Entry Requirements

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English Language Requirements

Commencing in early 2024, the Australian Government will be implementing revised English language criteria for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. These updated requirements aim to enhance both educational attainment and employment prospects for individuals pursuing these visas.

The adjustments in the English language prerequisites are as follows:

• For Temporary Graduate visas, the mandatory International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (or its equivalent) will rise from 6.0 to 6.5.

• For Student visas, the minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score will be elevated from 5.5 to 6.0.

• For students engaging in an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) preceding their primary course of study, the required IELTS (or equivalent) score will increase from 4.5 to 5.0.

• Students enrolling in university foundation or pathway programs that offer recognized English language training will necessitate an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 5.5.

These adjustments are aimed at ensuring that visa applicants possess a higher proficiency in English, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment and better-equipping individuals for their academic pursuits and future employment opportunities in Australia.

 

Proof of Financial Capapcity

The financial capacity requirement for international students applying for Australian student visas has been doubled by the government. From October 1, 2023, applicants must demonstrate a minimum savings amount of AU$24,505 to cover their annual living expenses, marking the first change since 2019. This adjustment is a response to the increasing cost of living.

These updated financial thresholds also apply to individuals intending to bring a spouse or family member. For applications submitted on or after October 1, 2023, proof of the revised amounts is mandatory. However, applications submitted before this date are exempt from the heightened financial capability requirements.

It is crucial to recognize that the stated amounts for demonstrating financial capacity represent the minimum necessary for the visa application. Actual living costs vary across Australia and may exceed the visa's minimum criteria.

 

If you're planning to pursue studies in Australia, it's essential to budget for your daily living expenses.

 

The type of evidence that applicants can provide to demonstrate evidence of their financial capacity:

• Evidence that their spouse/de facto partner or parents have a specified annual income or

• Evidence of sufficient funds Australia student visa to cover travel costs, the first 12 months of living costs, and the first annual course fee for themselves and school fees for each family applicant who is a child of school-age or

• Proof of funds Australia student visa to cover travel costs, course /school fees, and living costs on a pro-rata basis for themselves and each family applicant where the period of stay is less than 12 months.

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Academic Requirement

The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need to study in Australia will vary depending on the level of education you want to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their website carefully and contact them to ask for advice.

Here is some general guidance on entry requirements for the different levels of study:

• English language - Entry requirements vary between institutions, and according to the level of English language course you want to study.

• Schools - Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability are considered during the application process.

• Vocational education and training - In most cases, there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements.

• Higher Education Undergraduate - To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects.

• Higher Education Postgraduate - As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, your institution may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.

Tip: To meet the academic requirements of an Australian high school qualification, consider taking a Foundation course. Also called bridging study, they are intensive courses that will help you meet the entry requirements. They are usually one year long and are offered by most higher education institutions.

 

Visa requirements

The student visa you need depends on your chosen course of study. As a guide, the typical key requirements you will need to meet are:

• Issued an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate.

• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement. 

• Sufficient funds for airfares, course fees and living costs.

• English language proficiency.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

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Overseas Student Health Cover

Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It will help you pay for medical or hospital care you may need while you’re studying in Australia; it will also contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicines and an ambulance in an emergency. When studying in Australia, you will need OSHC for yourself, and any family travelling with you, before you arrive. It is a requirement of your student visa that you maintain OSHC for the duration of your time on a student visa in Australia.

Read more about OSHC on the 'Insurance' page in the 'Live in Australia' section of this website.