Student visa financial requirements

What is the minimum amount?

If your course is shorter than 12 months, or you will stay less than 12 months, calculate pro rata: divide the annual cost by 365, then multiply by the number of days you will stay. Since 2 October 2026 most students can no longer bring family, so the partner and child lines mainly apply to the exempt groups in the changes guide.

Course fees

Use the first 12 months of fees. If the course is 12 months or less, use the total. Take off anything you have already paid, and be ready to show a receipt or CoE.

• A$50,000 over 3 years: about A$16,666 for 12 months
• A$15,000 for 10 months, A$5,000 already paid: A$10,000
• A$20,000 for 18 months: (20,000 / 18) x 12 = about A$13,333

If you are already in Australia and your course has started, work out 12 months of fees from the day you lodge.

Travel costs

• East or Southern Africa: A$2,500
• West Africa: A$3,000
• Anywhere else outside Australia: A$2,000
• Applying inside Australia: A$1,000
• Add A$1,500 if you will be returning to Africa

Evidence of funds

Accepted evidence includes money in a financial institution, a government loan or a loan from a financial institution, and scholarships or similar financial support.

You can instead show that your parents or your partner had a personal annual income of at least:

• A$87,856 in the 12 months before you apply, or
• A$102,500 if you are bringing family

If both parents work, their combined income can be counted. Use official documents such as tax assessments less than 12 months old. Bank statements and letters from an employer are not accepted for income.

Access to the money

You must also show you can actually access the money. If someone else is providing it, give evidence of your relationship, their identity documents, and evidence of any financial support they have given you or another Student visa holder.

When do you need to attach it?

If the Document Checklist tool tells you to provide evidence of funds, attach it when you lodge. If you do not, your application can be refused without a request for more information. Even if the checklist does not ask for it, the Department can still request it later. Family members who apply after the visa is granted must always attach evidence.

Special cases

• Secondary exchange students: a completed AASES form.
• DFAT and Defence students: a letter of support, plus proof of funds for any family travelling with them.
• Doctoral students and Commonwealth scholarship holders with a fee-waived government school place for a child do not need to show schooling costs, but must show the child is enrolled.