1. The Power of the Financial Guarantee (FG)
In 2026, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has increased the financial requirement for students to $29,710 AUD. As an SACM-sponsored student, you do not need to show personal savings if your FG is correctly linked.
- What it covers: Your FG serves as “Official Government Sponsorship” evidence. It must explicitly state it covers Tuition Fees, Living Stipends, and OSHC (Health Insurance).
- The 2026 Update: Ensure your FG is issued specifically for Australia and lists the correct CRICOS provider code of your university. SACM will not approve stipends for universities not on the “Safeer” approved list.
2. SACM Stipends vs. Australian Living Costs
The 2026 SACM stipend for Australia is designed to align with the rising cost of living in major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne.
| Allowance Type | 2026 Monthly Estimate (Single) | Notes |
| Basic Stipend | ~$3,200 – $3,800 AUD | Covers rent, food, and transport. |
| Dependent Allowance | +$800 – $1,200 AUD | For spouse/children (if approved in FG). |
| Book Allowance | $1,500 AUD (Annual) | Paid at the start of the academic year. |
| Health Insurance | Full Coverage | SACM pays for your OSHC directly. |
3. Step-by-Step: Linking SACM to Your Visa
- University Offer: Secure an Unconditional Offer from an SACM-approved Australian university.
- Request FG via Safeer: Upload your offer to the Safeer platform. SACM will issue a “Financial Guarantee for Visa Purposes.”
- The CoE: Send the FG to your university. They will use this (instead of a tuition deposit) to issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Visa Lodgement: In your ImmiAccount, under “Evidence of Financial Capacity,” select “Government Sponsorship.” Upload your SACM FG here.
- Fast-Track Processing: Because Saudi Arabia is an “Assessment Level 1” country and SACM is a trusted sponsor, your visa is often prioritized under Ministerial Direction 115, with approvals often under 15 days.
4. Mandatory 2026 Compliance Rules
To keep your stipend active and your visa valid, you must follow strict SACM and Australian rules:
- Online Course Limit: You cannot exceed the 33% online study limit. SACM requires primarily face-to-face attendance.
- Progress Reports: You must upload your grades to Safeer every semester. A “Fail” grade can lead to a suspension of your monthly allowance.
- No Onshore Switches: In 2026, you cannot switch from a Visitor Visa to a Student Visa while in Australia. You must apply from Saudi Arabia.
5. Health Insurance (OSHC) for Saudi Students
Unlike other international students, you do not pay for OSHC yourself.
- Direct Billing: SACM has direct billing arrangements with major providers like Medibank or Allianz.
- The Link: Your university will usually arrange the policy based on your FG, ensuring your visa health requirement is met instantly.
6. Success Checklist
- [ ] Verify University: Ensure your university is on the 2026 SACM/Safeer approved list.
- [ ] Check FG Dates: Your FG must cover the entire duration of your course.
- [ ] Family Prep: if bringing family, ensure SACM has issued a “Dependent Guarantee” to avoid visa delays.
- [ ] IELTS/PTE: Have your scores ready (usually 6.0+) as the 2026 “Genuine Student” test is stricter on language.
