BlueZone / Study destinations / Study in Australia
Study in Australia: visa, costs, universities and work rights for Pakistani students
A researched guide with 2026 figures from official and industry sources. Last verified 29 September 2026.
Book free counsellingWhy Pakistani students choose Australia
- A large choice of universities and vocational providers, with strong subject depth in engineering, IT, business, health and education.
- Global rankings: nine Australian universities are in the QS 2026 top 100, and UNSW ranks first in the country for employment outcomes in that edition.
- Work rights during study help with living costs, and graduates can look at the Temporary Graduate visa.
- Established Pakistani and South Asian communities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth make settling in easier.
Student visa (subclass 500): step by step
- Get an offerApply to a CRICOS-registered course and accept your offer.
- Pay the deposit and receive your CoEYou cannot lodge the visa without an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Buy OSHCOverseas Student Health Cover must cover your whole stay.
- Prepare your Genuine Student answersExplain your study, financial and career reasoning clearly and specifically.
- Gather funds and English evidenceTests generally need to be taken in person. Show genuine access to the required funds.
- Lodge in ImmiAccountPay the visa charge, complete health and biometrics if asked, and reply quickly to any request.
What it costs (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 500 visa charge | A$2,500 | Up from A$2,000. Non-refundable. Applies to applications lodged from 1 July 2026. |
| Living-cost funds to show | A$29,710 per year | Single applicant. Extra amounts apply for a partner or children. |
| OSHC | Roughly A$500 to A$700 per year for a single student | Varies by insurer and length of cover. |
| Tuition | Set by each university and course | We give a course-specific quote at counselling. |
| Temporary Graduate visa (485) | A$5,750 | From 1 July 2026, for the main Post-Higher Education Work stream. |
Some websites still show older fees such as A$1,600 or A$2,000. Always confirm on the Home Affairs visa pricing page before you pay.
Top Australian universities (QS World Rankings 2026 edition)
| University | Global rank | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 19 | Top-ranked in Australia, strong research |
| UNSW Sydney | 20 | Engineering, IT and graduate employment |
| University of Sydney | 25 | Medicine, law and broad research |
| Australian National University | 32 | Research, policy and sciences |
| Monash University | 36 | Large, international, wide course range |
| University of Queensland | 42 | Teaching awards and research |
A newer QS 2027 edition has been published. Check topuniversities.com for the latest position, and compare subject rankings for your course.
English, work rights and the national cap
- English: the visa minimum is often quoted at IELTS 5.5 overall, but universities usually ask for more, commonly 6.0 to 6.5 or higher for degrees. Your offer letter states the exact score.
- Work: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with no fixed limit in scheduled breaks.
- Cap: the government limits new international enrolments through a national planning level. For 2026 it is reported at 295,000 places, shared among providers. Early applications matter.
After graduation: Temporary Graduate visa (485)
- The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for graduates of eligible degrees from CRICOS-registered courses.
- Study must be completed on a student visa, taught in English, and total at least 92 weeks over 16 or more months.
- You must lodge within the allowed time after finishing, and meet the English test score for the stream.
- Reported length for degree holders is two to three years. Confirm your exact stream and duration on the Home Affairs page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Australian student visa cost?
The base charge for most Subclass 500 applicants is A$2,500 for applications lodged from 1 July 2026. It is non-refundable. Budget separately for OSHC, health checks and any English test.
How much money must I show for a student visa?
A single applicant must show access to A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs, on top of tuition and travel. Home Affairs reviews this figure, so confirm it before you lodge.
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and without a fixed limit during scheduled course breaks. Check your visa conditions in VEVO.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
Since 23 March 2024 it replaces the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test. You answer targeted online questions about why this course, this provider and this country. Generic answers are a common cause of refusal.
Can I stay and work after I graduate?
Many graduates apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The base charge is A$5,750 from 1 July 2026, and you must meet study, English and timing rules. The length depends on your stream and qualification.
When should I start applying?
Start 9 to 12 months before your intake. Main intakes are around February and July, and some providers offer others. Early applications leave time for tests, offers, funds evidence and the visa.
Sources and how we verify
Figures checked on 29 September 2026 against these pages. This guide is general information, not legal or migration advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Department of Home Affairs before you apply.
Study in Australia with BlueZone Consultants
BlueZone Consultants guides students from Abbottabad, Mansehra, Hazara and across Pakistan through every stage of a Australia application: choosing the course and university, checking documents and attestation, preparing the offer and visa file, then planning money, housing and arrival.
Your first counselling session is free. Bring your transcripts, passport and English test result if you have one, and we will tell you honestly whether Australia fits your grades and budget.
Check your options for Australia
Talk to a counsellor, then use the guides below to prepare.