AUD 2,000 - that’s just the application fee for an Australian student visa. Add AUD 29,710 per year in living costs you need to prove you have. Add tuition. And then the translation of every document that’s not in English - from AUD 60 per page. If even one document comes without a proper translation, your application gets sent back. Not rejected - just put on hold until you deliver what’s missing. Meanwhile, the semester starts without you.
If you’ve already dealt with NAATI-certified translation for Australia or Skills Assessment, some of these requirements will be familiar. But the student visa has its own specifics - and that’s exactly what we’re going to cover.
Student Visa (Subclass 500): Who Can Get It and What It Gives You¶
Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the only student visa in Australia. Whether you’re going for an ELICOS language course, a bachelor’s at the University of Melbourne, or a master’s at Monash University - it’s the same visa type.
What this visa gives you:
- Study on a course registered in the CRICOS register - the database of all programs available to international students
- The right to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks
- Option to bring your partner and children (separate application)
- Duration of up to 5 years, depending on your course
Core requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | From 6 (for school). ELICOS - from 18. No formal upper limit |
| CoE | Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered institution |
| Genuine Student (GS) | Pass the genuine intention to study test (replaced the old GTE from March 2024) |
| Financial capacity | AUD 29,710/year for living + tuition fees + AUD 2,000-3,000 for flights |
| English | IELTS 6.0 overall (min 5.5 in each component) for the visa. Universities require more |
| OSHC | Health insurance for international students - for the entire study period |
| Health and character | Medical exam + police clearance certificate |
The visa application is submitted online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Australia doesn’t accept paper applications.
Genuine Student (GS): The New Requirement That Replaced GTE¶
From March 23, 2024, Australia replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement - a test proving you planned to stay temporarily - with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. The difference matters.
Previously, you had to prove you’d return home after studying. Now you need to show you genuinely want to study, not just get a visa for work. Australia acknowledges that staying after studies through a graduate visa (Subclass 485) is a legitimate pathway.
The GS requirement acknowledges that post-study pathways to permanent residence are available to those eligible graduates. It focuses on whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia, rather than whether you intend to stay temporarily.
Instead of the old 300-word essay, you now answer specific questions:
- Why did you choose this particular course and country?
- How does this course relate to your previous education or work?
- How do you plan to use the qualification you’ll get?
- Why can’t you study this at home or in another country?
Your answers need to be specific and backed by documents. “I want to study IT because it’s a growing field” won’t cut it. “I’ve worked as a front-end developer in Kyiv for 3 years and want to get a Master of Data Science at the University of Sydney to transition into ML engineering, because no programs of this caliber exist in Ukraine” - that works.
Tip: all documents supporting your answers (degree, employment references, certificates) need to be translated into English. They’re part of your evidence for the GS requirement.
Full Document Checklist for Translation¶
Here’s the core rule: if a document isn’t in English, it needs translation. No exceptions. The Department of Home Affairs won’t accept documents in Ukrainian, Russian, or any other language without an English translation.
Academic Documents¶
| Document | What to translate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High school certificate (attestat) | Everything, including the supplement with grades | Required for bachelor’s programs |
| Bachelor’s/Master’s diploma | The diploma itself + transcript supplement (all pages with subjects and grades) | For master’s or PhD |
| Academic transcript | All pages | If you’re still studying and don’t have a diploma yet |
| Course certificates, training records | As needed, if they support your qualifications | For GS requirement |
| ZNO/NMT results | If the university requires them | Rare, but it happens |
One of our clients needed a translation of their KPI (Kyiv Polytechnic Institute) diploma with a 14-page transcript supplement. The problem was that the supplement listed Soviet-era subject names (“Marxist-Leninist Philosophy”) that have no direct equivalent in English-language academia. The translator had to find the right equivalent, not just transliterate. This is exactly the kind of case where translation quality is critical.
Identity Documents¶
- International passport - usually doesn’t need translation (it already has English text), but if there are entries only in Ukrainian - translate them
- Internal passport or ID card - translation needed
- Birth certificate - required for all applicants
- Name change certificate (if applicable) - required
Financial Documents¶
- Bank statements for 3-6 months - translation required
- Bank letter confirming account balance - translation
- Parents’ income certificates (if they’re sponsoring you) - translation + their tax returns
- Property or business documents (as additional proof) - translation
Other Documents¶
- Police clearance certificate - from every country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months after turning 16
- Medical documents - examination results if you have chronic conditions
- Reference letters from professors or employers - for the GS requirement
- Employment record book or work references - if applying for a master’s and you have work experience
As the official Department of Home Affairs website states:
Documents not in English must be accompanied by accredited translations. If you are in Australia, translations should be done by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
How to Translate Documents Correctly: NAATI and Alternatives¶
Here’s an important nuance that many people miss. Translation requirements depend on where you’re applying from.
Applying from Inside Australia¶
Only NAATI-certified translation. No alternatives. If the translation was done in Australia by a translator without NAATI accreditation, it’ll be rejected.
