Requirements to study, work, or travel to Australia
Not everyone comes to Australia with the same purpose, and the visa you need depends on two things: your passport and whatever you want to do here.
Here are the three main paths, with the actual requirements for each. Identify yours and get straight to it.
Which visa do you need?
Subclass 500 · Most requested
I want to study and work
The student visa is the most flexible pathway and the only one open to any nationality. The duration depends on the months of coursework you contract, plus the corresponding vacation time.
- You study the course or program of your choice
- You work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term, and without limit during official holidays
- Multiple entries: you can leave and re-enter without any problem
- No age limit
Subclass 462
I want to work and travel for a year
The Work and Holiday gives you twelve months with the right to work without hour limits. But it's not open to everyone: it depends on your passport.
Requirements
- To be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of requesting it
- Not traveling with dependent children
- Prove at least two years of higher education
- Demonstrate a functional level of English
- Sufficient funds to support yourself and for your return ticket
Latin American and Spanish passports with access: Spain, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Colombia and Mexico do not have an agreement with Australia for this visa, so if you have one of those two passports, your path is the student visa.
eVisitor 651 · Visitor 600
I'm just here on vacation
The tourist visa usually gives you a one-year validity with stays of up to three months per entry. There are six- or twelve-month options, more oriented toward those who come to visit family and with more demanding financial requirements.
Two important limitations: it doesn't allow you to work, and generally you can't change it for another visa from within Australia. If you think you're going to want to stay, choose another pathway from the beginning.
Not sure which one fits you? Tell us your passport, your age, and what you want to do in Australia, and we will tell you in a moment. It is what we do every day.
Documents for the student visa
Depending on your nationality, your studies, and your personal circumstances, you will be asked for more or less documentation. These are the pillars.
Passport
Check that it is not expired or about to expire. Ideally, it should cover the entire period of your visa: you can save yourself the trouble of having to renew it at your consulate while already in Australia. The longer the validity, the better, because once you are there, you never know when you might want to extend your stay.
CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
The code that certifies that you are officially enrolled in an Australian course. It is essential, and it also determines the duration of your visa: it matches that of your course.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Mandatory due to condition 8501 of your visa. It must cover you for your entire stay, from the moment you land until your visa expires. We will arrange it for you.
Genuine Student (GS)
Since March 2024, it replaces the old GTE, and it works differently: It is no longer a letter. There are four questions within the form itself, with a maximum of 150 words each and in English. Those applying from within Australia answer a fifth one.
They cover your current situation, why you chose that course and institution, how it will benefit you, and any other relevant information. It is the part that carries the most weight in the decision, and we help you prepare it.
Academic transcripts
Your basic education completed and, if you have them, university degrees or of any other category. Everything counts to give coherence to your profile.
English level
For direct entry to a main course, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. For pathway programs, 5.5. With packaged ELICOS prior to the main course, 5.0. If you are coming just to study English, there is no exam requirement for the visa.
Medical tests
Depending on your country of origin and your situation, you may be asked for them. We will notify you if that is your case.
If someone finances you
Letter signed by that person stating the family relationship and the reasons why they are covering your expenses, plus a copy of their ID.
You have the full detail, with downloadable templates, in our guide documents for your visa.
How much does it cost and what do I need to prove
In addition to the course fee, these are the expenses to keep in mind:
Visa fee
2.050 – 2.500 AUD
2,050 AUD for ELICOS and non-award courses. 2,500 AUD for VET and postgraduate studies.
Economic capacity
29,710 AUD per year
Living expenses to be verified. An additional 10,394 AUD per couple and 4,449 AUD per child will be added.
Health insurance
According to policy
It varies depending on the insurance company, duration, and whether you are traveling with someone. We'll calculate it for you.
To this must be added the plane ticket and the first year's tuition for the course. The funds must be traceable and of demonstrable origina large deposit made a few weeks before applying is a known red flag for officers.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can I work with a student visa?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic period, and unlimited during the official holidays of your course. The calculation is fortnightly, not weekly.
Can Colombians and Mexicans apply for the Work and Holiday visa?
No. Colombia and Mexico do not have an agreement with Australia for the 462 visa. The available pathway is the student visa, which also has no age limit and allows working.
Does the GTE letter still exist?
No. Since March 2024, it has been replaced by the Genuine Student requirement, which is no longer a separate letter but four questions within the form, with a maximum of 150 words each and in English.
Can I change from a tourist visa to a student visa while in Australia?
Usually not. A tourist visa usually carries conditions that prevent applying for another visa from within the country. If your intention is to stay, choose the appropriate route from the beginning.
Is there an age limit for the student visa?
No. Unlike the Work and Holiday, which is limited to 18-30 years old, the student visa has no age limit. What does have to be consistent is your profile with the course you choose.
Figures and requirements updated as of September 2026. Visa fees and economic capacity amounts are periodically reviewed. Always verify the current conditions at the Department of Home Affairs before submitting your application, or write to us and we'll review it with you.