Australia has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international students pursuing psychotherapy, counselling, mental health, and psychology programs. With strong clinical training, respected qualifications, and increasing global demand for mental health professionals, more students are choosing to study psychotherapy in Australia than ever before.
However, before beginning your studies, you must successfully apply for the Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows international students to live, study, and complete clinical placements during their training.
This comprehensive guide explains the visa process step-by-step, including requirements, documents, application stages, costs, and tips for psychotherapy course applicants.
Why the Student Visa Matters for Psychotherapy Students
Psychotherapy and counselling degrees in Australia often involve:
- Supervised clinical placements
- Practical workshops
- Observational training
- Research components
- Internships in mental health centres or schools
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) legally allows you to:
- Enrol in registered psychotherapy and counselling courses
- Complete clinical placements
- Work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight)
- Bring eligible family members (conditions apply)
- Stay for the duration of your program (2–4 years on average)
For anyone pursuing psychotherapy education in Australia, the visa is the essential first step.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for an Australia Student Visa for Psychotherapy Studies
This is an easy-to-follow, AEO-optimized guide ideal for voice search, Featured Snippets, and student FAQs.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Psychotherapy or Counselling Course
Your course must be registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Eligible programs include:
- Bachelor of Counselling
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling
- Master of Psychotherapy
- Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Master of Mental Health Practice
- Master of Clinical Psychology
- Diploma and Certificate courses in counselling (CRICOS-registered only)
To apply for the Student Visa, you must first receive:
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
This document proves you have been offered a place in an Australian institution.
Step 2: Meet the Genuine Student (GS) Requirements
As of 2024, the GS requirement replaced the former GTE test. You must show:
- Genuine intention to study
- Clear educational goals
- Ability to support yourself financially
- Purpose of choosing psychotherapy in Australia
- Your educational background
A strong GS statement is essential for visa approval — especially for psychotherapy courses, as they involve human-services careers.
Step 3: Prepare Required Financial Evidence
You must show evidence that you can support your:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel and accommodation
- Health insurance (OSHC)
Minimum financial requirements (updated):
- Living costs: About AUD $29,710 per year
- Annual tuition fees: AUD $20,000–$40,000 depending on the university/college
- Travel costs: Approx. AUD $2,000
Acceptable financial documents include:
- Bank statements
- Education loans
- Scholarship letters
- Sponsor statements
- Proof of income
Step 4: Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
It is mandatory to have OSHC before submitting your visa application.
OSHC covers:
- Medical treatment
- Hospital expenses
- Emergency services
- Certain medicines
Most psychotherapy students choose:
- Bupa OSHC
- Allianz OSHC
- Medibank OSHC
- Nib OSHC
Your insurance must match the full duration of your course.
Step 5: Prepare English Language Test Results
Most psychotherapy programs require proof of English proficiency:
Accepted tests:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge English
- OET (healthcare-related)
Typical requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- PTE 58+
Some counselling diplomas may accept lower scores.
Step 6: Create an ImmiAccount and Complete Your Visa Application
All Student Visa applications are submitted online through an ImmiAccount on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
You will need to upload:
- Passport
- CoE
- GS statement
- OSHC proof
- Financial documents
- Academic transcripts
- English test results
- Passport-size photo
Application fee:
Approx. AUD $710 (subject to change)
Step 7: Complete Biometrics and Medical Examinations
You may be required to:
- Provide fingerprints and photographs (biometrics)
- Attend a health examination with an approved panel doctor
Medical tests include:
- Chest X-ray
- General physical exam
- Blood tests (if required)
This step is mandatory for long-term study.
Visa Requirements for Psychotherapy Students at a Glance
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student (GS) Statement
- Proof of Funds
- OSHC Insurance
- English test results
- Health and character checks
- Tuition payment receipts
- Completed visa application + fee
How Long Does the Student Visa Take to Process?
Processing times vary by country and application quality.
Typical processing times:
- 75% of applications: 3–6 weeks
- 90% of applications: 8–12 weeks
Starting the visa application early helps avoid delays — especially for psychotherapy programs with set placement schedules.
Why Psychotherapy Students Should Apply Early
Psychotherapy courses often have:
- Limited seats
- Early orientation dates
- Strict placement availability
- High demand for student support services
Applying early ensures you can secure:
- Accommodation
- Placement opportunities
- Scholarship offers
- Preferred intake dates
Tips to Increase Your Visa Approval Chances
1. Write a strong Genuine Student (GS) statement
Explain your motivation, study background, and future plans clearly.
2. Choose a CRICOS-registered psychotherapy program
Visa officers verify course legitimacy.
3. Show strong financial capacity
Avoid last-minute or unclear financial documents.
4. Maintain academic consistency
If your background matches your chosen course, your approval chances increase.
5. Avoid incomplete applications
Missing documents cause delays or refusals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting incorrect financial documents
Weak GS statement
No clear link between past studies and psychotherapy plans
Applying without OSHC
Choosing non-CRICOS courses
Late application close to intake
Ready to Take the Next Step? Get Expert Guidance on Your Australia Student Visa and Psychotherapy Studies
Applying for an Australia Student Visa is a crucial part of beginning your journey into psychotherapy education in Australia. With proper preparation, accurate documentation, and a strong GS statement, international students can successfully secure their visa and start building a meaningful career in mental health.
For personalised help selecting courses, preparing documents, or applying for your visa