Study in
Australia
Genuine Student requirement, regional study incentives, and skilled-migration pathways that still work in 2026.
Typical starts
February (main), July, November (some courses)
Application
Programme-specific
Work guidance
Check live national rules
Popular subjects
Nursing & Healthcare, IT & Cybersecurity, Engineering
Direct answer
Is Australia a good study destination for you?
Genuine Student requirement, regional study incentives, and skilled-migration pathways that still work in 2026.
Applicant fit
What to verify before applying
A useful shortlist connects your academic profile to a verified programme and a realistic application plan.
Good applicant fit
- Duration depends on stream and qualification: up to 18 months in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, and generally 2 or 3 years in the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Eligible regional graduates may qualify for a second Post-Higher Education Work visa lasting 1 or 2 years, depending on where they studied and lived.
- Nursing, IT, engineering, and teaching map directly to occupation lists.
- Eight research-intensive universities consistently in global top 100.
Programme verification
- Confirm the awarding institution and exact programme
- Check entry, language, campus, delivery, and recognition
- Read deposits, refunds, placement, and progression terms before paying
Application route
Build the route around the exact programme
- 1
Choose the exact programme and verify its entry requirements
- 2
Prepare the academic, language, and programme-specific documents
- 3
Review the offer, conditions, provider terms, and next steps before accepting
- 4
Use the live authority guidance for any visa or residence stage
Budget planning
Plan categories, then check live costs
Tuition, visa charges, living costs, financial-evidence rules, wages, scholarships, and salary thresholds change regularly. Use the live sources below and contact Earthlink for a current, profile-specific check.
Tuition and course costs
Compare the current course fee, required health cover, materials, and placement costs on the provider's website.
Living and travel
Plan by city for housing, food, transport, utilities, insurance, and travel.
Visa and financial evidence
Use the live Department of Home Affairs checklist for current charges and evidence requirements.
Scholarship checks
- Australia Awards
- Destination Australia (regional)
- University international scholarships
Education and subject choice
Three-year Bachelors (four with Honours), one to two-year Masters. Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas at TAFE feed into degree credit transfers.
- Nursing & Healthcare
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Construction Management
- Hospitality
Document categories
- Transcripts and certificates
- IELTS / PTE
- Genuine Student (GS) statement
- Financial evidence
- OSHC health cover
- Passport
Work and post-study
Most students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks; research master’s and doctoral students have an exception. Temporary Graduate visa duration depends on stream, qualification and eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about studying in Australia
Has the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the GTE?
Yes — the Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test in March 2024 and is now the central assessment in the visa decision. Answers must be specific to your course, city, and career plan.
Is regional study in Australia worth it?
Eligible graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area may qualify for a second Post-Higher Education Work visa: generally 1 extra year for Category 2 areas or 2 years for Category 3 areas. Separate skilled-migration points rules may apply.
How much bank balance do I need for an Australian student visa?
The Department of Home Affairs document checklist determines whether financial evidence is required and what it must cover. Check the live checklist for your application and family circumstances.
Can I bring my spouse on an Australian student visa?
Yes — spouses of Masters by Coursework and higher can apply for a Subclass 500 dependant visa with full work rights. Bachelor and Diploma students face tighter conditions.
What is the 485 Graduate Visa and who qualifies?
Duration depends on stream and qualification. Post-Vocational Education Work is up to 18 months. Post-Higher Education Work is generally 2 years for bachelor’s, coursework master’s and extended master’s qualifications, and 3 years for research master’s and doctoral qualifications. Eligible regional graduates may separately qualify for a 1- or 2-year second visa. The former select-degree extension ended on 1 July 2024.
Which Australian occupations lead to permanent residency?
Nursing, secondary teaching (STEM/languages), civil/mechanical/electrical engineering, IT (cybersecurity, software), and social work are on the Core Skills Occupation List with the fastest PR outcomes.
How long does an Australian student visa take?
Processing times vary by priority, application volume, checks and completeness. Use Home Affairs’ live visa processing-time guide; it is indicative and not specific to an individual application.
Ready to shortlist Australia?
Get a profile-led programme shortlist and a current source check before you commit.