February 2027 Intake in Australia for Indian Students
The February 2027 intake in Australia is Semester 1, and it is the big one — nearly every university, including the Group of Eight, offers its full undergraduate and postgraduate catalogue. The application window opened in August 2026 and most universities close between September and December 2026, with the bulk falling in November. For Indian students the calendar lines up naturally: Class 12 and final-year undergraduate results land in May and June, which leaves a clean run at an August-onward application. The date that actually decides whether you make it is not the university deadline — it is lodging the subclass 500 visa by December 2026 so processing clears before classes start in late February.
February 2027 Australia deadlines
| Stage | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | From August 2026 | Already open. |
| Recommended submission | September–October 2026 | Top universities close early. Submit at least a month before the stated deadline. |
| Most deadlines | November 2026 | Some run to December 2026. |
| Offer, deposit and CoE | October–November 2026 | The Confirmation of Enrolment is required for the visa. |
| Subclass 500 visa lodged | By December 2026 | The real deadline. Leave processing time. |
| Classes start | Late February 2027 | Orientation in the weeks before. |
The Genuine Student test
The subclass 500 moved from the Genuine Temporary Entrant test to the Genuine Student test in March 2024, and the visa application fee rose to AUD 1,600 in 2026, roughly ₹88,000 — non-refundable if refused.
The practical difference is that your statement now has to explain why this specific course, at this specific university, makes sense given what you have already studied and what you intend to do. A generic course-change with no explanation is the most common weak point in Indian applications. A clear study-to-career line matters more than an extra band in IELTS.
What February 2027 costs
| Item | Cost | In ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 500 visa fee | AUD 1,600 | ₹88,000 |
| Tuition, per year (typical PG) | AUD 30,000–50,000 | ₹16.5L–₹27.5L |
| Living, per year | AUD 25,000–30,000 | ₹13.8L–₹16.5L |
Rupee figures use GBP 1 = ₹105, CAD 1 = ₹62, AUD 1 = ₹55, USD 1 = ₹88. Rates move; treat every rupee number as an order of magnitude, not a quote.
Part-time work offsets more of this in Australia than in most destinations — the comparison is in part-time work rules for Indian students: UK vs Australia. Cheaper routes exist for school leavers: see the cheapest pathway to an Australian degree after 12th.
Post-study work: the 485 reality
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) runs two to three years for degree graduates, with post-study work rights extended for STEM and education graduates. That is materially longer than the UK's Graduate Route, which drops to 18 months for anyone applying from 1 January 2027, and it is the main reason Australia holds up against the UK on a cost-adjusted basis despite similar fees.
PR is the separate question. The 485 buys you time; whether it converts depends on your occupation appearing on the relevant skills list. Start with which courses have the best PR chances in Australia before you finalise the course, not after.
February or July 2027?
February is Semester 1 and carries the full catalogue, the main recruitment cycle and the complete cohort. July is Semester 2, smaller, and better suited if your results or funding are not ready. If your course is competitive or has a placement component, February is usually the only sensible option. If you are still choosing the country, start from the best country to study abroad in 2027 for Indian students.
February 2027 Intake in Australia for Indian Students — FAQs
What is the deadline for the February 2027 intake in Australia?
Most universities close between September and December 2026, with the bulk of deadlines in November 2026. Top universities close earlier, so submit at least a month before the stated date. The binding constraint is not the university deadline but lodging your subclass 500 visa by December 2026.
When should I apply for February 2027 intake in Australia?
Ideally by September or October 2026. Applications opened in August 2026, and applying early gives you the best chance of a place plus enough runway to get the Confirmation of Enrolment and lodge the visa by December. Classes start in late February 2027.
How much is the Australian student visa fee in 2026-27?
The subclass 500 visa application fee rose to AUD 1,600 in 2026, roughly INR 88,000, and it is non-refundable if the application is refused. That sits on top of tuition of AUD 30,000-50,000 a year for a typical postgraduate course and living costs of AUD 25,000-30,000 a year.
What is the Genuine Student test and how does it affect Indian applicants?
The subclass 500 moved from the Genuine Temporary Entrant test to the Genuine Student test in March 2024. Your statement must now explain why this specific course at this specific university follows from what you have already studied and what you intend to do. An unexplained course change is the most common weak point in Indian applications, and it matters more than an extra IELTS band.
How long can I stay in Australia after graduating in 2027?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) runs two to three years for degree graduates, with post-study work rights extended for STEM and education graduates. That is longer than the UK Graduate Route, which falls to 18 months for anyone applying from 1 January 2027. Whether it converts to PR depends on your occupation being on the relevant skills list.
Should I take the February 2027 or July 2027 intake in Australia?
February is Semester 1 and carries the full catalogue, the main recruitment cycle and the complete cohort. July is Semester 2 and is smaller, better suited if your results or funding are not ready in time. For competitive courses or anything with a placement component, February is usually the only realistic option.