When applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), one of the key requirements is proving you have enough money to support yourself (and any dependents) during your stay in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs wants to be sure that you can pay for:
Tuition fees
Living expenses
Travel costs (return airfare)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Showing genuine access to funds is crucial — and bank statements are one of the most trusted forms of financial evidence. They demonstrate not just the amount you have, but also the stability of your finances over time.
From 1 October 2023, Australia introduced updated evidence of financial capacity requirements. As part of this:
You must show enough savings to meet the minimum living cost requirement of at least AUD 24,505 per year (this amount is a baseline and may vary depending on your situation).
These funds must be genuine, accessible, and stable.
If you plan to bring a spouse or children, additional amounts apply.
Here’s how your bank statements should be prepared for the visa application:
Provide bank statements covering at least 3–6 months prior to application.
Show that the balance has been consistently maintained and that funds haven’t suddenly increased without a reasonable explanation (e.g., large deposits just before applying).
Statements from savings accounts, checking accounts, fixed deposits, or similar accounts with readily accessible funds are acceptable.
If funds are in a fixed deposit, also provide documents showing that you can encash or use them for study purposes.
Your bank statements should:
Show your name (or sponsor’s name)
Be recent and official, ideally with bank letterhead or verified through official online banking printouts.
Clearly show the account balance and transaction history for the period requested.
Be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation.
There’s no fixed number mandated by legislation that must appear on your bank statements, but the amount you show must convincingly cover:
| Category | Approx. Amount You Might Need to Show |
|---|---|
| Living expenses for 1 year | ≈ AUD 29,710 (single student) |
| Tuition fees | Varies (≈ AUD 20,000–35,000+ depending on program) |
| Return airfare | ≈ AUD 2,000–2,500 |
| Health insurance (OSHC) | Must be paid in advance |
Combined totals often range from AUD 40,000 to AUD 65,000+ for one year of study, tuition, travel, and health insurance — depending on your course and living situation.
Note: actual amounts are case-specific. The key is demonstrating genuine financial capacity — not just covering the minimum figures automatically.
If your parents or spouse are funding your studies:
Include sponsor’s bank statements along with proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate).
Include income documents like salary slips, tax returns, or statutory declarations from your sponsor stating they will support you.
This combination strengthens the credibility of your finances.
In addition to bank statements:
A sanction letter from a recognized bank or financial institution showing course fee coverage and disbursement details.
Official award letters clearly stating the amount and period of support.
Proof of FD certificates with confirmation that funds are accessible.
✔️ Sudden large deposits just before applying — authorities may question the source.
✔️ Outdated statements — must be current (usually within the last 3 months).
✔️ Funds in non-liquid assets (like property) without evidence you can access cash.
✔️ Incomplete documentation — always accompany statements with explanatory letters if necessary.
📌 Start early — maintain savings well before applying.
📌 Organize statements neatly — next to each page, include explanatory notes if needed (especially for irregular transactions).
📌 Translate non-English docs — ensure translations are certified.
📌 Submit clear scans or PDFs — not blurry photos.
📌 Explain irregularities with supporting evidence (pay slips, sale documents, loan letters, etc.).
Submitting proper bank statements is one of the most important steps in proving your financial capability for an Australian Student Visa. They show that you can:
Afford your education and living costs
Sustain yourself without becoming a financial burden
Access funds consistently over time
By preparing your financial documents thoroughly — with stable funds in your or your sponsor’s account, supporting income proofs, and clear documentation — you greatly improve your chances of visa approval. Always refer to the latest Department of Home Affairs guidance and use the official Document Checklist Tool on the Australian immigration website to confirm what’s required for your specific application. educli.com
