Australia consistently ranks in the top three study destinations for Indian students. The pull is real: strong universities, a structured post-study work visa, good weather, and large Indian communities. But the last two years have reshaped the landscape, and a lot of older advice no longer applies.
What changed since late 2023: The visa fee jumped to AUD 2,000 (from 1 July 2025). The living-cost proof rose to AUD 29,710/year (May 2024). The old GTE statement became the stricter Genuine Student (GS) requirement (23 March 2024). And post-study work rules were tightened. If a blog or agent quotes pre-2024 numbers, don't trust it.
Who Australia genuinely suits
- Students with real, documented funds (or a solid education loan), not someone planning to fund the degree through part-time work.
- Applicants whose course choice clearly fits their background (the GS test scrutinises mismatches).
- People who want a clear, time-bound post-study work window (the Subclass 485) rather than a guaranteed PR path.
Who should think twice
- Anyone treating study purely as a migration shortcut, the GS framework and rising refusal rates make this risky.
- Students on a tight budget hoping wages will cover the gap. The 48-hour-per-fortnight cap makes that mathematically hard.
Before you commit, you need: a course aligned to your profile, genuine funds covering ~AUD 29,710/yr living plus tuition, OSHC budget, and a realistic plan for what happens after the 485 expires.
Australia rewards genuine, well-prepared students and is unforgiving to weak applications. Not sure if your profile fits? Talk to a mentor who studied in Australia before you spend on applications.