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Last Updated 15-May-2026

About the Australia Student Dependent Visa

The Australia Student Dependent Visa allows the spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children of an eligible Subclass 500 Student visa holder to live in Australia for the duration of the main applicant's study period. This visa is issued under the Student Visa (Subclass 500) as a secondary stream application.

For Indian families where one partner is studying at an Australian university or registered education provider, the Student Dependent Visa is the legally recognised route to stay together during the course. Dependents can live, and in most cases work, alongside the primary student from the day they arrive in Australia.

India is currently classified at Evidence Level 2 by Australia's Department of Home Affairs (as of 2026). This means a streamlined documentation process and faster processing for eligible Indian applicants compared to Level 3 classification.

Key Facts: Australia Student Dependent Visa at a Glance

Visa Type	Details
Visa Subclass	Subclass 500 (Student Visa — Secondary Applicant Stream)
Who Can Apply	Spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children (under 18) of a primary Subclass 500 holder
Work Rights — Spouse/Partner	Up to 48 hrs/fortnight if primary student is studying Bachelor level or below; Unlimited if primary is studying Masters or PhD
Study Rights	Up to 3 months on dependent stream; own Student visa required for longer enrolment
Health Insurance	Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) mandatory for all dependents for entire stay
Visa Duration	Same as the primary student's visa
Application Method	Online via ImmiAccount — separate application per dependent OR included in primary application
Processing Time	Median ~33 days; typically 7–8 weeks for Indian applicants (subject to Health, Character clearances)
Visa Fee — Adult Dependent (18+)	AUD $1,445 (approx. ₹79,475) — subject to official confirmation
Visa Fee — Child Under 18	AUD $400 (approx. ₹22,000)
Financial Requirement — Partner	AUD $10,394/year additional (approx. ₹5,71,670)
Financial Requirement — Each Child	AUD $4,449/year additional (approx. ₹2,44,695)
Post-Study Pathway	Dependent can accompany primary applicant on Temporary Graduate Visa (485) and beyond
India Evidence Level	Level 2 (as of 2026) — streamlined documentation and faster processing

*Ready to bring your family to Australia? Check your eligibility with Y-Axis eligibility calculator today.

What are the Benefits of the Australia Student Dependent Visa for Indian Families?

Australia is one of the top study destinations in the world. For Indian families, the Student Dependent Visa means you do not have to wait years apart while your partner completes their degree.

If the primary student is enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral programme, the dependent spouse or partner has unlimited work rights in Australia. This means they can take up full-time employment in any sector without needing a separate work permit or employer sponsorship.Dependent children under 18 can attend Australian schools.

Australia's post-study pathway, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows the primary student and their family to stay and work in Australia for 2 to 4 years after graduation. This is often the first step toward skilled migration and permanent residence for Indian families.

Live together in Australia during the full study period
Dependent spouse can work for unlimited hours
Children under 18 can attend Australian schools (state schools available)
OSHC provides access to medical, hospital, and prescription services
Family can continue in Australia on the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa after study
Strong pathway toward skilled migration and Australian Permanent Residence
No English test required for dependent applicants

Benefits of Australia student dependent visa for Indians

Who is Eligible for the Australia Student Dependent Visa?

The following family members of an eligible Subclass 500 Student visa holder may apply as dependents:

Spouse — legally married to the primary student
De facto partner — in a genuine, ongoing de facto relationship with the primary student
Dependent children — under 18 years of age at the time of application (biological, adopted, or stepchildren)
Children over 18 — may qualify if they are unable to work due to a disability and were dependent before turning 18

Note: Parents, siblings, or other relatives of the student are NOT eligible for this dependent stream.

Eligibility Requirements — Primary Student

Requirement	Details
Enrolled at a registered provider	Must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution
Valid Student Visa (Subclass 500)	Must hold or be applying for a valid Subclass 500 Student visa
Financial Capacity	Must show additional funds per dependent — AUD $10,394/year for a partner, AUD $4,449/year per child
Genuine Student Requirement	Must satisfy the Genuine Student assessment requirement introduced under the Simplified Student Visa Framework
Course Level	Any registered course qualifies — no restriction by level. Work rights for the dependent vary by course level.

