One of the most common topics among those preparing to study in Australia right now is the changes to visa regulations. Significant updates surrounding the Student Visa 500 (Subclass 500) and the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 - including application fee increases and age limit adjustments - have caused considerable confusion among current international students and prospective applicants alike. In particular, the changes introduced between 2024 and 2026 can lead to unexpected refusals if approached using outdated methods, making it essential to have a thorough understanding of the current requirements in advance. This article walks through the key regulatory changes confirmed in practice and the points that are easy to overlook.

CoE Is Now Mandatory: A Letter of Offer Is No Longer Sufficient

This is one of the most practically significant changes introduced since 1 January 2025. Previously, it was possible to lodge a visa application with just a Letter of Offer from the institution. Now, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) - issued after tuition fees have been paid - must be included at the time of application.

Applications submitted without a CoE are legally invalid, and in such cases, a Bridging Visa to protect your lawful status in Australia will not be granted. Without a Bridging Visa, your legal basis for remaining in Australia disappears the moment your current visa expires. If your visa expiry date is approaching, the first thing to check is your CoE issuance timeline, and we strongly recommend preparing well in advance.

GTE Abolished, GS Test Introduced: The Assessment Method Has Changed

• What Is the GS Test?

The GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement format that was previously used has been officially abolished and replaced by the GS Test (Genuine Student Test). This new framework assesses whether an applicant is a genuine student with a sincere academic purpose, using a set of more specific questions - it is fundamentally different in nature from the previous personal statement submission approach.

• What Do You Need to Answer?

During the visa application process, applicants must respond to questions about their current personal circumstances, family situation, financial background, and academic motivation, each within 150 words. The key is to logically explain why you have chosen Australia and how the course relates to your future plans.

One notable feature is that applicants are required to agree to a declaration acknowledging that their prospects of obtaining permanent residency after graduation may be limited. Since the consistency and logical flow of your answers can influence the outcome of the assessment, it is advisable to review the structure of your responses with a professional before submitting.

Financial Requirements: Check Both the Amount and the Supporting Documents

• Updated Minimum Living Cost Threshold

Under the revised criteria applicable from 10 May 2024, the primary applicant must demonstrate that they have at least AUD 29,710 available to cover living costs for 12 months in Australia. If accompanying family members are included, an additional AUD 10,394 is required for a spouse, and AUD 4,449 per dependent child.

It is important to note that a single bank statement showing the required balance may not be sufficient to meet this requirement. Case officers review not only the balance amount but also the source of the funds, how they were accumulated, and whether they are genuinely accessible. If the origin of the funds is unclear or there are signs of a large recent deposit, the application may be refused without a request for additional documents. Financial documents should be prepared systematically, with plenty of time to spare.

• Application Fee Increase

As of 2026, the application fee for the primary applicant for a student visa is AUD 2,000, an increase of AUD 400 from the previous fee of AUD 1,600. Additional costs apply for each accompanying family member, so this must be factored into your initial study budget. Since visa application fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome, it is critical to ensure that documents are complete and eligibility requirements are met before proceeding with the application.

English Proficiency Requirements: Check Both IELTS and PTE

• Changes to Minimum IELTS Score

The minimum IELTS score required for a student visa application has been raised from 5.5 to 6.0. However, a slightly different standard applies when English language courses are bundled together as a package. If packaged with 10 weeks of English study, a score of 5.5 or above is sufficient; if packaged with 20 weeks, a score of 5.0 or above meets the requirement. Depending on your current score, it may be worth strategically considering whether to apply with an English language course package.

• PTE Requirements and Online Test Recognition

For PTE, a minimum score of 47 is required for direct entry for tests taken from 7 August 2025 onwards. One important point to note is that tests taken in a home environment - such as IELTS Online or PTE Online - are not accepted for visa application purposes. If you sat your test online for convenience, that result cannot be used as part of your visa documentation. Please ensure you obtain your results from an authorised test centre.

Visa Hopping Restrictions: Onshore Switching Is Not Permitted in Principle

This change, effective from 1 July 2024, has a direct impact on stay strategies. Holders of a Visitor Visa or a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) are not permitted to apply for a student visa onshore - that is, from within Australia.

If you hold one of these visas and wish to resume your studies, you must depart Australia, apply for a student visa from overseas, receive approval, and then re-enter the country. There have been cases where applicants encountered unexpected complications because they did not accurately identify their current visa type before proceeding with an application. Please make sure to verify your current visa status before lodging any application.

Closing: Finding the Right Direction Within a Changing Regulatory Environment

The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) is not simply a matter of gathering documents and submitting them. English proficiency, CoE preparation, GS Test responses, financial evidence, and the application pathway are all interconnected requirements - if any one of them is not met, it can affect the entire application.

Regulations continue to evolve, and the outcome can vary significantly depending on how well you prepare, even in identical circumstances. If you find it difficult to prepare on your own, or if you are unclear about which requirements apply to your specific situation, consulting with a professional is the safest approach.

Visa Green draws on over 15 years of practical experience to provide accurate guidance and tailored strategies based on individual circumstances. If you have any questions during your preparation, please feel free to reach out for a consultation at any time. We are here to help ensure that your Australian journey starts on the right footing.

Legal Disclaimer: This post is intended solely for general informational purposes to assist readers in their understanding. As outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances and applicable laws, we accept no legal responsibility for any results arising from interpreting this content as legal advice or relying upon it. For specific matters, please ensure you consult with a qualified professional.