Who Cannot Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of international students every year. With globally ranked universities, high-quality vocational training, and post-study work opportunities, it is easy to see why students aim to study in Australia.

However, not everyone is eligible to apply for an Australian student visa. While many applicants focus on what is required to obtain a visa, it is equally important to understand who cannot apply or who is likely to be refused under Australian immigration law.

This blog explores in detail who cannot apply for a student visa in Australia, the reasons behind ineligibility, and common mistakes that lead to refusal. Understanding these factors can help students avoid wasted time, money, and disappointment.

Overview of the Australian Student Visa

Most international students apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows them to study full-time at a registered Australian institution. To be eligible, applicants must meet a range of academic, financial, health, and character requirements.

If an applicant fails to meet these requirements, they may be legally prevented from applying or almost certain to be refused.

1. People Without a Confirmed Enrolment (No CoE)

One of the most basic requirements for applying for a student visa is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by an Australian education provider.

You cannot apply if:

• You are not enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
• You only have an offer letter but no CoE
• Your CoE has been cancelled or expired

Without a valid CoE, the visa application cannot proceed. This rule ensures that student visas are issued only to genuine students with confirmed study plans.

2. Applicants Who Do Not Meet the Genuine Student Requirement

Australia requires all student visa applicants to prove they are genuine students, meaning their primary purpose is education, not migration, employment, or other reasons.

You may not qualify if:

• Your study choice does not align with your previous education or work experience
• You cannot clearly explain why you chose Australia or your course
• Your study plan appears illogical or repetitive
• Your intention to return home after studies is unclear

Applicants who fail to satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement are often refused, even if they meet academic and financial criteria.

3. People Who Cannot Demonstrate Financial Capacity

Australia requires students to show they can support themselves financially during their stay.

You may be ineligible if:

• You cannot show sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel
• Your financial documents are incomplete or unverifiable
• Funds are borrowed temporarily (visa fraud)
• Your sponsor has an unstable or unclear income source

Financial incapacity raises concerns that a student may work illegally or be unable to complete their studies.

4. Applicants With Poor Academic History or Study Gaps

While Australia does not require perfect academic records, significant academic issues can affect eligibility.

You may struggle to apply if:

• You have repeatedly failed courses in previous studies
• There are long unexplained study gaps
• Your academic performance does not meet entry requirements
• You apply for a lower-level course without justification

Immigration officers assess whether an applicant is academically capable of completing their chosen program.

5. People Who Do Not Meet English Language Requirements

Most Australian institutions and visa applications require proof of English proficiency.

You cannot apply if:

• You fail to meet minimum English test scores (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)
• Your test results have expired
• You submit fraudulent or altered test results

Poor English skills raise concerns about academic success and classroom participation.

6. Applicants With Health Issues That Do Not Meet Visa Standards

Australia has strict health requirements to protect public health and limit healthcare costs.

You may be ineligible if:

• You have a serious medical condition likely to require extensive treatment
• You refuse to undergo required medical examinations
• Your condition poses a public health risk (e.g., untreated tuberculosis)

Failure to meet health standards can result in visa refusal even if all other requirements are met.

7. People Who Do Not Meet Character Requirements

Australian immigration law places strong emphasis on character assessment.

You cannot apply or may be refused if:

• You have a serious criminal record
• You have been involved in violent, drug-related, or trafficking crimes
• You fail to declare past convictions
• You provide false police clearance certificates

Character concerns can lead to refusal even for minor offenses if not disclosed honestly.

8. Applicants With Previous Australian Visa Refusals or Cancellations

Past immigration history plays a major role in eligibility.

You may not qualify if:

• You have a history of multiple visa refusals
• Your previous Australian visa was cancelled
• You overstayed in Australia unlawfully
• You breached visa conditions (e.g., illegal work)

While a previous refusal does not automatically ban future applications, it significantly reduces approval chances if issues are unresolved.

9. People Subject to Visa Conditions That Restrict Further Applications

Some individuals are legally barred from applying due to existing visa conditions.

Examples include:

• Condition 8503 (“No Further Stay”) on a current visa
• Being subject to a re-entry ban
• Being in immigration detention

Unless a waiver is granted (which is rare), these applicants cannot lodge a student visa application.

10. Applicants Providing False or Misleading Information

Honesty is critical in Australian visa applications.

You cannot apply successfully if you:

• Submit fake documents
• Provide incorrect personal details
• Hide previous refusals or overstays
• Use false financial or employment records

Providing false information can lead to:

• Immediate visa refusal
• A ban of up to 10 years
• Long-term damage to future visa applications worldwide

11. Minors Without Proper Welfare and Guardian Arrangements

Students under 18 must meet additional requirements.

You cannot apply if:

• You do not have approved welfare arrangements
• Your guardian is not acceptable under Australian law
• Accommodation and care arrangements are unclear

Australia prioritizes child safety and will refuse applications that fail to protect minors.

12. Applicants Applying for the Wrong Course or Institution

Choosing an unsuitable course can affect eligibility.

You may be refused if:

• Your course is not registered on CRICOS
• The institution has compliance issues
• Your course does not support your academic progression

Immigration officers assess whether the course is reasonable and beneficial for the applicant.

13. People Who Intend to Work Instead of Study

Although student visas allow limited work rights, working cannot be the main purpose.

You cannot qualify if:

• Your application emphasizes employment over education
• Your financial situation suggests reliance on work income
• Your study plan appears secondary to migration goals

Australia strictly monitors student visa misuse.

14. Applicants Who Fail to Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is mandatory for the entire duration of study.

You cannot apply if:

• You do not purchase OSHC
• Your coverage period is incomplete
• Your policy does not meet visa standards

Lack of health insurance leads to automatic refusal.

Conclusion

While Australia welcomes international students, not everyone is eligible to apply for a student visa. Applicants who fail to meet academic, financial, health, character, or genuine student requirements may be legally prevented from applying or face a high likelihood of refusal.

Understanding who cannot apply for a student visa in Australia is just as important as knowing who can. Careful planning, honest documentation, and a clear study plan are essential for a successful application.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, seeking advice from a qualified education consultant or registered migration agent can help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of success.