Work Rights for Australia Student Dependent Visa Holders

Dependent visa holders (secondary applicants on the Subclass 500) are subject to Visa Condition 8104. Their work rights depend on the course level of the primary student and not on the dependent's own qualifications.

Primary Student's Course Level	Dependent's Work Rights
Bachelor Degree or lower	Maximum 48 hours per fortnight (fortnightly, not weekly)
Masters by Coursework	Unlimited work hours — full-time permitted
Masters by Research	Unlimited work hours — full-time permitted
Doctoral Degree (PhD)	Unlimited work hours — full-time permitted
When can work begin?	Only after the primary student has commenced their registered course in Australia
Any sector restriction?	No sector restrictions — any employer, any industry
Work permit required?	No — work rights are embedded in the visa condition

Note: If the primary student is enrolled in a Bachelor or lower-level course, the dependent can only work up to 48 hours per fortnight. For Indian families planning for the dependent to work full-time, Masters and PhD programmes offer the best pathway.

Study Rights for Australia Student Dependent Visa Holders

Study Aspect	Details
Can dependents study in Australia?	Yes — limited to 3 months on the dependent stream
Want to study more than 3 months?	Must apply for own Student Visa (Subclass 500) separately
Children under 18	Can attend Australian schools full-time — no additional visa required
Children turning 18	Must apply for their own Student Visa before turning 18 to continue studying
Student loan eligibility	Dependents are not eligible for Australian student loans; must self-fund study

*Want to apply for Australia student visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

Australia Student Dependent Visa Fees and Costs

From 1 July 2025, there has been an increase in the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application charge. Below is the current fee breakdown. All amounts are in AUD. INR approximate amounts use an exchange rate of 1 AUD = ₹55.

Fee Type	AUD	INR (approx.)
Primary Student — Visa Application Charge	AUD $2,000	₹1,10,000
Adult Dependent (18+ years) — per applicant	AUD $1,445*	₹79,475*
Dependent Child (under 18) — per applicant	AUD $400	₹22,000
Subsequent Application Charge (if in Australia and previously held visa)	AUD $700	₹38,500
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — Dependent Partner (1 year)	Varies by provider	~₹22,000–₹33,000
OSHC — Each Dependent Child (1 year)	Varies by provider	~₹11,000–₹22,000
Y-Axis Professional Fee	—	As per service package

Australia Student Dependent Visa Processing Time

Stage / Metric	Time / Details
Median Processing Time (2026)	Approximately 33 days from lodgement
50% of applications processed within	30–32 days
90% of applications processed within	Up to 6 months (complex cases)
Typical processing for Indian applicants	7–8 weeks end to end (including health examinations)
India Evidence Level	Level 2 (as of 2026) — faster processing than Level 3
Health Examination	Required — adds 2–4 weeks if follow-up tests needed
Recommended lead time (India)	Apply 10–12 weeks before course start date
Peak period (higher demand)	June–August — apply earlier for smoother processing

Financial Requirements for the Australia Student Dependent Visa

The primary student must prove they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs for themselves, and additional costs for each dependent. The Department of Home Affairs sets minimum financial benchmarks that must be met at the time of application.

Requirement	AUD (per year)	INR approx.
Living costs — primary student	AUD $29,710	₹16,34,050
Additional — partner/spouse	AUD $10,394	₹5,71,670
Additional — each dependent child	AUD $4,449	₹2,44,695
Tuition fees	As per Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)	Varies
Return airfare (all applicants)	Approximate actual cost	~₹25,000–₹50,000 per person

Note: Funds must have a consistent 3–6 months of transaction history in the bank. A single large deposit made just before applying is not acceptable. Indian applicants typically provide bank statements, fixed deposits, or an income-based sponsor letter to meet this requirement.

