Australia offers world-class education, attracting thousands of international students each year. To begin your study journey in Australia, it’s essential to understand the student visa process, core requirements, and available visa options. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started.
Key Student Visa Options
- Subclass 500 – Student Visa
- Purpose: For students enrolling in full-time registered courses in Australia, including school education, higher education, vocational training, and English language programs.
- Eligibility:
- Enrolment in a registered course with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider.
- Meet English language proficiency and financial requirements.
- Maintain adequate health insurance, such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Fulfill the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, showing your intent to study temporarily in Australia.
- Subclass 590 – Student Guardian Visa
- Purpose: For parents, legal guardians, or close relatives to accompany and care for students under 18 (or in special cases, students over 18).
- Eligibility:
- Be a relative aged 21 or older.
- Provide evidence of financial capacity and health insurance.
- Commit to residing with the student and not working in Australia.
Core Requirements
- Course Enrolment (CoE)
- A CoE confirms your enrolment in a registered course. It is issued by your education provider after finalizing your admission.
- English Proficiency
- Depending on your course and nationality, you may need to provide English test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).
- Financial Capacity
- Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses (approximately AUD 21,041/year), and travel costs for yourself and any dependents.
- Health Insurance
- OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay unless exempt (e.g., students from Norway or Sweden with reciprocal agreements).
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
- Prove your intention to study temporarily in Australia, considering your circumstances, immigration history, and future plans.
- Visa Conditions
- Comply with conditions like maintaining course enrolment, working no more than 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and keeping your education provider updated with your contact details.
How to Apply
- Set Up an ImmiAccount
- Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal.
- Prepare Documents
- Ensure you have your CoE, English proficiency test results, financial proof, and OSHC details ready.
- Pay the Application Fee
- Visa fees typically start from AUD 650 for Subclass 500.
- Wait for Processing
- Processing times depend on your course and individual circumstances. Apply 3–4 months before your course start date for timely processing.
Additional Tips
- Including Family Members: Dependents, such as a spouse or children, can be included in your application. They may also be eligible to study or work in Australia under specific conditions.
- Packaged Courses: If you are enrolling in multiple courses (e.g., English + Bachelor’s Degree), submit CoEs for all courses in the sequence.
- Welfare for Under-18 Students: Students under 18 must provide evidence of appropriate accommodation and welfare, often requiring a CAAW letter from the provider.
Resources
- Search Registered Courses on CRICOS
- Document Checklist Tool
If you need any assistance with understanding student visa options, requirements, or application processes, please contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.