Study in Australia from Pakistan 2026: Visa 500, Genuine Student Test and Costs
Visa fee, funds, the Genuine Student test and the new dependants restriction announced in September 2026 — everything Pakistani students should know before applying.
Australia offers top-100 universities, a high quality of life and a post-study work pathway. The Subclass 500 visa now includes a stricter Genuine Student assessment, a higher fee and evidence-level checks — so documentation quality decides outcomes.
Eight Australian universities (the Group of Eight) are consistently ranked among the world’s best, and universities of technology and regional universities offer practical, industry-linked degrees. International students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight.
Australia caps new international student commencements (National Planning Level of 295,000 for 2026) and applies a Genuine Student requirement. Pakistan is classed at a higher evidence level, so complete, consistent financial and academic documents are essential.
Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW, Monash and UQ appear in global top rankings.
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and unlimited in scheduled breaks.
The Temporary Graduate visa gives eligible graduates 2–4 years of work rights.
Strong regulation under the ESOS Act protects international students.
Livable cities, outdoor lifestyle and a multicultural community.
Foundation, diploma and articulation routes into bachelor’s degrees.
Indicative costs for international students. Exact fees vary by university, course and city — we give you a personalised first-year budget during counselling.
| Item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition — bachelor’s | AUD 25,000 – 50,000 per year |
| Tuition — master’s | AUD 28,000 – 55,000 per year |
| Living funds (visa proof) | ≈ AUD 29,710 per year |
| Student visa fee | AUD 2,000 |
| OSHC health cover | AUD 600 – 700 per year (approx.) |
Figures reviewed October 2026. Government fees, funds requirements and rules change — always confirm the latest before you pay.
Typical requirements for applicants from Pakistan. Each university sets its own criteria.
These institutions are commonly chosen by international students. Listing does not imply partnership or guaranteed admission — we shortlist universities that suit your grades, budget and goals.
Government-funded scholarships for eligible countries including Pakistan; selective and competitive.
Typical awards range from 10%–50% tuition, awarded on academic strength.
Funded research master’s/PhD places linked to supervisors and universities.
What to expect when applying from Pakistan:
We assess your academic profile and shortlist Australia universities and courses that fit your budget.
SOP, documents, applications and scholarship forms prepared and submitted for you.
We organise financial evidence and complete the visa file to the authority’s standards.
Mock interviews where relevant and a pre-departure briefing before you fly.
We also prepare tourist, family-visit and business visit visa files.
Yes, an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge) is generally required for admission and visa. Typical scores are IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate, with higher for some professional courses.
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and without a limit during scheduled course breaks.
Introduced in 2024, it replaced the GTE. You must show that you genuinely intend to study, understand your course, and have credible plans — considering your circumstances, ties and the course’s value to your career.
In September 2026 the Australian government announced that most new international students and Temporary Graduate visa holders will no longer be able to bring partners or dependent children. PhD students and students from some Pacific and ASEAN countries are exempt, and people already in Australia with family are not affected. Implementation dates were still being confirmed, so verify the latest rules before you plan.
A Temporary Graduate visa (485) offers work rights, and some graduates move to skilled migration. Rules change often, so treat PR as a possibility, not a guarantee, when choosing a course.
Visa fee, funds, the Genuine Student test and the new dependants restriction announced in September 2026 — everything Pakistani students should know before applying.
Free counselling · Islamabad
Speak to a counsellor who will give you an honest assessment of your profile, budget and best-fit destinations — free of charge.
Office 2, 3rd Floor, Galleria Plaza, I-8 Markaz, Islamabad