As an international student, maintaining your visa status in Australia is vital. Failing to follow rules could lead to cancellation or deportation. Many Indian students wonder how to apply for study in Australia, study in Australia from India, or about student visa Australia cost. But even after you arrive, staying lawful requires ongoing care. This guide helps you understand visa rules, costs, and best practices so you can focus on your studies without stress.
Understanding Your Student Visa
What Visa Type Do You Hold?
Most full-time international students in Australia travel under Subclass 500 (Student Visa). This visa allows enrollment in a registered course, limited work rights, and stays for the duration of study.
When you apply to study in Australia, you must receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution. That CoE is critical in your visa application and also needed to maintain your visa later.
Key Conditions You Must Obey
Here are typical visa conditions you must follow:
- You must remain enrolled in a registered course, as per your CoE.
- You must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress.
- You may work up to a certain number of hours per fortnight (usually 48 hrs) during semesters.
- You must notify the Department of Home Affairs of changes (address, contact, course, etc.).
- You must hold a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your stay.
- You must not overstay or break visa rules (e.g. working too many hours).
If you break these rules, your visa may be cancelled or refused to renew.
The Cost Side: Student Visa Australia Cost & Financial Proof
Visa Application Cost
When you apply to study in Australia, part of the process is paying the visa fee. For Subclass 500, the base visa cost can change, so always check the official Home Affairs website. But besides the base fee, you might also need:
- Costs for medical or health checks
- Biometrics (if required)
- Police clearance / character checks
- Health insurance (OSHC)
- Translation or document certification
These extra costs must be planned for in your budget.
Demonstrating Financial Capacity
To maintain your visa and to apply to study in Australia, you need to show you have enough funds to cover tuition, living, travel, and other costs. This is especially important for students from India or elsewhere. You’ll often submit:
- Bank statements
- Income proofs of parents or sponsors
- Fixed deposits
- Financial guarantees or scholarships
If at any point authorities doubt your finances, they can ask you for more proof or even refuse or cancel your visa.
Maintaining Enrollment & Academic Progress
Stay Enrolled and Active
Once you begin your course, you must:
- Attend classes and meet attendance requirements
- Meet academic standards (passing your subjects)
- Avoid dropping or failing too many courses without valid reasons
If you fail too many times or drop out, your visa may be at risk.
Changing Course or Institution
If you want to switch your course or institution, you must:
- Notify the Department of Home Affairs through your ImmiAccount
- Wait for approval (if needed)
- Maintain continuous enrollment
Changing without permission or having gaps can breach visa conditions.
Work Rights and Income Limits
When studying under the student visa, you may work part-time (usually up to 48 hours per fortnight) during academic terms. In semester breaks or holidays, you may work more (full time), if conditions allow.
Make sure:
- You do not exceed permitted work hours
- Your work does not interfere with your study
- You maintain adequate funds so that work is not your main support
If you breach working hours, your visa may be jeopardized.
Health, Insurance & Character Checks
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must maintain OSHC for the entire time you hold the visa. If your insurance lapses, your visa compliance breaks.
Medical Checks
You may be asked to undergo medical examinations or health checks. These must be done by approved doctors. Failing to comply can risk your visa.
Character / Police Checks
If requested, you must supply police clearance or character documents from India or other countries you lived in. Any issues (criminal record) may affect your visa status.
Reporting and Communication with Authorities
Update Personal Details Promptly
You must inform the Department of Home Affairs of changes such as:
- Change of address (in Australia)
- Change in contact (phone, email)
- Change in course, institution, or study load
- Any visa extension or bridging visa
You typically do this via your ImmiAccount online.
Respond to Requests Quickly
Sometimes, authorities may ask for additional documents or information. You must respond quickly and fully. Delay or incomplete response may lead to rejection or cancellation.
What Happens if You Fall Out of Compliance?
If you break visa rules, the consequences may include:
- Visa cancellation
- Refusal to renew or extend
- Being asked to leave Australia
- Difficulty getting future visas or credits
If you sense a risk, contact your institution’s international student office or a migration advisor. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Special Considerations for Indian Students
Before You Travel
When you decide to study in Australia for Indian students, you must prepare well:
- Apply early for your visa
- Budget for visa costs and financial requirements
- Choose a CRICOS-registered course
- Ensure all documents are properly certified and translated
While in Australia
Indian students must:
- Maintain good academic standing
- Respect working-hour limits
- Keep financial records in order
- Avoid any legal or criminal offense
Also, many Indian students wonder how to apply for study in Australia from India. This includes getting admissions, applying for CoE, and then the visa. Once you arrive, the rules don’t relax — compliance is still mandatory.
Tips & Best Practices
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to enroll or apply for visa renewal.
- Keep copies: Maintain soft and hard copies of all documents (visa grant notice, OSHC, CoE, financial proofs).
- Stay informed: Check updates from Department of Home Affairs; rules may change.
- Use support services: Your university’s international student office can guide you.
- Budget extra: Always keep a buffer in your funds for unexpected costs (medical, fines, requests).
- Limit unnecessary travel: Leaving and re-entering Australia often may complicate your status; check travel conditions.
- Seek professional help when needed: If your visa is complex (changing courses, bridging visas), consult a registered migration agent.
Maintaining visa compliance as a student in Australia involves attention to rules, staying current with changes, and planning wisely. By respecting your visa conditions, managing your finances, and staying enrolled properly, you can focus on learning and building your future.
