Once you’ve chosen a school and program, the biggest questions on every student and parent’s mind are: “How long does it take to get an Australian student visa?” and “What is the total cost?” Knowing the timeline and necessary fees not only helps you plan proactively but is also a crucial factor in ensuring a smooth application process and avoiding unnecessary risks.
This detailed guide provides the most up-to-date and accurate information for 2026, giving you a comprehensive overview of the student visa (Subclass 500) journey to the Land of the Kangaroo.
The Australian student visa processing time is not fixed and depends on many factors. However, the Department of Home Affairs publishes a reference guide for visa processing times. You can check the most recent figures directly on the Department of Home Affairs website.
| Education Sector | 90% of Applications Processed Within |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | 2 – 7 months |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) | 3 – 9 months |
| Schools Sector | 2 – 4 months |
Note: Visa processing times can change based on policy and application volumes at any given time.
Why are some applications processed quickly while others take a long time? The answer to “how long to get an Australian student visa” depends heavily on the following factors:
To finalize your Australian student visa application, you’ll need to prepare for various fees. Below is the most detailed and comprehensive cost breakdown.
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Visa Application Charge | From 2,000 AUD (~34 million VND) | This is the official, mandatory fee from the Department of Home Affairs, which increased significantly in 2025. |
| 2. Biometrics Fee | ~ 480,000 VND | Paid at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. |
| 3. Medical Examination Fee | ~ 2,500,000 VND | Conducted at medical facilities designated by the Embassy. |
| 4. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) | From 800 AUD/year (~13.6 million VND) | Mandatory insurance that must be purchased for the entire duration of your course. |
| 5. Certified Translation Fee | ~ 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND | Depends on the number of documents requiring translation. |
| TOTAL ESTIMATE | ~ 45,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND | |
As of March 23, 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Instead of writing a long essay, you will now have to answer a set of targeted questions integrated into the online visa application. Answering the GS questions convincingly, logically, and truthfully is a key factor in the success of your application and directly impacts the answer to “how long will it take to get my student visa.”
To prepare, you can refer to the detailed guide on the latest Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
For a clear overview, here is the standard 7-step process:
Applying for an Australian student visa is a process that demands patience and thorough preparation. While the questions of how long it takes and how much it costs can be estimated, the most decisive factor is the quality of your application. By planning ahead and preparing your documents transparently, you can optimize your waiting time and confidently hold your ticket to the Land Down Under.
