Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students. With its world-class universities, diverse cultural environment, and strong job prospects after graduation, it attracts thousands of students from around the world each year.

Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, business, health sciences, or arts, Australian institutions offer a wide range of high-quality programs.

Before you can begin your studies in Australia, it’s important to understand the student visa process, especially how long it takes to get your visa approved.

Knowing the visa processing time in advance can help you plan your travel, accommodation, university enrolment, and other important steps more effectively.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Australia student visa (Subclass 500) processing time in 2025.

We’ll break down the average waiting periods, key factors that can speed up or delay your application, and helpful tips to make the process smoother. Whether you’re applying from India or another country, this guide will help you stay informed and prepared.

What is the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)?

The Australian Student Visa, officially known as Subclass 500, allows international students to live and study in Australia for the duration of their course.

This visa is essential for anyone planning to pursue full-time education at an accredited Australian institution—whether it’s a university, college, school, or English language center.

To be eligible for the Subclass 500 visa, you must have a confirmed offer of enrolment (CoE) from a registered Australian education provider.

You also need to meet other requirements such as proof of English language proficiency, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial support, and health and character checks.

One of the main benefits of this visa is that it lets you stay in Australia for up to 5 years, depending on your course length. It also allows you to work part-time (up to 48 hours every two weeks) during study periods and full-time during holidays, giving you a chance to gain valuable experience and support your living expenses.

Understanding how long it takes to get your Subclass 500 visa approved is crucial, as delays can affect your travel plans and university start dates. We’ll cover the typical processing times and what influences them in the sections ahead.

Average Student Visa Processing Time in 2025

If you’re planning to study in Australia in 2025, understanding how long it takes to get a student visa is essential for planning your academic journey.

According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the processing time for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can vary depending on the education sector and individual circumstances.

As of early 2025, the average processing time for most student visa applications is as follows:

• 75% of applications are processed within 16 days
  
• 90% of applications are processed within 36 days
  

However, the time frame can differ depending on the type of course you’re enrolled in:

• Higher Education Sector: 75% in 14 days | 90% in 29 days
  
• Vocational Education and Training (VET): 75% in 30 days | 90% in 55 days
  
• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS): 75% in 21 days | 90% in 44 days
  
• Schools Sector: 75% in 34 days | 90% in 59 days
  

These figures are based on recent statistics published by the Department of Home Affairs, which are updated regularly.

Keep in mind that these are general timelines and your actual processing time may be shorter or longer depending on factors such as your country of application, the accuracy of your documents, and whether you are required to provide additional information.

Need Help with Your Australian Student Visa?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the visa process, don’t worry. The expert team at Mahi Visa Services is here to support you every step of the way—from application to approval. We understand the requirements and timelines, and we’ll help make your journey to Australia smooth and stress-free.

Contact us today

Factors That Affect Visa Processing Time

The time it takes to get your Australian student visa approved doesn’t just depend on the Department of Home Affairs—it also depends on how well your application is prepared. Several key factors can speed up or slow down the visa process. Understanding them will help you avoid delays and submit a strong application from the start.

1. Completeness of the Application

If your application is missing documents or key information, it will likely be delayed. Always double-check that everything is filled out correctly and completely before submitting.

2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirements

You must prove that you’re coming to Australia temporarily for study purposes and that you intend to return home after completing your course. A poorly written or vague GTE statement can lead to additional checks or even refusal.

3. Health Checks and Biometrics

Some applicants are required to undergo medical exams and provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo). If you delay completing these steps, your application won’t move forward until they’re done.

4. Financial Capacity Evidence

You’ll need to show proof that you can afford tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. Incomplete or unclear financial documents often lead to visa processing delays.

5. English Language Proof

Depending on your country of origin and course, you may need to submit IELTS, TOEFL, or another English test score. Make sure your test results meet the visa and university requirements.

6. Criminal and Background Checks

If the Department needs to verify your background further, your application may take longer. Always disclose truthful and complete information to avoid complications.

7. Country of Application

Processing times can vary depending on where you’re applying from. Some countries may have more thorough review processes, especially where fraud risks are higher.

Tips to Reduce Delays

• Submit a complete application with all required documents.
  
• Write a clear and honest GTE statement.
  
• Schedule health exams and biometric appointments promptly.
  
• Make sure your financial documents are recent and verifiable.
  
• Take your English test early and meet the required score.
  
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
  
• Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date to allow for processing time.

Student Visa Processing Time for Indian Students

Indian students make up one of the largest groups of international students in Australia. With strong ties between the two countries and a high volume of student visa applications from India, the Australian government has well-established systems in place to process these applications efficiently.

As of 2025, the average student visa processing time for Indian applicants falls within the general range of 14 to 36 days, depending on the course sector and how well the application is prepared.

Applications for higher education tend to be processed faster, especially when all documents are complete and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.

Popular courses among Indian students include IT, engineering, business, nursing, and health sciences. Leading universities and colleges such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, and Deakin University receive a large number of Indian applications.

While there is no formal “priority processing” for Indian students, applications submitted through recognized education agents or under streamlined visa processing arrangements (SVP) may move faster due to pre-verification systems in place.

To avoid delays, it’s important for Indian students to apply early and ensure all documents are accurate and complete from the start.

What to Do If Your Visa is Delayed

If your Australian student visa is taking longer than expected, here are the steps you can take:

• Check your visa status:
  Log in to your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website to see updates and check if any documents are missing or further information is requested.
  
• Contact the Department of Home Affairs:
  If there’s no update for an extended period, you can reach out directly through the official website or helpline. Be sure to have your application details ready.
  
• Get help from your migration agent:
  If you used a registered migration agent or education consultant, they can follow up with the Department on your behalf and may help escalate the issue if necessary.
  
• Request a course deferral if needed:
  If your visa isn’t granted before your course start date, contact your university or college. They may allow you to defer your admission or issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
  
• Stay proactive:
  Respond quickly to any emails or document requests to avoid further delays.
  

Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Applying for an Australian student visa requires careful preparation and patience. The average processing time varies but is generally between two to five weeks when your application is complete and accurate. Early planning is key to avoiding stress and ensuring you can start your studies on time.

If you need expert guidance or help with your student visa application, Mahi Visa Services is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to get personalized assistance and make your dream of studying in Australia a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an Australian student visa from India?

Typically, most Indian student visa applications are processed within 14 to 36 days. However, this can vary depending on your course, completeness of your application, and any additional checks needed.

Can I speed up the visa process?

While there is no guaranteed way to fast-track your visa, submitting a complete and accurate application early, meeting all requirements, and responding promptly to any requests can help avoid delays.

Can I travel to Australia while waiting for the visa?

No, you must have your student visa granted before you travel to Australia. Traveling without a valid visa can lead to refusal of entry.

Do university holidays affect processing times?

University holidays themselves do not directly impact visa processing times since the Department of Home Affairs operates year-round. However, submitting your application well before your course start date is always recommended to avoid last-minute issues.