Master’s in Australia 2025–26 Guide: Genuine Student, OSHC, Work Hours & Scholarships
- September 11, 2025
- Posted by: Sandeep
- Categories: Study Abroad, Study in Australia
Australia remains one of the best destinations for an international Master’s in 2025/2026 thanks to globally ranked universities, clear visa settings, mandated health cover (OSHC), and structured post‑study work pathways via the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
Why Australia 2025/2026
Top universities like the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, UNSW, ANU, Monash, and UQ continue to appear at the top of national lists in the latest QS cycles, affirming strong academic reputation and employability.
Higher education is standardized under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), supporting recognition of credentials across borders and clear pathways between coursework and research programs.
Master’s meaning
In Australia, a Master’s corresponds to AQF Level 9 and develops advanced knowledge and specialized skills for professional or research practice across coursework, extended, and research formats.
Most programs run 1–2 years depending on prior qualifications and the program’s AQF volume of learning and outcomes.
Policy updates
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced GTE for applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024 and remains in effect through 2025/2026, focusing on concise evidence of study intent and compliance in the visa form and supporting documents.
Financial capacity settings were updated, with guidance aligning benchmarks to living costs (previously AUD 29,710 for the primary applicant from 10 May 2024), and applicants should check the latest figure at lodgement time.
Work hours are capped at 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with more flexible hours during scheduled breaks and specific exceptions per visa condition 8105.
Intakes timeline
Intakes generally occur in Semester 1 (late February/early March) and Semester 2 (mid‑July), with some providers offering additional trimester or late‑year starts.
Plan 6–9 months ahead for tests, references, funding, OSHC, and visa lodgement to avoid last‑minute delays.
Student visa
The Student visa (subclass 500) permits study in an eligible course, travel, and limited work rights during session, requiring GS evidence, financial capacity, OSHC, English proficiency, and health/character checks as applicable.
Study Australia’s guide outlines steps and documents for the student visa pathway, complementing official policy details.
Genuine Student
GS assesses whether the applicant is a genuine student through structured short responses and corroborating documents linking background, course choice, and realistic post‑study plans.
Specific, evidence‑based statements carry more weight than generic claims and should align tightly with the chosen field and provider.
OSHC cover
Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the entire visa period and must be arranged before visa lodgement, matching the course dates and the visa length of stay.
Continuous OSHC is required to remain compliant from arrival until the end of the visa validity.
Financial capacity
Applicants must show sufficient funds consistent with the latest benchmark published by Home Affairs at time of application, noting the previous setting of AUD 29,710 from 10 May 2024 for a single student and the linkage to minimum‑wage‑based calculations.
Check for updates before lodgement and ensure documented, acceptable sources of funds to meet living costs in addition to tuition and OSHC.
Costs and fees
The subclass 500 visa page lists the current application charge and any specified exemptions, while tuition and OSHC vary by provider and policy coverage level.
Budget separately for living expenses in line with the financial capacity requirement to avoid processing delays.
Work while studying
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with more flexible hours during scheduled breaks per visa conditions.
Review condition 8105 and the grant notice to understand any exceptions or limits that apply to specific higher‑degree research visas.
Post‑study work
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) program was realigned from 1 July 2024 and continues in 2025/2026, including removal of the prior two‑year extension for select degrees and updated streams.
The Post‑Higher Education Work stream covers higher‑education graduates, with criteria, durations, and steps detailed on official pages for the 485 visa and its streams.
Top universities
University of Melbourne; University of Sydney; UNSW Sydney; ANU; Monash University; and University of Queensland are among top performers in recent QS cycles for Australia.
Use subject‑level rankings alongside faculty research strengths and industry links when shortlisting programs.
How to apply
- Shortlist AQF Level 9 programs and confirm academic and English prerequisites on provider pages.
- Prepare transcripts, CV, references, and English test results and submit program applications.
- Accept offer, obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and purchase OSHC aligned to course and visa periods.
- Lodge subclass 500 with GS responses and financial capacity evidence in ImmiAccount.
- Complete health/biometrics if requested and monitor for the decision before session start.
Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships fund full‑time postgraduate study for eligible citizens of partner countries, covering tuition, travel, stipend, and OSHC under DFAT administration.
Destination Australia supports regional study via grants administered through eligible providers, and Study Australia’s hub lists additional awards by level and field.
Checklist 2025/2026
- Program fit: confirm AQF Level 9 alignment, prerequisites, and course length.
- GS statements: concise, evidence‑based responses plus supporting documents.
- Financial capacity: meet the current benchmark published by Home Affairs.
- OSHC: continuous cover for the entire visa period.
- Work rules: 48 hours per fortnight during session, exceptions per 8105.
- Post‑study: map eligibility and timing for the 485 streams.
FAQs
Semester 1 (Feb/Mar) and Semester 2 (Jul), with some trimester or late‑year options by provider.
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with more flexible settings during scheduled breaks and exceptions per 8105.
The benchmark is set by Home Affairs and applicants should use the latest published figure at lodgement; guidance in 2024 set AUD 29,710 for a single student from 10 May 2024.
Yes, OSHC is a visa condition and must be maintained for the entire visa period.
From 1 July 2024, 485 streams were realigned and the prior select‑degree extension removed; review the Post‑Higher Education Work stream criteria.
Disclaimer:
The information contained on this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. And the information provided on this blog should not be construed as professional advice.
While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, I cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. You should always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information contained on this blog post.