Documents Required for the Australia Student Dependent Visa

Primary Student — Documents

Valid passport (valid for the full duration of the visa)
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for self and all dependents
Financial evidence — bank statements, FD certificates, salary slips, income tax returns
Genuine Student statement (mandatory under the Simplified Student Visa Framework)
English proficiency test results (as required by the institution)
Police clearance certificate from India (and any country where lived for 12+ months)

Spouse / De Facto Partner — Additional Documents

Valid passport for the dependent
Marriage certificate (apostilled + certified English translation if not in English)
For de facto partner: evidence of genuine ongoing relationship — joint bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements, communications, photographs with dates
Passport-size photographs meeting DHA specifications
Health examination results (completed at a DHA-approved panel doctor)
Police clearance certificate
OSHC certificate covering the full period of stay

Dependent Children — Additional Documents

Valid passport for each child
Birth certificate (apostilled + certified English translation)
Proof of relationship to the primary student and spouse
If travelling with only one parent: notarised consent letter from the other parent
Health examination results (if required)
OSHC certificate covering the child

How to Apply for the Australia Student Dependent Visa from India?

The steps to apply for an Australia student dependent visa from India are as follows:

Step 1: Confirm Primary Student Eligibility

The primary student must hold or be applying for a valid Subclass 500 Student visa and have a CoE from a CRICOS-registered institution.

Step 2: Obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

The CoE is issued by the Australian institution once the student has accepted their offer and paid the tuition deposit.

Step 3: Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Purchase OSHC for the primary student and all dependents before lodging the visa application.

Step 4: Create an ImmiAccount and Lodge the Application Online

All Australian visa applications are lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.

Step 5: Upload All Required Documents

Upload all supporting documents, such as financial evidence, passport copies, marriage certificate, OSHC certificate, CoE, and other required documents.

Step 6: Complete Health Examinations

Indian applicants must complete a health examination at a DHA-approved panel physician before or shortly after lodging the application.

Step 7: Provide Biometrics if Requested

Applicants need to provide biometric information on the scheduled appointment date.

Step 8: Wait for the Visa Decision

Processing typically takes 7–8 weeks for Indian applicants..

Step 9: Receive the Visa Grant and Travel to Australia

Once the visa is granted, travel to Australia and join the primary student.

Steps to apply for an Australia dependent visa from India

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

Australia Student Dependent Visa Validity and Extension

The Student Dependent visa is granted for the same duration as the primary student's Subclass 500 visa. When the student extends or renews their visa for further study, dependents must also lodge separate applications to extend their own visas at the same time.

Situation	Visa Rule
Initial Grant	Tied to primary student's visa duration — typically matches the course end date plus 60 days
Student extends visa for further study	Dependent must apply separately to extend at the same time
Student completes course — applies for 485 Temporary Graduate Visa	Dependent must apply for 485 Secondary stream simultaneously
Student switches to Australia skilled work visa	Dependent must apply for the relevant secondary stream of that visa
Student withdraws from course	Dependent visa may be cancelled — seek immediate immigration advice
Relationship breaks down	Dependent visa may be affected — seek legal immigration advice urgently
Child turns 18	Must apply for own Student visa before 18th birthday if wishing to continue living in Australia

Pathway After the Australia Student Dependent Visa

The Student Dependent Visa does not lead directly to Australian Permanent Residence (PR). However, it is often the first step in a longer immigration journey for Indian families. When the primary student graduates, they may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), and the dependent can follow.

