Need a student visa agent in Melbourne? Australian Immigration Consultants helps with course selection, Genuine Student statements, and financial evidence for Subclass 500 applications. Avoid refusal risks — get expert 2026 guidance today.
Melbourne remains one of Australia's top international education hubs, but the Subclass 500 Student Visa has become significantly harder to get right. With the government's financial capacity requirement now at AUD $29,710, a rigorous Genuine Student (GS) assessment replacing the old GTE test, and visa fees jumping to $2,500 from 1 July 2026, a single weak Genuine Student statement can mean refusal — even with a valid course offer.
This guide covers exactly what Home Affairs requires and how a student visa agent in Melbourne helps you build a decision-ready application from the start.
A registered migration agent supporting student visa applicants in Melbourne typically handles:
Only agents registered with OMARA can lawfully charge for this advice — always verify a MARN at portal.mara.gov.au before engaging anyone.
Since March 2024, the Genuine Student requirement has replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant test, and in 2026 it's applied more rigorously than ever. Home Affairs looks at:
Vague or generic GS statements are one of the leading causes of refusal. The response needs to be specific to your circumstances, not a template.
| Requirement | 2026 Figure |
|---|---|
| Government visa application fee (from 1 July 2026) | AUD $2,500 |
| Minimum financial capacity (annual living costs) | AUD $29,710 |
| OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) | Required for full visa duration |
| Minimum age to apply | 6 years (school-age conditions apply) |
| GS requirement in force since | 23 March 2024 |
Financial evidence must show funds are genuinely available and sufficient to cover tuition, living costs, and travel for your entire intended stay — not just at the point of application.
Speak directly with registered migration professionals to evaluate your visa pathways.
Melbourne applicants most often run into trouble over:
Any of these can trigger a request for more information or an outright refusal — and refused applications may face a Section 48 bar on reapplying onshore.
Australian Immigration Consultants is led by MARA-registered migration agent Fahad Shamim (MARN 2619225), supporting Melbourne-based and offshore students through the full Subclass 500 process — from course and provider selection to Genuine Student statement drafting, financial evidence review, and post-grant matters like visa conditions, extensions, and post-study work pathways. Getting it right the first time avoids costly delays and protects your ability to reapply if something does go wrong.
Get expert help from Australian Immigration Consultants — a weak GS response is one of the easiest things to fix in advance and one of the hardest to fix after refusal. Call +61 424 295 050 or email contact@australianimmigrationconsultants.com.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?
As of 2026, you need to demonstrate financial capacity of at least AUD $29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel expenses.
What replaced the GTE requirement for student visas?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement, effective for applications lodged from 23 March 2024, replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test with a broader assessment of study intent and compliance history.
Can I appeal a refused student visa?
Yes — refused Subclass 500 applications can generally be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), though it's best to get professional advice before deciding how to proceed.
Expert guidance tailored to your unique journey. Get a personalized roadmap from a Registered Migration Agent today.
