- Kolkata, India
Australia Student Visa 2026
Australia Student Visa 2026: Comprehensive Guide to IELTS, Work Rights, and Financial Requirements
Are you planning to study in Australia in 2026? Big changes are coming! The Australian government has updated the student visa (subclass 500) and the post-study work visa (subclass 485) rules.
If you want your application to be successful, you need to know about the new English scores, the higher bank balance requirements, and the new age limits. Here is everything explained in simple steps.
| What Changed? | The New 2026 Rule |
|---|---|
| Working Hours | 48 hours every 2 weeks (Unlimited during holidays) |
| Stay After Study | 2 years (Bachelor/Master) • 3 years (PhD) |
| Money Needed | AUD 29,710 in your bank account |
| Visa Cost | AUD 2,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.0 Minimum |
| Age Limit | Must be under 35 years for the 485 visa |
Student Visa (Subclass 500): What You Need to Know
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is what allows you to live and study in Australia. Here are the four biggest updates:
1. You Need More Savings
Australia has increased the "living cost" requirement. To prove you can support yourself, you now need to show AUD 29,710 for one year. If you are bringing a partner or a child, that amount goes up.
2. Higher IELTS Scores
The English requirement is stricter now. For a degree, you usually need an IELTS score of 6.0. If you are doing a foundation course, you need a 5.5.
3. The "Genuine Student" (GS) Test
The old GTE system is gone. Now, the government uses the GS requirement. They will check if your chosen course actually matches your past studies and if you truly plan to follow the visa rules.
4. Updated Work Rights
While studying, you can work 48 hours every fortnight (two weeks). If you are a PhD or Master’s by Research student, you have no work limits at all!
5. No "Visa Hopping"
You can no longer arrive in Australia on a tourist visa and then try to switch to a student visa while you are there. You must apply for your student visa from your home country.
Working After Graduation: The 485 Visa Rules
The Temporary Graduate Visa (485) lets you stay and work in Australia after you finish your degree.
- New Age Limit: You must be under 35 years old to apply (this was 50 before).
- How Long Can You Stay?
- Bachelor’s or Master’s: 2 years.
- PhD or Research: 3 years.
- Regional Areas: You might get 1 or 2 extra years if you study in smaller cities.
- English for Work: To get this visa, you need an IELTS 6.5 overall.
Why Is This Happening?
These Australia student visa updates 2026 are designed to make sure students get a high-quality education and are ready for their careers. While the rules are a bit tougher, they help ensure you are well-prepared for life in Australia.
At ApplyRoute, our experienced team members know exactly how to handle these new rules. We help you pick the right university, check your documents, and make sure your study abroad journey to Australia is easy and stress-free.