Top 5 Funds Required for Australia Study Visa [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: To get an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) in 2025–2026, you must show at least AUD $29,710 for living costs, plus your first year of tuition and airfare—but the total varies by course, location, and dependents. Use NovenAI’s free tools to calculate your precise requirement in seconds.

Applying for an Australian student visa is exciting—but the financial evidence can feel overwhelming. The Department of Home Affairs requires you to prove you have enough money to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and (if applicable) your family members. Here’s exactly what you need, broken down into five clear categories.

1. What’s the minimum living cost requirement for a student visa in 2025–2026?

The minimum is AUD $29,710 per year for a single student, effective from 2025.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Student Visa financial capacity page, this figure was raised to reflect increased living costs. For a single student, you must show:

• AUD $29,710 for living costs (from 1 October 2024 – used for the 2025–2026 year)
• Plus, your first year of tuition fees (or 12 months’ worth if the course is shorter)
• Plus, airfare (approximately AUD $2,000–$3,000)

If you bring a partner, add AUD $10,394 per year. For a first child, add AUD $4,449; for each additional child, add AUD $3,100 per year.

Key points:

• Living costs are calculated on a 12-month basis, even if your course is shorter
• You can use Genuine Student (GS) evidence like a letter from your sponsor or bank statements
• Money must be liquid (cash, bank deposits, or loan) — not property or shares

For a personalised calculation, try the EOI Points Calculator and the Visa Success Predictor at NovenAI—they factor in your specific circumstances to give you a tailored number.

2. How do I prove I have enough funds for tuition fees?

You need to show evidence of tuition fees for the first year (or the full course if shorter).

Your tuition fee evidence can be:

• An official letter from your Australian education provider stating the fee
• A receipt showing you’ve already paid
• A loan approval letter from a recognised financial institution

The amount varies wildly: a Bachelor of Arts might cost AUD $30,000–$40,000 per year, while a Master of Engineering could be AUD $45,000–$55,000. Medicine and veterinary degrees can exceed AUD $80,000 annually.

What counts as evidence:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with tuition fees listed
• Bank statements showing the funds are available
• Scholarship or sponsorship letters from your government or employer

Use the English Level Guide at NovenAI to check if you need an English test—some universities waive the requirement if you’re from an English-speaking country, but the visa still requires IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) unless exempt.

3. Do I need to show funds for dependents (partner or children)?

Yes, you must show additional funds for each dependent joining you in Australia.

The requirements for 2025–2026 are clear:

• Partner: AUD $10,394 per year
• First child: AUD $4,449 per year
• Each additional child: AUD $3,100 per year

So if you’re a married student with one child, your minimum living cost is: AUD $29,710 (you) + AUD $10,394 (partner) + AUD $4,449 (child) = AUD $44,553 — just for living expenses. Add tuition and airfare, and the total easily exceeds AUD $80,000.

Pro tip from migration experts:
If your partner plans to work in Australia (student-dependent work rights are generally unlimited for full-time students), their income can help cover costs—but you still need to show the funds upfront at application stage.

4. What happens if I don’t have enough funds? Can I use a loan?

Yes, you can use an education loan from a recognised Indian or Australian bank.

If you don’t have enough cash, an approved loan is acceptable evidence. The Department accepts loans from:

• Indian banks like SBI, HDFC, or ICICI (with a letter confirming the loan)
• Australian banks
• Recognised international lenders

The loan must cover the total amount required: tuition + living costs + airfare + dependents. You do not need to have disbursed the loan—just the approval letter is sufficient.

What to avoid:

• Property valuation letters (not accepted)
• Fixed-term deposits with less than 3 months’ maturity
• Pay stubs alone (you need savings or a loan)

For a step-by-step breakdown of what documents to show, check the Visa Success Predictor at NovenAI—it’s free and tells you exactly where you stand.

5. Do the fund requirements change based on my country or Australian state?

No, the base living cost is universal, but tuition and airfare vary by location and course.

The Department of Home Affairs sets the living cost at AUD $29,710 for all applicants worldwide. However:

• Tuition fees differ between universities and courses (e.g., Sydney and Melbourne are pricier than Adelaide or Hobart)
• Airfare differs by country (e.g., AUD $2,000 from India vs. AUD $3,000 from the US)
• Schooling costs for children aged 5–18: If you bring school-aged children, you may need to show AUD $13,502 per year for each child’s school fees

Official resources:

• Department of Home Affairs – Student Visa Financial Capacity
• Australian Government – Study in Australia financial calculator
• State migration agency – cost of living (e.g., NSW)

Conclusion: Know your number and apply with confidence

Getting your Australian student visa isn’t just about money—it’s about showing the Department you’re prepared. By calculating your exact fund requirement using the tools at NovenAI—including the free EOI Points Calculator and Visa Success Predictor—you eliminate guesswork and reduce your risk of refusal.

Remember: funds are just one piece of the puzzle. You also need a Genuine Student statement, valid English test results, and a strong enrolment plan. But with the right financial evidence, you’re already halfway there.

Ready to calculate your exact funds? Use the free tools at https://www.novenai.com — your 24/7 AI migration mentor that cuts through the complexity. Start your application today.