Study in Australia from Paraguay:
Requirements, Costs and What You Need to Know in 2026
Studying in Australia can be much more than earning a qualification. It is an opportunity to improve your English, gain international experience, meet people from around the world and develop skills that can strengthen your future career.
Australia offers many study options, including:
- English-language courses
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications
- Diplomas and advanced diplomas
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Postgraduate and master’s degrees
This flexibility means that you do not necessarily need to begin with perfect English or a university degree. Depending on your background and goals, it may be possible to create a study pathway that begins with English and progresses to a vocational or higher-education qualification.
However, studying in Australia requires careful planning. Your course, budget and visa documents must make sense for your individual circumstances.
What visa do Paraguayan students need?
Paraguayan citizens who want to study in Australia for more than three months generally need to apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500).
Before applying for the visa, you must first be accepted by an Australian education provider and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
According to the Australian Government’s Study Australia website, this visa allows eligible students to study in Australia, include certain family members in their application, travel in and out of the country, and work within the conditions of the visa.
Main Student visa requirements
Every application is assessed individually, but students generally need to provide the following:
1. A valid passport
You must hold a valid Paraguayan passport. It is helpful to ensure that your passport will remain valid throughout the application and travel process.
2. Enrolment in an Australian course
You must apply to an Australian education provider, receive an offer, accept it and meet the provider’s payment requirements. The provider can then issue your Confirmation of Enrolment.
The right course should match your previous education, employment experience and future goals. Choosing a course only because it is inexpensive or appears to offer an easy way to enter Australia can weaken your visa application.
3. English-language ability
The required level of English depends on your course, education provider and visa circumstances.
Some applicants may need to provide results from an approved test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or another accepted test. Tests completed entirely online or at home are generally not accepted for visa purposes. The current list is available on the Study Australia language-testing page.
If your English is not yet sufficient for your preferred course, you may be able to begin with an English program and then progress to further study. EduWork can help you understand which pathway may be suitable for your current level.
4. Overseas Student Health Cover
International students must normally maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period of their stay.
OSHC helps cover certain medical and hospital expenses in Australia. Its price depends on the length of your studies and whether your policy covers only you or also includes family members.
5. Evidence of sufficient funds
You may need to demonstrate that you have genuine access to enough money to cover:
- Travel to and from Australia
- Tuition fees for the first 12 months, minus amounts already paid
- Living expenses
- Additional costs for any accompanying family members
- School expenses for school-aged children, where applicable
The current immigration benchmark for a primary student’s annual living expenses is AUD 29,710, in addition to tuition and travel costs. This amount is established in the Australian Government’s current financial-capacity instrument.
Importantly, AUD 29,710 is a visa benchmark—not a guarantee that it will cover your actual expenses. Rent and everyday costs vary considerably between cities, accommodation types and lifestyles. Students should prepare a realistic budget and avoid relying entirely on future employment in Australia.
6. Genuine Student requirement
You must demonstrate that studying is the primary reason for applying for the Student visa.
The Genuine Student (GS) assessment considers matters such as:
- Your current circumstances in Paraguay
- Your education and employment history
- Why you selected your course and education provider
- Why you want to study in Australia
- How the course will benefit your future
- Your understanding of the course and life in Australia
- Your immigration and travel history
Your answers should be personal, logical and supported by evidence. The Department of Home Affairs gives more weight to statements supported by documents. You can read the official Genuine Student requirements.
7. Health and character requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to complete a medical examination, provide police certificates, supply biometrics or submit additional personal documents.
8. Student visa application fee
From 1 July 2026, the Student visa application charge starts from AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant. Additional charges may apply when family members are included. Visa fees can change and are generally not refundable if an application is refused or withdrawn.
Can international students work in Australia?
Most Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. They can generally work unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks.
Students normally cannot begin working before their course starts. Different conditions apply to students who have commenced a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree, so every student should check their individual visa conditions through VEVO.
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is AUD 26.44 per hour for eligible adult employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. The minimum for eligible casual employees is AUD 33.05 per hour, including the 25% casual loading. Many employees are covered by industry awards with different rates and conditions. Current information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Working can help you gain experience, improve your English and contribute towards everyday expenses. However, finding work is not guaranteed, and part-time employment should not be your only plan for paying tuition and living costs.
Does studying in Australia guarantee permanent residency?
No. A Student visa is granted primarily for education. Studying in Australia does not automatically guarantee employment, a graduate visa or permanent residency.
Some graduates may later qualify for other visas depending on their qualification, occupation, English level, work experience and the immigration rules in effect at that time. These rules can change, so your study decision should first make sense for your education and career—not depend entirely on a future migration outcome.
How does the process work?
A typical journey involves the following steps:
- Assess your goals, education, work experience, English level and budget.
- Compare suitable courses, education providers and Australian locations.
- Apply to the selected institution and receive an offer.
- Accept the offer, make the required payment and obtain your CoE.
- Arrange OSHC and prepare your Student visa application.
- Complete any requested health checks, biometrics or additional documents.
- Receive the visa decision and prepare for your arrival in Australia.
Starting early gives you more time to compare options, organise finances and prepare complete documents.
How EduWork can help
There is no single course or plan that is right for every student. The best option depends on your background, English level, professional goals, preferred location and available budget.
EduWork can help you:
- Identify suitable courses and education providers
- Compare tuition fees, locations and entry requirements
- Apply to your selected institution
- Manage the enrolment and CoE process
- Arrange your OSHC
- Prepare for the Student visa application process
- Plan your arrival and first steps in Australia
- Access support after you arrive
Our assistance does not end when you submit your application. We want you to arrive informed, prepared and supported as you begin your new life in Australia.
Ready to explore your options?
Send EduWork your age, educational background, work experience, English level, preferred area of study, intended start date and approximate budget.
With this information, we can assess your situation and explain the study options that may be suitable for you.
Your Australian journey should begin with a realistic plan—and EduWork is here to help you build it.
This article provides general information and was updated in August 2026. Visa requirements, fees and financial thresholds may change. Every application is assessed individually, and additional documents may be requested.
