Australia Study Visa Processing Time 2025-26: A Detailed Guide

An Australian Study Visa, formally known as a Subclass 500 Student Visa, is a type of visa that allows international students to study full-time in Australia. As part of the visa application process, you will need to prove to the Home Office that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes. To prove this, the student needs to provide information about their educational background, plans, and ties to their home country.  It is important to note that visa requirements and regulations may change over time. We, therefore, recommend every student check the official website of the Home Office or contact their registered immigration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information on Australian study visas before applying for your visa.  

How to Apply for the Australian Student Visa (subclass 500)?

Check the steps below to learn the application process for the Australian Student Visa:

• To apply the candidates must have a valid passport and they must apply online for the visa at least 8 weeks before their program starts
• The application can be made on the official site of the country
• Students must gather all the important documents before submitting their application
• the documents need to be submitted post filling out the application form with the correct information following which the fee needs to be paid
• Students must regularly check the status of their Australian student visa by logging into their ImmiAccounts

Also Read: Learn about the Cost of Studying in Australia

Types of Australian Student Visa

There are three types of Australian student visa and training visa:

• Student Visa (subclass 500) – Allows student to visit Australia for a course of study
• Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) – Allows guardians to visit Australia to support the child holding a student visa
• Training Visa (subclass 407) – Allows to take part in a professional training development program

What is Australian Student Visa Processing Time (subclass 500)?

Subclass 500 is a type of student visa that allows a student to stay, study, and work in Australia. The processing time for an Australian Student visa varies depending on several factors such as the country from which the visa application is submitted, the number of applications, etc.

However, the average processing time for the Australian visa application is 59 days.

Students can reduce the Australian student visa processing time by ensuring that they have submitted the right documents and have submitted the application on time.

Student Visa (subclass 500): Australia Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25

The Australia Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25 is as follows:

Note: the processing time provided here is as per the application date of 01/01/2024. 90% of the visas are processed in the timeline given below:

Australian Student Visa Type	Australian Student Visa Stream	Australian Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25
Student Visa (subclass 500)	Higher Education Sector	71 Days
Student Visa (subclass 500)	Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector	25 Days
Student Visa (subclass 500)	Independent ELICOS Sector	55 Days
Student Visa (subclass 500)	Non-Award Sector	8 Days
Student Visa (subclass 500)	Postgraduate Research Sector	6 Months
Student Visa (subclass 500)	School Sector	69 Days
Student Visa (subclass 500)	Vocational Education and Training Sector	83 Days

The Australian Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25 for Student Guardian Visa is as follows. Note; the processing time provided here is as per the application date of 01/01/2024. 90 percent of the visas are processed in the timeline given.

Australian Student Visa Type	Australian Student Visa Stream	Australian Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25
Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590	Not Applicable	83 Days

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Visa Processing Time 2024-25

The Australia Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25 for Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is as follows. Note; the processing time provided here is as per the application date of 01/01/2024. 90% of the visas are processed in the timeline given.

Australian Student Visa Type	Australian Student Visa Stream	Australian Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)	Graduate Work	8 months
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)	Post Study Work	83 Days

Eligibility Criteria Australian Student Visa Processing Time (Subclass 500)

Check below the eligibility criteria for Australian Student Visa (subclass 500):

• Students must be at least 6 years of age to apply for the student visa
• Students must apply online in Australia for a program
• Students must hold Overseas Student Health Cover or fall under any of the exempted categories
• Under 18 students must be able to prove their welfare arrangements

Also Read: Learn about the best part-time jobs in Melbourne

Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) Allowances

Students having Australian visas (subclass 500) are allowed to:

• Travel in and out of Australia
• Stay up to 5 years at a stretch until the course of study ends
• Should have taken admission into an eligible course of study
• Work for 48 hours a fortnight during the study

Factors Affecting Australian Student Visa Processing Time (subclass 500) 

Check the several reasons that may lead to delays in Australian student visa processing time:

• If there is any mistake in the application
• If all the required documents are not attached to the application
• It also takes time to verify the information mentioned on the application
• The number of applications can also affect the Australian student visa processing time

Australian Student Visa Processing Time After Medical 2024-25

Getting a medical test is critical to obtaining an Australian student visa. Therefore, those who have applied for an Australian visa will have to undergo a medical test. After the medical screening, the Australian embassy is informed of the reports.

If there are no medical problems, then your application is further taken into account. After the medical screening, it will take around 1 month or 4 weeks to process your student visa. However, under exceptional circumstances, the visa processing can take around 8-10 weeks.

Reasons for Australia Student Visa Processing Time 2024-25 Variations 

The Australian embassy processes the visa on a case-by-case basis. However, due to several reasons, there can be variations in the processing time. These reasons are as follows:

• The applicant has not submitted the necessary documents for the visa application
• The responding time taken by the applicant to request more information
• The duration of time taken for required checks 
• Time taken by external agencies to provide information  relating to character, health, and national security 
• The number of places available for permanent visa applications 
• Other factors such as the volume of applications, and changes to ministerial directions

Also Read: Know all About Australia Visa Before Applying

Changes in Australia Student Visa Processing Time 2025-26

The Australian Student Visa Changes for 2025-26 include stringent policies on the language criteria for temporary graduate visas and student visas. These changes can also affect the Australia Student Visa Processing Time 2024. The changes are as follows:

Student Visa Type	Changes for 2025-26
Student SC500 visas (English language and GTE requirements)	The Genuine Student (GS) requirement will replace the Genuine Temporary Requirement (GTE)
	The amount of savings required by the international student would be increased
	The English language requirement will increase from 5.5 to 6 bands.(IELTS exam).
	The Concurrent Confirmation of Enrolment cannot be issued till the student has completed 6 months at the university
Temporary Graduate SC485 visas (Simplified)	The duration of the post-study work visa is changed. For example, BA/MA coursework-2 years
	The age limit has been changed from 50 to 35 years
	The English language requirement has been changed from 6.0 to 6.5.

Also Read: Here’s a List of Important Documents Required to Study Abroad in 2023  

Tips for a Successful Australia Study Visa Application

Here are some tips for a successful Australia Study Visa Application. 

• Select the visa type that matches your travelling purpose. Choosing the right visa type is crucial for a successful visa application
• Meet the eligibility requirements and submit all the required documents. Make sure the documents submitted are original and accurate
• Use the official website to submit the online application
• It is best to apply earlier than the set travel dates. 
• Check the visa application status and follow the rules once the visa is approved.

Top 10 universities in Australia 2025-26

According to the Times Higher Education (2024), the following are the top 10 Universities in Australia. The world ranking and the Australian ranking are provided for a better analysis.

Australia Ranking 2025	University Name	QS World Ranking2025
1	University of Melbourne	13
2	Monash University	37
3	University of Sydney	18
4	Australian National University	30
5	The University of Queensland	40
6	UNSW Sydney	19
7	University of Adelaide	82
8	The University of Western Australia	77
9	University of Technology Sydney	88
10	Macquarie University	113

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the Australia study visa processing time 2025-26 is essential for Indian students planning to study in Australia.

By submitting complete applications early and adhering to guidelines, students can avoid delays, ensuring they secure their visa in time for their academic pursuits abroad.

FAQs

If you are looking forward to taking admission to an international Institute then you must learn how to apply for a Visa. However, the visa process is a tedious yet mandatory task in which you must not take any risks. Our Leverage Edu visa experts are here to help you with the application process. So, connect with us today for a FREE Consultation call or call us at 1800572000.

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