Australia now assesses every student visa against the Genuine Student requirement and a higher living cost figure. Here is what has changed and how to prepare.
Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for Nepali students, but its student visa (subclass 500) has changed considerably over the past two years. If you are planning to apply in 2025, these are the requirements to understand.
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement
Since 23 March 2024, the Genuine Student requirement has replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test. Instead of a long personal statement, applicants answer specific questions in the visa application about:
- your current circumstances, including family, community and economic ties,
- why you chose this course, provider and Australia,
- how the course connects to your previous study and future career, and
- any other relevant information, such as study gaps.
Your answers should be honest, specific and consistent with your documents. Generic answers copied from the internet are one of the most common reasons for refusal.
Financial capacity
You must show you can pay for tuition, travel and living costs. The 12-month living cost figure for a single student is AUD 29,710, an amount that has applied since May 2024. Families must show additional amounts for an accompanying partner or children. Officers look closely at the source of funds, so evidence such as bank statements, education loans and income documents should be genuine and well explained.
Visa application fee
From 1 July 2025, the base student visa application charge increased to AUD 2,000. Budget for this alongside health checks, biometrics and document translation.
English and health cover
- The minimum English requirement for a student visa is an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent, or 5.5 if you are taking an English course (ELICOS) first. Universities often set higher scores for their courses.
- You need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full length of your visa.
Work rights
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and without limit during scheduled course breaks.
How Bhawishya can help
We help students choose courses that genuinely fit their background, prepare clear Genuine Student answers and organise financial documents properly. Book a free session before you lodge your application.
Have questions about your plans?
Book a free 30-minute session with our counsellors.