Study in Australia.

Subclass 500 is the only student visa for Australia. It allows you to study full-time at a registered Australian institution (CRICOS registered). The visa is valid for the duration of your course plus extra time. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during studies and unlimited hours during breaks. Visa fee is $2,000 AUD (approximately ₹1,12,000 INR).

For Indian students, Australian student visa processing takes 6-12 weeks on average. Evidence Level 1 countries like India have faster processing. However, during peak intake seasons (February and July), processing may take longer. We recommend applying at least 3-4 months before your course start date. EEC has high visa success rate with average 8-week processing.

For Nepali students, Australian student visa processing takes 8-14 weeks. Nepal is classified as Evidence Level 2, which means additional scrutiny. You must apply through VFS Global in Kathmandu. Biometrics are mandatory. We recommend applying 4-5 months before course start. Medical examination must be done at IOM panel clinic in Kathmandu.

For Sri Lankan students, Australian student visa processing takes 8-12 weeks. Sri Lanka is Evidence Level 2 country. Apply through VFS Global in Colombo. Biometrics required at VFS center. Medical must be done at panel physicians in Colombo. We recommend applying 4 months before course start date.

Australian student visa (Subclass 500) fee is $2,000 AUD in 2026 (increased from $1,600 in July 2025). This equals approximately ₹1,12,000 INR, NPR 1,80,000, or LKR 6,00,000. Additional costs include biometrics fee (if applicable), health examination (₹5,000-8,000), and OSHC health insurance ($500-700 AUD per year). Total visa-related costs are approximately $3,000-3,500 AUD.

Australia classifies countries by Evidence Level for visa processing. Level 1 (Low Risk): India - streamlined processing, fewer documents needed. Level 2 (Medium Risk): Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh - more documents required, longer processing. Level 3 (High Risk): Pakistan, some African countries - extensive documentation, highest scrutiny. Your evidence level affects processing time and document requirements.

Yes, Australian student visa is applied 100% online through ImmiAccount portal (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Create account, fill Form 157A, upload documents, pay fee online. No embassy visit needed for Indians. Nepal and Sri Lanka students must also provide biometrics at VFS center. EEC provides complete application assistance and document upload support.

From July 2024, Australia banned "visa hopping" - you cannot switch from Visitor Visa (subclass 600) to Student Visa (subclass 500) while inside Australia. You must apply for student visa from your home country (offshore). This rule prevents misuse of tourist visas. If you are in Australia on tourist visa, you must return home to apply for student visa.

Genuine Student (GS) replaced the old GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) from March 2024. GS assesses if you are a genuine student who will: 1) Study and complete your course, 2) Return home or apply for further visa legally, 3) Have genuine reasons for choosing Australia and your course. Immigration checks your economic situation, course relevance, and immigration history. Generic SOPs lead to instant refusal.

To pass GS test: 1) Show clear career goals and how Australian course helps, 2) Explain why Australia over other countries, 3) Demonstrate strong ties to home country (family, property, job offer), 4) Show financial capacity without strain, 5) Have consistent study and work history, 6) Avoid course downgrades (e.g., Masters to Diploma). EEC provides GS interview coaching and SOP writing.

Common GS interview questions: 1) Why did you choose this course? 2) Why Australia and not UK/Canada? 3) What is your career plan after graduation? 4) Who is sponsoring your education and their income? 5) Do you have relatives in Australia? 6) Why this university specifically? 7) What do you know about the city you will study in? 8) What is your current job and salary? Prepare honest, specific answers.

SOP (Statement of Purpose) for Australia must address GS criteria: 1) Your educational background, 2) Why this specific course and university, 3) Why Australia (not generic reasons), 4) Career goals and how course helps, 5) Financial situation and sponsors, 6) Ties to home country, 7) Plans after course completion. SOP should be 800-1000 words, personalized, not copied from internet. EEC writes customized SOPs.

Yes, common rejection reasons: 1) Failed GS assessment - not genuine student, 2) Insufficient funds or fake documents, 3) Course downgrade (Masters to Diploma), 4) Large study gap without justification, 5) Previous visa refusals, 6) Inconsistent information in application, 7) Health or character issues. EEC has high success rate because we pre-screen applications and fix issues before filing.

Study gaps are acceptable if justified properly. You must provide: 1) Gap explanation letter, 2) Proof of activities during gap (work experience letters, salary slips), 3) ITR for gap years if employed. Gaps for work experience are viewed positively. Unexplained gaps of 3+ years raise red flags. EEC helps create strong gap justification documents.

Yes, you can reapply after refusal. Steps: 1) Understand exact refusal reason from decision letter, 2) Address the specific issue (more funds, better SOP, different course), 3) Wait 6-12 months if possible, 4) Provide new supporting documents, 5) Consider different university or course if needed. EEC specializes in refused visa cases with 85% success rate on reapplications.