Australia Student Visa 2026 Updates: IELTS, Fees, Work Rights & Post-Study Stay Explained

Australia continues to refine its student visa framework to ensure high-quality education standards, better compliance, and a smoother transition for international students. The new rules for 2026 bring changes in English requirements, financial capacity, work rights, visa processing, and post-study opportunities.

If you’re planning to study in Australia in 2025–2026 intakes, here is the most accurate, up-to-date, and simplified guide to help you understand what’s changing—and how it affects your study plans.

Quick Summary of Australia Student Visa 2026 Changes

Category	2026 Update
In-study work hours	48 hours/fortnight (during term), unlimited during breaks. Research Master’s & PhD = unlimited.
Post-study work rights	2 years for Bachelor/Master’s Coursework; 3 years for Master’s Research/PhD; Extra 1–2 years for regional study.
Financial proof	AUD 29,710 for yearly living costs (new requirement). Additional: Partner – AUD 10,394
Visa fee (Subclass 500)	Increased to AUD 2,000 from 2025.
Dependants	Allowed (studying & working conditions apply).
Important 2026 changes	New GS requirement, IELTS raised to 6.0, new traffic-light visa processing model (Direction 115), age limit for 485 reduced to 35, no onshore switch from visitor/485 to student.

Student Visa (Subclass 500): Complete Breakdown for 2026

The Student Visa Subclass 500 lets international students live, study, and work in Australia throughout the duration of their course. The new rules emphasise English proficiency, financial readiness, and compliance.

1. Financial Capacity Requirement (Updated for 2026)

International students must now show AUD 29,710 as proof of annual living expenses (previously AUD 24,505).
Additional requirements:

• Partner: AUD 10,394
• Dependent child: AUD 4,449
  

This ensures students can comfortably manage their living costs in Australia.

2. Student Visa Application Fee

From 2025, the visa application charge for subclass 500 has increased to:

AUD 2,000 per applicant

3. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement – Replaces GTE

Australia has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Students must clearly explain:

• Why they chose their course & university
• How it aligns with their academic or career path
• How they will comply with visa conditions
• Personal background supporting their study plan
  

This requirement makes the application more transparent and student-focused.

4. Updated English Language Requirements (2026)

Australia has increased the minimum English scores for student visa applicants:

Course Type	Minimum IELTS Score
Higher Education (Bachelor/Master)	6.0 overall
ELICOS (English courses)	5.0
Foundation / Pathway Programs	5.5

5. Work Rights During Study

In-study work hours remain capped to maintain academic focus:

• 48 hours per fortnight during active study periods
• Unlimited work hours during semester breaks
• Master’s by Research & PhD students: Unlimited work hours

This allows students to gain experience while staying compliant.

New Visa Processing System for 2026 (Direction 115)

From 14 November 2025, offshore student visa applications will be assessed using the Traffic-Light University Processing Model.

This model is designed to make outcomes faster and more consistent.

Green Zone

• Universities using <80% of their allocated enrollment
  
• Fastest processing
  

Amber Zone

• Using 80–115% of allocation
  
• Standard processing
  

Red Zone

• Using >115% of allocation
  
• Slower processing
  

Students should choose institutions with strong compliance and enrolment capacity to receive faster decisions.

Visa Transitions – Important Restriction

Students on the following visas cannot switch to a student visa from inside Australia:

• Visitor visa
  
• Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
  

All new student visa applications must be lodged offshore.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Study Work Rules for 2026

The Temporary Graduate Visa lets international graduates stay in Australia to gain local work experience.

Australia has now renamed and streamlined the streams.

Renamed 485 Visa Streams

Previous Name	New Name (2025 onwards)	Who it is for
Post-Study Work Stream	Post-Higher Education Work Stream	Bachelor/Master/Doctoral degree holders
Graduate Work Stream	Post-Vocational Education Work Stream	VET graduates with skills linked to SOL occupations
Second Post-Study Work Stream	Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream	Graduates from designated regional areas

Eligibility Changes for 2026

1. Age Limit Reduced

• New maximum age: 35 years (previously 50)
  

2. Higher English Scores Required

Minimum IELTS requirement:

• 6.5 overall
  
• 5.5 in each band
  
• Test results must be issued within 12 months before applying
  

3. Study Requirements

You must complete:

• A CRICOS-registered course
  
• In Australia
  
• On a valid student visa
  

Post-Study Work Duration (Valid for 2026)

Qualification	485 Visa Duration
Bachelor’s Degree	2 years
Master’s by Coursework	2 years
Master’s by Research	3 years
PhD	3 years

Regional Extension

Students studying in designated regional areas may receive 1–2 additional years.

Note:

The previous 2-year extension for select skill-shortage degrees (introduced in 2023) has ended.

What These Changes Mean for Indian Students

Here’s how Indian students benefit from the 2026 visa framework:

• Stronger English standards = Better academic outcomes
• Clear GS requirement = Higher transparency in visa approvals
• Predictable processing times (traffic-light system)
• Post-study work opportunities remain strong
• Regional areas still offer extended stay benefits
• Dependants allowed, making Australia family-friendly

FAQs: Australia Student Visa 2026

1. What is the minimum IELTS score for Australia in 2026?

Minimum 6.0 overall for higher education programs.

2. Has the Australia student visa fee increased?

Yes, the visa fee is now AUD 2,000 per applicant.

3. Can I work during my studies in Australia?

Yes. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks.

4. Can dependants work in Australia on a student visa?

Yes. Work rights depend on the level of the primary student’s course.

5. How long is the post-study work visa?

2–3 years depending on your qualification level.

6. Can I apply for a student visa from inside Australia?

No, 2026 rules require offshore applications if you are on a visitor or 485 visa.

Need Guidance? We Can Help You Apply Smoothly

At AVF / Study & Work Abroad, we help students apply for:

• Australia student visas (Subclass 500)
  
• Post-study work visas (Subclass 485)
  
• Course selection
  
• University applications
  
• SOP, GS, and financial documentation
  

Our expert counsellors guide you through every step—ensuring error-free applications and faster outcomes.