Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students pursuing nursing due to its world-class healthcare system, excellent job opportunities, and strong PR prospects. But before you can begin your nursing studies, you must meet all the student visa requirements, especially for the Subclass 500 Student Visa.
This updated 2025 guide explains everything Indian nursing students need — eligibility, financial requirements, English tests, GTE criteria, required documents, processing time, and common reasons for refusals. It is written to help you submit a strong, compliant visa application.
Which Visa Do Indian Nursing Students Need?
To study any nursing program in Australia (Diploma, Bachelor, Master, Graduate Certificate), you must apply for the:
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
This visa allows you to:
- Study full-time in a CRICOS-registered nursing program
- Work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Work unlimited hours during breaks
- Bring eligible dependents (spouse/children)
- Stay for the full duration of your nursing program
1. Eligibility Requirements for the Student Visa (Subclass 500)
To qualify for the visa, Indian students must meet the following:
1.1 Offer Letter / CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
You must have:
- A valid Offer Letter, and
- A CoE issued by an Australian nursing college or university
This confirms your admission into a CRICOS-approved program such as:
- Diploma of Nursing (EN Pathway)
- Bachelor of Nursing (RN Pathway)
- Master of Nursing Practice
- Graduate Diploma in Nursing Specialisations
1.2 English Language Test Requirements
Indian nursing students must provide proof of English proficiency.
Accepted English tests for student visa:
- IELTS Academic – overall 5.5 or 6.0 (course dependent)
- PTE Academic – overall 42–50+
- TOEFL iBT – as per university requirement
- OET – mainly required for RN registration, not admission
Note:
For nursing degrees, most institutions require:
- IELTS 7.0 (no band < 7)
- PTE 65 (no skill < 65)
1.3 GTE Requirement (Updated 2025 GTE → GS)
Australia’s Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the GTE in 2024.
You must prove:
- You are a genuine student
- You intend to study for career purposes
- You have realistic post-study career plans
- You are not migrating only for work
- You can financially support yourself
A strong GS statement is critical for Indian students due to high-risk assessments.
1.4 Academic Requirements
You must meet the academic criteria of the nursing program:
Diploma of Nursing
- Minimum Class 12
- Science background preferred but not compulsory
Bachelor of Nursing
- Class 12 with ≥ 65%
- Biology/Science recommended
Master of Nursing Practice
- Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- Some programs require healthcare background
1.5 Financial Requirements (Updated 2025)
You must show sufficient funds to support your stay.
Minimum funds required (2025):
- Living cost: AUD 29,710 per year
- Tuition fees: As per your CoE (usually AUD 16,000–38,000 per year)
- Travel cost: AUD 2,500 (India → Australia)
Who can sponsor you?
- Parents
- Spouse
- Siblings
- Self (if working, with evidence)
Funds must be shown through:
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Education loan approval
- Fixed deposits
- Savings accounts
2. Documents Required for Nursing Student Visa
A strong application includes all the following:
2.1 Personal Identification Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Passport-sized photos
2.2 Academic Documents
- Class 10 & 12 certificates
- Bachelor degree (if applying for Master)
- Mark sheets and transcripts
- Leaving certificates
- Medium of instruction (if applicable)
2.3 English Proficiency Documents
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/OET score report
2.4 Financial Documents
- Updated bank statements
- Education loan sanction letter
- Proof of income of sponsor
- Salary slips (last 6–12 months)
- ITRs of sponsor (last 2 years)
- CA valuation report (optional)
2.5 CoE & Admission Documents
- Offer letter
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Fee payment receipts
2.6 GTE/GS Supporting Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Family ties in India
- Employment history (if applicable)
- Reasons for choosing nursing in Australia
- Future career plan in India
2.7 Health & Character Documents
- Medical Examination (HAP ID)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
3. Visa Process for Indian Nursing Students (2026)
Here is the step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Choose a Nursing Program
Select a CRICOS-approved course such as Diploma of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, or Master of Nursing.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit:
- Academic documents
- Passport
- English test scores
Receive:
- Offer Letter from college or university
Step 3: Accept Offer & Pay Initial Fee
Pay the initial tuition fee (AUD 2,000–10,000 depending on institution).
Receive:
- CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
Step 4: Prepare Visa Documents
Collect all academic, financial, and GS documents.
Step 5: Submit the Visa Application (ImmiAccount)
Upload:
- All required documents
- GS statement
- Evidence of funds
Pay visa fee: AUD 710 (2025)
Step 6: Complete Biometrics & Medicals
You’ll receive a request for:
- Biometrics
- Medical health exam (HAP ID)
Step 7: Wait for Visa Outcome
Processing time (2025):
- Higher Education (Bachelor/Master): 1–3 months
- Vocational (Diploma of Nursing): 2–6 months
Processing times for Indian students can be longer due to risk factors, so ensure documents are complete.
4. Reasons Student Visas Get Refused for Indian Nursing Students
Australia has increased scrutiny for students from the Indian subcontinent.
Common refusal reasons include:
1. Insufficient Funds
Bank statements without proper transaction history or last-minute deposits are red flags.
2. Weak GTE/GS Statement
If the SOP does not clearly explain your career purpose and home-country ties, refusal is likely.
3. Unclear Course Relevance
Choosing nursing without any connection to past studies or career can lead to refusal.
4. Poor Academic History
Low marks, long study gaps, or inconsistent records affect visa approval.
5. Fake or unverifiable documents
The visa may be refused immediately with potential bans.
6. Inadequate English scores
For nursing programs, universities require high English scores, especially for RN pathways.
5. Can Indian Students Bring Their Spouse or Children?
Yes. The Student Visa 500 allows dependent family members.
Dependents can:
- Live in Australia
- Study in primary/secondary school
- Work limited hours (depending on student’s course)
For nursing students, partners typically can work 20–48 hours per fortnight depending on institution and enrolment level.
6. Work Rights for Indian Nursing Students
During study:
- 48 hours per fortnight
During semester breaks:
- Unlimited work rights
During placements:
- Nursing clinical placements are not counted towards work limits.
7. Post-Study Visa Options After Completing Nursing
After finishing your nursing program, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Duration:
- Diploma → not eligible
- Bachelor of Nursing → 2–3 years
- Master of Nursing → 3–5 years
With the 485 visa, you can:
- Work full-time
- Gain experience
- Apply for PR pathways
- Prepare for AHPRA RN registration (if studying Diploma)
Start Your Nursing Journey in Australia with Expert Visa Support
Planning to study nursing in Australia? Don’t let visa confusion delay your dreams. Our expert team helps Indian students prepare strong Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications with complete documentation, proper financial evidence, and a powerful GS statement. From course selection to visa filing, we guide you at every step to reduce refusal risks and improve approval chances. Whether you’re applying for Diploma, Bachelor, or Master of Nursing, we ensure your application meets 2025 immigration standards. Get personalised counselling, document review, and end-to-end support today. Take the first step toward your Australian nursing career with confidence.