Australia Student Visa 2026: Latest Rules and What Sri Lankan Students Must Know
Australia remains one of the top study destinations for Sri Lankan students in 2026, offering world-class education, strong graduate outcomes, and valuable post-study work opportunities. However, student visa regulations continue to evolve, and applying without understanding the latest requirements can put your plans at risk.
At BH Education & Visa Consultants, we closely monitor Australian immigration updates and guide students through the process with clarity and confidence. This article explains the current Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) regulations for 2026 in a simple, practical way.
What Is the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live in Australia while undertaking a full-time CRICOS-registered course. This includes English language programs, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s programs, and doctoral studies.
For Sri Lankan students, this visa also provides limited work rights and the opportunity to apply for post-study work visas after graduation, depending on the qualification and field of study.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Is Compulsory in 2026
In 2026, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) remains mandatory before submitting a student visa application. Applications lodged without a CoE will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
This means students must first secure an offer from an Australian institution, accept it, meet any conditions, pay the required deposit, and receive the CoE. Early application to universities is now essential, especially due to intake limits and high demand.
Financial Requirements Remain Strict
Australia continues to enforce higher financial capacity requirements to ensure students can genuinely support themselves while studying. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and any dependent expenses.
Sri Lankan students typically show bank savings, fixed deposits, education loans, sponsor income, or a structured combination of these. Financial documents must be genuine, well-organised, and clearly explain the source of funds. Weak financial evidence is one of the most common reasons for student visa refusals.
Student Visa Application Fee in 2026
As of 2026, the Australian Student Visa application fee remains AUD 2,000. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Because of the high cost, students should avoid rushed or incomplete applications. Professional guidance helps reduce risk and improves the chances of approval.
English Language Requirements for Student Visas
English proficiency continues to be a key focus for both universities and visa officers. Most student visa applicants must meet a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall, or an equivalent score from an approved English test.
Some institutions and postgraduate programs may require higher scores. Sri Lankan students should ensure their English test results are valid, meet course requirements, and align with their academic background to avoid concerns during visa assessment.
Genuine Student Test (GST) Is Closely Assessed
The Genuine Student Test (GST) remains a critical part of the visa decision process in 2026. Visa officers assess whether the applicant’s primary intention is genuinely to study in Australia.
This includes reviewing academic history, course relevance, career goals, financial background, and ties to Sri Lanka. A clear, honest, and well-structured Genuine Student statement is essential. Generic answers or poorly explained study plans can negatively impact the application.
Work Rights for International Students in Australia
Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks. While part-time work can help with living expenses, students must always prioritise their studies.
Australian authorities actively monitor work conditions, and breaching visa limits can lead to visa cancellation or future visa refusals.
Why Early Planning Is Critical in 2026
Australia has implemented stricter monitoring of international student numbers and stronger compliance checks. As a result, visa processing can vary depending on the institution, intake period, and application quality.
For Sri Lankan students, early planning, correct course selection, and professionally prepared documentation significantly improve visa outcomes.
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