Australia Student Visa 2026: AUD 2,500 Fee, Genuine Student Test and What Changed

What are the 2026 Australia student visa costs?

The Subclass 500 visa fee is now AUD 2,500 (approximately PKR 4,50,000). Financial capacity required is AUD 31,860 (approximately PKR 57,00,000) for the first year, plus tuition and travel.

Requirement	Amount	PKR Equivalent
Visa application fee	AUD 2,500	~PKR 4,50,000
Financial capacity (1 year)	AUD 31,860	~PKR 57,00,000
Tuition (first year)	AUD 20,000–50,000	~PKR 36,00,000–90,00,000
Overseas Student Health Cover	AUD 600–800/year	~PKR 1,08,000–1,44,000

What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

GS replaces the older GTE test. Your statement must explain why you chose Australia, how the programme relates to your career goals, and why you will return to Pakistan. Be specific and honest — generic templates are easily detected.

What is Ministerial Direction 115?

Australia uses a traffic light processing system. Pakistani applicants fall under amber, meaning additional scrutiny on financial and genuine student requirements. Green-rated institutions (like Group of Eight universities) offer faster processing.

Can I switch from a tourist visa to a student visa onshore?

No. From 2026, visitors and 485 holders in Australia cannot switch to a student visa onshore. They must leave and apply from overseas. Apply for the student visa directly from Pakistan.

How many hours can I work while studying?

You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time (approximately 24 hours/week) and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. A Tax File Number (TFN) is required for legal employment.

What is the 485 graduate visa and its new restrictions?

The Subclass 485 allows 2-4 years of post-study work depending on qualification level. The age limit has been reduced to 35 years (from 50). It is a popular pathway to permanent residency through General Skilled Migration.

Qualification Level	485 Duration	Age Limit
Bachelor's / Master's coursework	2 years	35
Master's by research	3 years	35
Doctoral	4 years	35

What documentation should Pakistani applicants prepare?

Provide bank statements showing consistent balances, source of funds documentation, academic transcripts, English proficiency results, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Australia scrutinises funds from high-risk countries closely.