When preparing an application for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) for the February 2027 academic intake, demonstrating verifiable financial capacity is one of the most critical evidentiary requirements mandated by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
1. Who can serve as a financial sponsor?
Under DHA policy, acceptable financial sponsors include the applicant themselves, their spouse/de facto partner, or immediate parents/legal guardians. Family relationships must be substantiated with official certified civil status records (birth certificates, marriage certificates).
2. How much financial capacity must be demonstrated?
Calculated living expense benchmarks require proof of funds covering:
- 12-Month Living Costs: Indexed at AUD 29,710/year for the primary student applicant.
- 12-Month Course Tuition: The remaining balance of the first year’s tuition fees after deducting initial deposit payments recorded on the CoE.
- Travel & Health Cover: AUD 2,000 estimated return airfare plus full-period Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
3. Genuine access and bank statement requirements
Funds must demonstrate genuine access. Official 6-month continuous stamped bank statements supported by taxable income sources (salary slips, employment contracts, registered business profits) prove the capital is unencumbered and accessible.
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Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs / De1 Education Advisory