Every NAATI translator has a unique Certified Practitioner Number (CPN) that you can verify in the NAATI Online Directory. The translation must include: - A stamp with the accreditation number - Translator’s signature - Date of translation - Statement of accuracy
Applying from Ukraine¶
Technically, NAATI isn’t mandatory. A “qualified translator” can do the translation - but the document must include: - Translator’s full name - Address and phone number - Qualification details - Signature and accuracy statement
But here’s the practical advice: even when applying from abroad, a NAATI translation reduces the risk of additional information requests from the visa officer. And if you plan to eventually apply for a Skilled Worker Visa 189/190 or a Partner Visa, you’ll need those same translations again - and NAATI will be mandatory then.
Translation Costs¶
| Document Type | NAATI Translation (AUD) | Urgent (24 hrs) | Standard Translation from Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | from 60 | from 90 | from 300-500 UAH |
| Diploma (1 page) | from 60-88 | from 120 | from 400-600 UAH |
| Diploma supplement (10-15 pages) | from 600-1,320 | from 900-1,800 | from 3,000-7,000 UAH |
| Bank statement | from 60 | from 90 | from 300-500 UAH |
| Police clearance | from 60 | from 90 | from 300-500 UAH |
NAATI translation starts from AUD 60 per standard page with 72-hour delivery. Urgent translation within 24 hours starts from AUD 90, and within 12 hours from AUD 120.
If you need everything translated - diploma with supplement, birth certificate, police clearance, and a couple of bank statements - budget AUD 500-1,500 for NAATI translations. Or 5,000-15,000 UAH if ordering from a qualified translator in Ukraine.
An alternative for the initial draft translation is ChatsControl. Upload your document, get a translation in minutes, then hand it to a NAATI translator for review and certification. This can cut the total cost, since the translator only needs to proofread rather than translate from scratch.
Financial Requirements: How Much Money to Show¶
Financial requirements for an Australian student visa are among the highest in the world. And they’ve increased again for 2026.
Minimum Amounts¶
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD per year) |
|---|---|
| Living costs (primary applicant) | 29,710 |
| Living costs (partner) | 10,394 |
| Living costs (each child) | 4,449 |
| Tuition fees | As per CoE (from 20,000 to 50,000 per year) |
| Travel costs | 2,000-3,000 |
| School fees for children (5-18 years) | ~8,000 per year |
For a single student without family, the minimum is AUD 29,710 for living + full first-year tuition + flights. For a program costing AUD 35,000 per year, that’s roughly AUD 67,000 (around USD 43,000 or 1,750,000 UAH at 2026 exchange rates).
What Counts as Proof¶
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months - the Department of Home Affairs wants to see that money didn’t appear in your account yesterday
- Education loan agreement from a recognized bank
- Scholarship or grant - letter from the organization confirming the amount
- Sponsor’s financial guarantee (parents, relatives) - their bank statements + proof of family relationship + income certificate
Warning: the Department of Home Affairs requires that sponsors show an annual income of at least AUD 87,856 in the 12 months before application. Just having money in an account isn’t enough - you need to show stable income.
All financial documents not in English need translation. Bank statements from PrivatBank, salary certificates from Ukrainian companies, tax returns - everything goes with a translation.
Tip: if your bank statement is a PDF from PrivatBank or monobank, also get an official confirmation letter from the bank on letterhead with a stamp. Australian visa officers respond better to official letters than to app screenshots.
English Language: Minimum Requirements for Visa and University¶
There are two levels of requirements - for the visa and for the university. They’re different.
For the Visa (Subclass 500)¶
From 2026, the minimum IELTS score for a student visa was raised to 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each module (previously 5.5 overall). Australia only accepts tests from official test centers - online versions like IELTS at Home or TOEFL Home Edition aren’t accepted.
| Test | Visa Minimum | Most Universities’ Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 (min 5.5 each) | 6.5 (min 6.0 each) |
| TOEFL iBT | 64 | 79-93 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 58-65 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 169 | 176-185 |
For Universities¶
Most bachelor’s and master’s programs require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each module. Prestigious Group of Eight universities (Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, Monash, UNSW, Queensland, Adelaide, Western Australia) set the bar at 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 or even 7.0 in each component for medical, legal, and some engineering programs.
If your score is below the university requirement but above the visa minimum, there’s an option: start with ELICOS (language course) or a Foundation Program, then move to your main program. The minimum IELTS for ELICOS is 5.0.
English test results don’t need translation - they’re issued in English. But you need to submit the certificate electronically through ImmiAccount.
OSHC, Medical Exams, and Police Clearance¶
OSHC - Health Insurance¶
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for all international students in Australia. Without it, you won’t get a visa. Period.
OSHC costs for 2026 for a single student start from AUD 624 per year (cheapest option from AHM). For couples - from AUD 5,026 per year.
Approved OSHC providers:
- Allianz Care - one of the cheapest for families
- AHM - cheapest for single students
- Bupa - most popular, cheapest for couples
- Medibank - wide clinic network
- NIB - flexible plans
Your university usually offers a partner OSHC provider and includes the cost in your total bill. But you have the right to choose a different provider.
