Studying in Australia with Family – Complete Guide (2025)
Studying in Australia with your spouse and children is allowed and very common. Below is a clear, practical, no-confusion explanation you can use for clients, website content, or counselling.
Who Can Come With You?
You can include the following family members in your Student Visa (Subclass 500) application:
Eligible Dependents
Spouse / De facto partner
Children under 18 years
❌ Parents, siblings, cousins are NOT allowed as dependents on student visa.
Visa Type for Family
All family members apply under:
Student Visa (Subclass 500 – Dependent stream)
They are linked to the main student visa holder.
Financial Requirements (Very Important)
The Australian Government requires extra funds if you bring family.
Minimum Funds to Show (Per Year)
Student: AUD 29,710
Spouse: AUD 10,394
Each Child: AUD 4,449
School fees for child: EXTRA (mandatory)
👉 Example (Student + Spouse + 1 Child):
≈ AUD 45,000–50,000+ per year
Schooling for Children
Children must attend school (age 5–17)
Public schools are NOT free for student visa holders
Average school fees:
AUD 4,000 – 8,000 per year per child
Varies by state (Victoria, NSW, etc.)
Work Rights (Very Important)
Main Student
48 hours per fortnight during study
Unlimited hours during holidays
Spouse / Partner
If student is:
Bachelor / Diploma → 48 hours per fortnight
Master’s by coursework / PhD → UNLIMITED work rights
👉 This is a big advantage for families.
Accommodation (Family Setup)
You cannot live in student share houses.
Typical rent:
1-bedroom unit: $450–600/week
2-bedroom unit: $550–750/week
Regional areas are cheaper
Health Insurance (OSHC – Family Cover)
Family OSHC is mandatory:
Single student: ~$600–700/year
Family OSHC: ~$3,000–4,500/year
Key Documents Required
Marriage certificate / relationship proof
Child birth certificate
Financial documents
OSHC family cover
School enrolment letter (for child)
Genuine Student (GS) statement including family plan
Important Rules & Risks
⚠️ Bringing family increases visa risk if:
Course is low level (Certificate III/IV)
Finances are weak
No strong home-country ties
Student is very young
Best courses to bring family safely:
Master’s degree
Nursing / Health
IT / Engineering
Research programs
PR & Long-Term Planning
Studying with family is ideal if:
You plan long-term settlement
Regional study → extra PR points
Spouse gains Australian work experience
Honest Expert Advice
Single student → easier visa
Family + strong finance + Master’s → very good chance
Low budget + family → high refusal risk
Summary (Quick)
✔ Family allowed
✔ Spouse can work
✔ Children can study
✔ Higher financial requirement
✔ Best with Master’s or higher
✔ Regional areas are smarter
Best City Options for Students with Family (2025)
⭐ Top Recommended Cities
Melbourne
Best overall choice
Strong universities & jobs
Excellent public schools
Family-friendly suburbs
Large Nepali & international community
Best suburbs for families:
Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook, Craigieburn, Glen Waverley
Adelaide
Best for budget & PR planning
Lowest living cost among major cities
Easier schooling access
Strong regional migration benefits
Perth
Good balance of lifestyle & cost
Less competition for rentals
Calm, family-oriented lifestyle
Strong demand in health & engineering
Regional Cities (Very PR-Friendly)
Geelong
Wollongong
Ballarat
👉 Lower rent + extra migration points
School Options for Children (Student Visa Holders)
Public Schools (Paid for Student Visa)
Cost: AUD 4,000 – 8,000 per year
High education standard
Best value for money
Private / Catholic Schools
Cost: AUD 8,000 – 15,000+
Not required unless preferred
👉 Public schools are recommended for international student families.
Professional Recommendation (Honest)
Master’s + Family + Melbourne/Adelaide = Strong visa profile
Low-level course + Family = High refusal risk
Regional city + Family = Smart long-term planning
