds, book an English test, and collect documents so you can apply as soon as you have your CoE.
Key takeaways
- Visa is Subclass 500; application fee AUD 2,000 as of 2026.
- Indonesian applicants must prepare financial evidence at least AUD 29,710/year plus tuition because Indonesia is SSVF Level 2.
- Minimum English for visa raised to IELTS 6.0 overall in 2026; universities may require higher.
- Genuine Student requires explaining program choice, career goals, and ties to Indonesia.
- Rules can change before 2028; monitor Home Affairs and plan early.
Related questions
Does the AUD 2,000 visa fee include my family members?
No. The AUD 2,000 application charge is for the primary applicant only; additional fees apply for dependants listed in the application.
Can I use a TOEFL or PTE score instead of IELTS for the visa?
Universities may accept alternatives, but the visa has its own English evidence requirements. Check current Home Affairs accepted tests; for 2028 planning, IELTS Academic is the most commonly used benchmark.
How much money do I need to show in total?
For one year, show at least AUD 29,710 for living costs plus your first year's tuition and travel costs. For a typical 3-year bachelor's, total costs are roughly AUD 120,000–200,000.
Do I need a Confirmation of Enrolment before applying?
Yes. You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course and receive a CoE before you can submit your Subclass 500 application.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
It replaced the GTE test. You answer targeted questions in ImmiAccount (maximum 150 words each) explaining your course choice, career goals, ties to Indonesia, and intention to comply with visa conditions.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs – Student visa (subclass 500)
- Department of Home Affairs – Genuine Student requirement
- Department of Home Affairs – Financial capacity
- IELTS – Official website
- Study Australia – Official government site
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