Stage	Details
Student Dependent Visa	Duration tied to student's Subclass 500 visa; no direct PR route from this stage
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)	2 years for Bachelor/Masters graduates; 3–4 years for PhD graduates; dependent applies alongside in the secondary stream
Skilled Work Visa	If the primary holder gets employer sponsorship (TSS 482) or skilled migration (Subclass 189 / Subclass 190), dependent can apply in secondary stream
Australia Permanent Residence	Via skilled migration pathways (Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 + Subclass 191) after accumulating sufficient points and state/territory nomination
Australian Citizenship	After 4 years of lawful residence, including at least 1 year as a PR
Practical Pathway for Indian Families	Student Dependent (500) → Graduate Dependent (485) → Skilled Migration (189/190/TSS) → PR → Citizenship

India–Australia Student Dependent Visa: 2026 Trends and Updates

India is one of the top source countries for international students in Australia. Indian student numbers continue to grow in 2026, making the Student Dependent Visa increasingly relevant for Indian families.
As of 2026, India has been upgraded to Evidence Level 2 by the Department of Home Affairs. This means Indian applicants now benefit from streamlined documentation requirements and faster processing times compared to the previous Level 3 classification.
From 1 July 2025, the Subclass 500 visa application fee increased from AUD $1,600 to AUD $2,000. This affects both primary and secondary applicants.
The Genuine Student Requirement (replacing the previous GTE requirement) continues to apply. All primary student applicants must submit a Genuine Student statement demonstrating their intent to study and return or transition through lawful channels post-study.
Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) remains a strong post-study work option. Indian graduates of Master's and PhD programmes continue to find employment in technology, healthcare, engineering, and financial services sectors.
The dependent spouse's unlimited work rights (when the primary is on a Masters or PhD) make the Student Dependent Visa one of the most practical family visa options in Australia compared to many other study destination countries.

Australia vs UK vs Canada — Student Dependent Visa Comparison

Feature	Australia (500)	UK (Student Dependent)	Canada (Study Permit)
Course Level Restriction	No restriction — any level qualifies	Masters Research / PhD only (post Jan 2024)	No restriction
Work Rights — Spouse	48 hrs/fortnight (Bachelor); Unlimited (Masters/PhD)	Full-time (qualifying postgrad only)	Open Work Permit — full-time any sector
Visa Fee (Adult Dependent)	~AUD $1,445 (~₹79,475)	£490 (~₹52,000)	~CAD $150 (~₹9,000)
Processing Time	~33 days median; 7–8 wks India	~3 weeks standard	8–20 weeks approx.
English Req. for Dependent	Not required	Not required	Not required
Path to PR	Via 485, then skilled migration (189/190)	Via Skilled Worker route; ILR after 5 qualifying years	Via Express Entry or PNP — strong pathway

How Can Y-Axis Help with Your Australia Student Dependent Visa?

As the world's No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing reliable, personalised immigration services for 25+ years. Our team of Australia immigration experts offers end-to-end assistance for the Australia Student Dependent Visa, including:

Free eligibility assessment for the Australia Student Dependent Visa
Complete online ImmiAccount application preparation and review
Personalised document checklist for spouse, partner, and children
Financial evidence structuring — bank statements, FD certificates, sponsor letters
OSHC selection guidance and cost optimisation
Coordination for DHA-approved health examination panel doctors in India
Guidance on visa conditions (Condition 8104) and work rights for dependents
Student visa extension planning when the primary student renews their CoE
Transition planning to the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa after graduation
Long-term Australia PR and skilled migration roadmap for the entire family
Resume writing and Australia job search assistance for working dependents
Support for Australian citizenship planning after reaching PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australia Student Dependent Visa?

The Australia Student Dependent Visa allows the spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children (under 18) of an eligible Subclass 500 Student visa holder to live in Australia for the full duration of the primary student's study programme. There is no separate dependent visa subclass — dependents are included under the Subclass 500 as secondary applicants. Dependents can live, work (subject to conditions), and study in Australia alongside the primary student.

Who qualifies as a dependent on an Australia Student Visa?

Eligible dependents include the spouse (legally married), de facto partner (in a genuine ongoing de facto relationship), and dependent children under 18 years of age — biological, adopted, or stepchildren. Children over 18 may also qualify if they are unable to work due to a disability and were dependent on the student before turning 18. Parents, siblings, and adult relatives are not eligible as dependents under this stream.

