Quick answer
To study in Australia from Pakistan, choose a CRICOS-registered course, meet the provider’s academic and English requirements, accept your offer and pay the deposit to receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Then buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and apply online for the Student visa (Subclass 500), showing that you are a genuine student with enough funds and acceptable English.
Key takeaways
- International students can only study on a student visa in courses registered on CRICOS.
- The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued after you accept an offer and is required for your visa application.
- Since March 2024, applicants must meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the earlier GTE statement.
- Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the whole duration of your visa.
Start with a CRICOS-registered course
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) lists every provider and course that can enrol international students on a student visa. Search the official register to confirm both the institution and the exact course code before you apply.
Entry and English requirements
Universities assess Pakistani qualifications individually. FSc or A-Level students may enter a bachelor’s degree directly or through a foundation or diploma pathway. Postgraduate applicants usually need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field.
For English, Australian providers and the Department of Home Affairs accept several tests, including IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, but the minimum scores differ. Compare options in our English test guide.
The Student visa (Subclass 500)
Receive your CoE
Accept the offer and pay the required deposit; the provider issues your Confirmation of Enrolment.
Buy OSHC
Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover for the full length of your visa, often through your university.
Prepare evidence
Financial capacity, English results, academic documents, passport and Genuine Student responses.
Apply online
Apply through ImmiAccount, pay the visa fee and provide biometrics and health checks if requested.
The Genuine Student requirement
You answer targeted questions about your circumstances, why you chose the course and provider, how it relates to your previous study and future plans, and your understanding of your visa conditions. Answers should be specific, honest and consistent with your documents.
Work rights and costs
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Conditions can change, so check your visa grant and Home Affairs guidance.
Budget for tuition, OSHC, the visa fee, flights, accommodation and living costs, and check the current financial capacity amount on the Home Affairs website. See our budget guide and the Australia destination page.
Frequently asked questions
01What is a CoE for Australia?
A Confirmation of Enrolment is issued by your education provider after you accept an offer and pay any required deposit. You need it to apply for the Subclass 500 student visa.
02Has the GTE been removed for Australian student visas?
Yes. Since 23 March 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement was replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, answered through specific questions in the application.
03Is OSHC compulsory?
Yes. Student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.
04Can I work while studying in Australia?
Generally up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official breaks, subject to your visa conditions.
Sources and official resources
Information in this guide was checked against the following sources on 10 October 2026. Rules change, so always confirm the latest details.
