Documents to apply for a visa to Australia: for international students

Dreaming of an educational experience in Australia? The first step in making that dream a reality is to fully understand the student visa process. With regulations updated for 2025, we've prepared a detailed guide to all the documents you need to get your journey off on the right foot.

‍

Essential basic documents for the Australian visa

The Australian student visa (Subclass 500) is the official document required for anyone planning to study for more than 16 weeks in the country. Proper documentation preparation is crucial to avoid setbacks in the process.

The first must-have item is a valid passport with at least 6 months beyond the planned period of stay. In addition, you will need to present color copies of all pages that contain previous stamps and visas, demonstrating your travel history. Along with the program Study and Work in Australia, these documents will form the basis of your request.

‍

Confirmation of enrollment and financial documentation

The basis of your student visa is Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), document issued by the Australian educational institution after payment of the initial deposit. It's important to note that since 2025, only the CoE has been accepted — offer letters are no longer considered valid for visa applications.

To prove your financial capacity, you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:

• AUD 29,710 per year for the main student
• Additional AUD 10,394 for a spouse or partner
• Additional AUD 4.449 per dependent child
• AUD 13.502 per year for school costs per child

Accepted documents for this proof include:

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Income Tax Return for the last year
• Proof of scholarship (if applicable)
• Notarized sponsorship statement (when costs are borne by third parties)

‍

Health insurance and English proficiency

The Australian government requires all international students to hire the International Student Health Insurance (OSHC). This coverage must be valid for the entire duration of the visa and must include medical care, prescription medications, and emergencies.

Regarding the language, it will be necessary to submit English proficiency test results, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. There are some exceptions for candidates from English-speaking countries or those who have completed significant studies in English, but it's always recommended to check the specific requirements for your case.

‍

Genuine Temporary Entry Requirement (GTE)

The document known as GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) is essential to demonstrate your genuine intentions to study in Australia. This is a personal statement (up to 300 words in English) that must explain:

1. Your reasons for choosing Australia as a study destination
2. The relationship maintained with your country of origin
3. The expected benefits of the chosen course
4. Your plans after completing your studies

To strengthen your statement, include supporting documents such as previous academic record, proof of current or previous employment, and a letter of intent from your chosen educational institution.

‍

Additional documentation for specific cases

Depending on your personal situation, additional documents may be required:

For children under 18 years old:

• Birth certificate showing parents' names
• Form 1229 (travel consent) signed by both parents
• Proof of accommodation and custody in Australia (Form 1257)

For those traveling with family dependents:

• Marriage certificate or document proving common-law marriage
• Children's birth certificates
• Proof of school enrollment for children between 5-18 years old

Additionally, background checks may be requested, including a criminal record certificate from your home country. For stays longer than 12 months, certificates from other countries where you resided may also be required.

‍

Medical exams and application process

Specific medical tests may be required depending on your country of origin and the planned length of stay. These must be performed exclusively by doctors who are accredited by the Australian government. After starting your application, you will receive a HAP (Health Assessment Portal) letter with detailed instructions.

The visa application process follows these steps:

1. Create an ImmiAccount account on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs
2. Complete the online form and attach all scanned documents
3. Pay the application fee (AUD 1,600 in 2025)
4. Wait for processing (time varies depending on nationality)
5. Provide additional information if requested
6. Receive the decision by email

‍

Fees and important tips for success

The fees for the Australian student visa in 2025 are:

• AUD 1,600 for the main applicant (increase of AUD 710 compared to 2024)
• AUD 1,190 for dependents over 18 years old
• AUD 390 for dependents under 18

To ensure the success of your application, consider these valuable tips:

• Documents not written in English require a certified translation
• Start the process 3-6 months in advance of your planned travel date
• Please check each document carefully before submission to avoid rejections
• Check the official website regularly to check for possible updates to the rules

It is important to mention that the program Learning a language abroad can be an excellent starting point for those who wish to improve their English before starting more advanced studies in Australia.

‍

Financial planning for your stay

For a smooth experience in Australia, proper financial planning is critical. In addition to the amounts required for the visa, consider the following approximate monthly expenses:

• Rent: AUD 600-1,800 (depending on city and type of accommodation)
• Food: AUD 400-600
• Public Transportation: AUD 150-200
• Internet and telephone: AUD 60-100
• Leisure and entertainment: AUD 200-300

Remember that international students in Australia can legally work up to 48 biweekly hours during term time and full time during school holidays, which can help supplement your budget.

‍

Be Easy

Be Easy offers full support for those who wish to study in Australia, from choosing the ideal course to obtaining a student visa. Our expert team is deeply knowledgeable about Australian government requirements and offers personalized guidance at every stage of the process. Contact us today and discover how we can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality with security and peace of mind.

‍