Is there any course-level restriction for bringing dependents to Australia?

No. Unlike the UK, Australia does not restrict dependent visa eligibility based on the student's course level. Whether the primary student is enrolled in a Certificate, Bachelor, Masters, or PhD programme, they can include their spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children in their student visa application. However, the dependent's work rights do depend on the primary student's course level.

How much does the Australia Student Dependent Visa cost?

From 1 July 2025, the primary Student Visa (Subclass 500) application charge is AUD $2,000 (approx. ₹1,10,000). For each adult dependent (18 years and above), the fee is approximately AUD $1,445 (approx. ₹79,475). For each dependent child under 18, the fee is AUD $400 (approx. ₹22,000). If any applicant is in Australia and has previously held a visa, an additional Subsequent Application Charge of AUD $700 applies. OSHC (health cover) costs are separate. Always verify current fees on the official DHA visa pricing estimator before applying.

Can an Australia Student Visa dependent work in Australia?

Yes — subject to Visa Condition 8104. Dependents of primary students enrolled in a Masters (coursework or research) or Doctoral (PhD) programme can work unlimited hours in any sector. Dependents of students enrolled in Bachelor degree or lower-level courses are limited to 48 hours per fortnight. Dependents cannot begin work until the primary student has commenced their registered course in Australia. No separate work permit or employer sponsorship is required.

What is Visa Condition 8104 for Australian student dependents?

Condition 8104 is the work restriction placed on secondary applicants (dependents) under the Subclass 500 Student Visa. It restricts work to 48 hours per fortnight when the primary student is studying a Bachelor degree or lower-level course. It also prohibits the dependent from beginning work before the primary student commences their course. If the primary student is studying a Masters or PhD programme, the dependent is exempt from the 48-hour limit and can work unlimited hours.

Can the dependent spouse study in Australia?

Yes — but only for up to 3 months on the dependent stream. Dependents can participate in short courses or English language programmes within this limit. If the dependent wishes to enrol in a course longer than 3 months, they must apply for their own Student Visa (Subclass 500) separately. Dependent children under 18 can attend Australian schools full-time without any additional visa requirement. Children turning 18 must apply for their own Student Visa before their birthday.

What financial requirements must the primary student meet to bring dependents?

The primary student must show AUD $29,710 per year for their own living costs, plus AUD $10,394 per year for each accompanying spouse or de facto partner, and AUD $4,449 per year for each dependent child. These amounts are in addition to full course tuition fees and estimated return airfare for all applicants. Financial evidence must reflect consistent funds held for 3–6 months — not a single large recent deposit. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, and income or sponsorship letters.

Is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required for dependents?

Yes. All dependents on the Australia Student Visa must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their stay in Australia. OSHC covers medical consultations, hospitalisation, ambulance services, and prescription medicines. Students must arrange and pay for OSHC for themselves and all dependents before lodging the visa application. Evidence of full OSHC payment must be submitted with the application. Multiple OSHC providers are available — Y-Axis can assist with selection.

How long does it take to process the Australia Student Dependent Visa from India?

The median processing time for Subclass 500 applications in 2026 is approximately 33 days. For Indian applicants, the typical end-to-end timeline is 7–8 weeks, accounting for health examinations which can add 2–4 weeks if follow-up tests are needed. As of 2026, India is classified at Evidence Level 2, which means faster processing and streamlined documentation compared to Level 3. Apply at least 10–12 weeks before the course start date. Avoid the June–August peak period for faster service.

What documents are required for the Australia Student Dependent Visa from India?

Key documents include: valid passports for all applicants; Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the primary student; marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship (apostilled, with certified English translation); birth certificates for children; financial evidence showing required living cost funds; OSHC payment certificate for all members; health examination results from a DHA-approved panel doctor; police clearance certificates; and a Genuine Student statement for the primary applicant. All documents not in English require certified translation.

What is the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and why is it important?

