Studying in Australia from the Philippines starts with a student visa, an offer from a college, and proof you can support yourself. You also need an approved English test result for the visa, unless an exemption applies.
What do you need for an Australian student visa?
You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your college first. You then apply for a student visa (subclass 500) using that document. The Department of Home Affairs requires the application to be made from outside Australia, unless the applicant holds an eligible visa and meets an exemption. You need proof of English proficiency at the level your course sets. Ask us for the current test score your course requires. You also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay in Australia.
- Choose a course and a collegeThe course must be on the CRICOS register. The college sends an offer.
- Accept the offerThe college issues the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) once the offer is accepted and the deposit is paid.
- Gather the evidenceAn English test result, evidence of funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and answers to the Genuine Student questions, up to 150 words each.
- Apply online, from the PhilippinesThe application charge for a Philippines passport is AUD $2,050.
- The Department decidesThe CoE must still be valid when the Department of Home Affairs decides the application.
How much does studying in Australia cost in 2027?
Every international student needs a student visa (subclass 500), and the Department of Home Affairs asks for evidence of funds. The costs, in order:
Visa costs
- AUD $2,050 for an applicant with a Philippines passport.
- AUD $2,500 for most other passports.3
The student visa page lists the countries.
Course fees per year
Ask us for the current fee for your specific course and college, since this varies widely.
Agency fees
- The Studyaway service fee is AUD $2,000 for a new student visa application from outside Australia, the same for every passport.8
Health insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for the whole length of the visa.9 The price depends on the insurer and the length of cover. The health insurance page gets a quote.
Living costs
- AUD $29,710 for 12 months: the figure the Department of Home Affairs asks to see evidence of.4
Evidence of travel, the first year of course fees and AUD $29,710 for living costs.4 The funds calculator works out the figure.
A student with a Philippines passport can include a partner and children, applying at the same time and in one application. Each family member adds to the charge: AUD $1,255 for each person 18 or over and AUD $410 for each person under 18. The funds rise too: AUD $10,394 for a partner, AUD $4,449 for each child, and AUD $13,502 in school costs for each school-age child, for 12 months.5
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Department checks that you are a genuine student and that study is your main reason for the visa. Hoping to apply for permanent residence later does not count against you. You answer written questions in the visa application form, up to 150 words each2, and add documents that support your answers. This is a real assessment, not a formality. Take real time to prepare it properly, with your own words and reasons.
Can you work while you study in Australia?
Yes, within limits. A student visa allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, meaning every two weeks.6 Many students work in retail, hospitality, or delivery roles. Most students cannot cover Australian living costs from part-time work alone. Plan your finances around savings or family support, not just a part-time job.
What should you budget for besides tuition?
Rent varies a lot between Australian cities. Sydney and Melbourne generally cost more than regional areas. Shared housing usually costs less than renting a whole unit alone. Ask your college or Studyaway for current typical rental ranges in your chosen city before you commit.
What happens after you graduate?
Some graduates apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain local work experience. The applicant must be 35 or younger.7 Depending on your course and occupation, other skilled or employer-sponsored visas may be a further step later. A pathway to permanent residency (PR) may exist, but eligibility always depends on your occupation, your employer, and your own circumstances.
What should you sort out when you arrive?
Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) with the Australian Taxation Office before you start work. It is free, and with a student visa you can apply online. Open an Australian bank account early, since you will need one for rent and bills. Get a local mobile number for everyday use and official contact. Confirm your accommodation is ready before you land, so you are not stuck on arrival day.
What are your accommodation options?
Homestay places you with a local family, which can help with settling in. Student accommodation and hostels offer more independence, often shared with other students. Shared housing with other students is usually cheaper than renting alone. Confirm your first few weeks of accommodation before you travel, even if you plan to move again later.
Why do Filipino students use an education agency?
An education agency can help you compare courses, colleges, and cities against your goals and budget. A good agency stays in touch after you land in Australia, not only before you leave home. Studyaway works with students from application through to settling in, and connects every student to a Registered Migration Agent for visa advice.
This article is general information only, not migration advice. Figures checked July 2026 against official sources; the visa, funds and family figures were read at source on 22 October 2026. In Australia, immigration assistance may only be provided by a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner - Studyaway provides all students with access to a Registered Migration Agent.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs, Subclass 500 Student visa page (updated 12 October 2026). Read 22 October 2026.
- Department of Home Affairs, Genuine Student requirement page (updated 24 September 2026). Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1222(2) and (5A) (the visa application charge), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, clause 500.214; LIN 19/198, section 6(2) (funds), Compilation No. 2. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1222(2)(a)(ib), (3)(da)(i) and (3)(e); LIN 19/198, section 6(2)(c) (family members). Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 8, condition 8105 (48 hours a fortnight), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1229(4)(b) (Temporary Graduate visa age), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
- Studyaway, Pricing: every Studyaway price. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, clause 500.215 (health insurance), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
Checked and updated 22 October 2026.
