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Student Visa Financial Capacity Calculator

Work out the funds you may need to evidence for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). Enter your details below and the total updates instantly, with a full breakdown.

Living costs are the full annual amount for stays of 12 months or more, and pro-rated for shorter stays.

A one-way airfare estimate for you and anyone travelling with you.

AUD 4,449 living cost each.

AUD 4,449 living + AUD 13,502 school each.

Indicative only. This tool estimates the funds you may need to evidence under the "funds" method using the amounts in legislative instrument LIN 19/198 (current as at 10 May 2024). It is not migration advice, does not cover every scenario, and showing the funds does not by itself satisfy the Genuine Student requirement or guarantee a grant. Amounts are set by the Australian Government and change — always confirm current figures or book a consultation.

Reference

Official financial capacity amounts

The annual amounts set out in LIN 19/198 for the subclass 500 student visa.

Cost componentAmount (AUD)
Annual living costs (12 months)
Primary applicant (student)29,710
Spouse or de facto partner10,394
Each dependent child4,449
Annual school costs (per school-age child)13,502
Plus, in every case
Travel costs to and from AustraliaEstimate
Course fees — first 12 months (less amounts paid)Your fees
Alternative: personal annual income method
Parent / spouse / partner income — no family member applying87,856
Parent / spouse / partner income — with a family member102,500

Source: Migration (LIN 19/198: Evidence of financial capacity — Subclass 500 Visa and Subclass 590 Visa) Instrument 2019, as amended (compilation in force 10 May 2024). See it on legislation.gov.au and the Department of Home Affairs student visa (subclass 500) page.

Good to know

Money is only half the picture

Meeting the financial requirement is essential — but a strong student visa application also needs to satisfy the Genuine Student requirement.

Funds

Show genuine access

Funds should be genuinely available to you and from an acceptable source — sudden, unexplained deposits raise questions.

Genuine Student

Your study makes sense

Your course, history and plans need to hang together. We help you present a clear, honest Genuine Student account.

Evidence

Documented properly

Bank statements, loan documents, income records and sponsor evidence must meet the Department's requirements.

FAQ

Financial capacity questions

How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?

Under the funds method you evidence 12 months of living costs — AUD 29,710 for the primary student — plus travel costs and course fees for the first 12 months (minus any amount already paid). Partners, children and school-age dependants add further amounts.

How much is the living cost requirement in 2026?

The annual living cost amount for the primary applicant is AUD 29,710, increased from AUD 24,505 on 10 May 2024. A spouse or de facto partner adds AUD 10,394 and each dependent child adds AUD 4,449.

Is showing AUD 29,710 enough on its own?

No. That is only the living-cost portion. You also need travel costs and first-year course fees, plus extra for any family members — and showing funds does not by itself prove you are a Genuine Student.

Can I use my parents' income instead of savings?

Yes — an alternative method uses the official personal annual income of a parent, spouse or partner: at least AUD 87,856 (no family member applying) or AUD 102,500 (with a family member), evidenced by government documentation from the previous 12 months.

Is this calculator official?

No. It is an indicative guide based on the current LIN 19/198 amounts. It is not migration advice and does not guarantee a grant — book a consultation for a full assessment.

Next step

Not sure your funds will satisfy the Department?

We review your financial capacity and your Genuine Student profile together, so you lodge with confidence — honestly, with no overpromising.

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