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document issued by a CRICOS-registered Australian institution after a student has accepted their offer and paid the required deposit. The CoE contains the course name, start and end dates, tuition fees, and the provider's CRICOS code. The CoE number is mandatory for lodging the Student Visa application — without it, neither the primary student nor the dependent can apply. The CoE is typically issued 3 months before the course start date.

Does a dependent on the Australia Student Visa need to take an English test?

No. The English language proficiency requirement applies to the primary student applicant only — not to dependent spouse, partner, or children. Dependents are not required to submit IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or any other English test results for the Student Dependent Visa. This is a significant advantage for Indian families where the spouse has not recently taken a formal English examination.

Can a dependent apply for the Australia Student Visa separately from the primary student?

Yes. Dependents can be included in the primary student's Subclass 500 application at the time of initial lodgement. Alternatively, they can apply as secondary applicants separately through their own ImmiAccount after the primary visa has been lodged or granted. If applying separately, the dependent's application must reference the primary student's visa application or granted visa. Applying together is generally more efficient and avoids delays.

What happens to the dependent's visa if the primary student withdraws from their course?

If the primary student withdraws from their registered course, stops attending, or has their Subclass 500 visa cancelled or curtailed, the dependent's visa is also typically cancelled. Both the student and dependent may be required to leave Australia or find an alternative qualifying visa immediately. If the student is transferring to another CRICOS-registered institution or course, the dependent's visa is generally unaffected — but always verify with an immigration adviser. Contact Y-Axis immediately if this situation arises.

What is the India Evidence Level system and how does it affect my application?

Australia's Department of Home Affairs classifies student visa applicants from each country into Evidence Levels (1 to 3) based on compliance history and risk assessment. Level 1 requires the least documentation; Level 3 requires the most. As of 2026, India is classified at Evidence Level 2, which means applicants benefit from a streamlined documentation requirement and faster processing compared to Level 3. However, all core financial and eligibility requirements still apply, and the Genuine Student statement remains mandatory for all.

Can the dependent apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after the student graduates?

Yes. When the primary student applies for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing their studies, the dependent can apply simultaneously in the secondary stream of the 485. The 485 visa allows the primary holder to stay and work in Australia for 2 years (Bachelor/Masters graduates) or 3–4 years (PhD graduates). The dependent can continue to live and work in Australia during this period — this is a critical transition step toward skilled migration and eventual Permanent Residence.

What happens when a dependent child turns 18 in Australia?

A child loses their dependent status when they turn 18. Before their 18th birthday, they must apply for their own Student Visa (Subclass 500) or another qualifying visa to continue living lawfully in Australia. Failing to apply in time results in loss of valid immigration status. This is a critical planning consideration for families with children close to 18 at the time of the original application. Y-Axis can help plan the timely transition to ensure continuous lawful residence.

How is the Australia Student Dependent Visa different from the UK Student Dependent Visa?

The Australia Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500) has no course-level restriction — any registered course qualifies. The UK restricts dependent eligibility to postgraduate research students (PhD/MPhil) or government-sponsored students only (since January 2024). Australia also offers unlimited work rights for dependents of Masters and PhD students. The UK offers full work rights for qualifying postgrad dependants too, but the entry criteria are significantly stricter. Australia's OSHC requirement is analogous to the UK's IHS surcharge.

How can Y-Axis help with the Australia Student Dependent Visa application?

Y-Axis provides complete end-to-end assistance — from a free eligibility assessment and personalised document checklist, to financial evidence structuring, OSHC selection, ImmiAccount application preparation and review, health examination coordination, visa condition guidance (Condition 8104 work rights), dependent visa extension planning, and long-term Australia immigration roadmap including the 485 Graduate Visa, skilled migration (189/190), Permanent Residence, and Australian citizenship planning. With 25+ years of experience and over 10 lakh clients assisted, Y-Axis is the world's No. 1 immigration consultancy. Sign up at y-axis.com or call +91-7670800000.