As the official Study Australia portal states:
If you don’t provide proof that you have OSHC, your student visa application will be refused. You must maintain OSHC for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Medical Examination¶
After submitting your visa application, you may be asked to undergo a medical exam at an approved clinic. These clinics exist in Ukraine - the list becomes available in ImmiAccount after you submit your application. The exam includes a general check-up, chest X-ray, and blood tests if needed.
Medical exam results are in English - nothing to translate, the doctor fills out the form in English. But if you have chronic conditions and provide Ukrainian medical documents as supplementary information, those need translation.
Police Clearance Certificate¶
Required from every country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months after turning 16. For Ukrainians, this is typically a certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. If you’ve lived in Poland or Germany since 2022, you’ll need a certificate from there too.
More details in our article on translating police clearance certificates for Australia.
Step-by-Step Plan: From Choosing a Course to Getting Your Visa¶
Step 1: Find a Course on CRICOS¶
Go to cricos.education.gov.au and find your course. Make sure it’s registered for international students. If a course isn’t in CRICOS, you won’t get a student visa for it.
Top Australian universities for international students: - University of Melbourne - #1 in rankings, strong in research - University of Sydney - one of the largest international student communities - Monash University - strong engineering and IT programs - UNSW Sydney - business and technology - ANU (Canberra) - public policy, international relations
Step 2: Apply for Admission and Get Your CoE¶
Submit your documents to the university. If you’re accepted, you’ll receive a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment). You’ll already need translated academic documents for this step.
Step 3: Translate All Your Documents¶
Gather the full package and order translations. If applying from within Australia - NAATI only. If from Ukraine - a qualified translator with full credentials will work, but NAATI is better.
Pro tip: some universities accept their own translations at the admission stage, but for the visa application you’ll still need a separate official translation.
Step 4: Prepare Financial Documents¶
Gather bank statements for 3-6 months, sponsor income certificates, loan agreements, or scholarship letters. Translate everything.
Step 5: Take IELTS or Another Test¶
Minimum 6.0 for the visa, but most universities need 6.5+. Book early - results are valid for 2 years.
Step 6: Get OSHC¶
Choose a provider and pay. This is usually done at the same time as paying tuition.
Step 7: Submit Your Application via ImmiAccount¶
Create an account at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, fill out the form online, upload all documents with translations, and pay the AUD 2,000 visa fee.
Step 8: Complete the Medical Exam and Biometrics¶
After submitting your application, you’ll be directed to a medical exam. Complete it as soon as possible.
Step 9: Wait for the Decision¶
Average processing time is 25-35 days for most applications. From March 2026, Australia introduced a new standard - 8 weeks maximum for student visas. You can track your status in real time through ImmiAccount.
If you submit a clean application with a complete document package, you could get a decision in as little as 2 weeks.
Common mistake: submitting documents at the last minute before the semester starts. Start the process at least 3-4 months ahead. 6 months is better.
What to Do After You Graduate¶
After completing your course, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This gives you the right to live and work in Australia without restrictions for 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualification.
Note: from March 2026, the application fee for the 485 visa doubled to AUD 4,600 (previously AUD 2,300). For partners - AUD 2,300.
From there, if you score enough points, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa 189/190 for permanent residence. All the document translations you made for your student visa will be needed again - so keep them.
By the way, Ukrainians in Australia have access to free TIS translation and interpreting services for everyday situations - hospitals, schools, government offices. This won’t replace NAATI translation for your visa, but it’ll make daily life much easier.
FAQ¶
How much does a student visa for Australia cost?¶
The visa fee is AUD 2,000 (from July 2025, previously AUD 1,600). Plus the medical exam (AUD 300-400), OSHC (from AUD 624/year), document translations (from AUD 500-1,500 for NAATI translations of a full package). Total visa-related costs (excluding tuition and living) run to AUD 3,500-4,500.
Is NAATI translation mandatory for a student visa if I’m applying from Ukraine?¶
Technically no - if applying from abroad, a translation by a qualified translator with full credentials (name, address, phone, qualifications) is sufficient. But a NAATI translation reduces the risk of additional requests and will be needed if you later submit documents from within Australia.
What IELTS score do I need for a student visa?¶
The visa minimum is 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each module. But most universities require 6.5 (min 6.0 each). For medical and legal programs - 7.0+. If your score falls short, you can start with a language course (ELICOS) with a minimum of 5.0.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa?¶
Minimum AUD 29,710 per year for living + full first-year tuition + AUD 2,000-3,000 for flights. The money should be in your account for at least 3 months - a sudden deposit right before application raises red flags.
Can I work on a student visa in Australia?¶
Yes, up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. You can start working right after arrival, without waiting for your course to begin.
How long does it take to process a student visa application?¶
On average, 25-35 days. From March 2026, Australia introduced an 8-week maximum standard. For complete applications from low-risk applicants, decisions can come in as fast as 2 weeks. Apply at least 3-4 months before your semester starts.
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