Study in Australia for Saudis: Steps, Visa and Work

Studying in Australia from Saudi Arabia starts with an offer from an institution, then a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), then an application for the Student visa (subclass 500) with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), proof of financial capacity and the Genuine Student requirement. Official details change, so we checked the visa information on the Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia websites.

This guide is for students in Saudi Arabia and covers the steps, the differences between study levels and what to check before choosing a program. The institution decides admission and the department decides the visa; Almorad, an admissions office in Riyadh, prepares and follows up your file without promising any outcome.

Steps to Study in Australia From Saudi Arabia

The general order is admission, then CoE, then visa. The official Student visa page says you must be enrolled in a course and hold a valid CoE when your application is decided.

1. Decide your level and field: English language, vocational, bachelor or postgraduate.
2. Choose an institution and course that fit your goal and budget.
3. Apply for admission and prepare your academic records and language result if required.
4. Receive the offer, then the CoE after you accept it under your institution's process.
5. Arrange OSHC, proof of funds and your Genuine Student responses.
6. Apply online from outside Australia unless an exemption applies.
7. After the decision, arrange housing and travel.

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) in Brief

The visa allows study in an eligible course, travel in and out of Australia, and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session. It can last up to 6 years in line with your enrolment, and requires a CoE, OSHC unless exempt, and welfare arrangements for applicants under 18.

Study Australia states that visa fees start from AUD 2,500 for applications from 1 July 2026. New rules also start on 2 October 2026 for applying from inside Australia and including family members, as explained on the official changes page, so read it before any travel or relocation decision.

The Genuine Student Requirement

The Genuine Student requirement applies to applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024 and assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. Your answers cover your current circumstances, why you chose the course and institution, and how the study benefits your future. Read our guide to the Genuine Student requirement for detail.

Costs and Financial Capacity

The official page says you must show you have enough money for your stay, that the visa amount is only a minimum, and that real living costs can be much higher depending on the city. The specific amounts appear in the Gather Documents step of the visa tool, so we did not print a figure here to avoid showing an outdated number.

Do not rely on work to cover living costs, as the official page advises. Study Australia offers a cost-of-living calculator that helps estimate a realistic budget.

Working While Studying

The general limit is 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with no cap during official course breaks, according to Study Australia. Research master's and doctoral students have no hours limit. Work remains extra income, not a replacement for proof of funds.

Quick Comparison by Study Type

The visa also allows packaging several courses under conditions, including a gap that generally must not exceed two months, per the same page.

Choosing a City and Field

Cities differ in rent, transport and placement opportunities, so start with the field and then compare institutions and cities. Read about studying cybersecurity abroad, studying engineering abroad and studying business administration abroad. To compare language tests, see the IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo comparison. You can also visit our Australia page.

Checklist Before You Choose a Course

Before you accept an offer and pay any fee, review these points:

• Is the course registered and suited to your level and required language result?
• Does your budget cover tuition and living costs in your chosen city?
• Do you understand the course length, breaks and what they mean for work?
• Have you prepared your Genuine Student responses and documents?
• Have you reviewed the updated visa rules on the official page?

Ask the institution to state payment and cancellation terms clearly in writing, and keep copies of your correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What document do I need before applying for the visa?

A valid CoE from your institution, as the official Student visa page states, plus OSHC unless an exemption applies.

Can I apply from inside Australia?

The rule is to apply from outside Australia, unless you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption. New rules start on 2 October 2026, so check the official page.

How many hours can I work?

Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study, and no limit for research master's and doctoral students, according to Study Australia.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, OSHC is required unless an exemption category applies, and adequate cover must be kept for your whole stay.

Can my family come with me?

Generally not, unless an exemption applies, and the rules change from 2 October 2026. Check the official page for your case.

Does Almorad guarantee the visa?

No. We prepare and follow up the file; the decision belongs to the institution and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

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