How to Get a Student Visa in Australia
To pursue studies in Australia, securing an Australian student visa is essential. Meeting the key Australian student visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs is paramount. These requirements include:
1. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: Introduced in November 2011, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement mandates that visa applicants demonstrate a genuine intention to reside in Australia temporarily for study purposes or to accompany a student as a dependent or guardian. Decision-makers at the Department of Home Affairs assess various factors, including:
– Circumstances in the applicant’s home country
– Potential circumstances in Australia
– Relevance of the chosen course to the applicant’s future
– Immigration history
2. Financial requirements
3. English proficiency requirements
4. Health and character requirements
5. You’ll also need to complete an Australian student visa application form, pay the visa application fee, and perhaps attend an interview.
Visa Application Process for International Students
All international students seeking to study in Australia are required to apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which can be done conveniently online.
Preparation Steps:
Before initiating the visa application process, applicants must secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer confirming acceptance into a course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). The COE will be issued as an online code, which must be entered into the designated section of the online visa application. Additionally, applicants may be required to deposit their tuition fees.
Flexibility in Course Selection:
International students have the flexibility to change courses within Australia, either to study at the same or higher study level. However, a new visa application will be necessary if transitioning to a lower level on the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) or a non-AQF level course, except when transitioning from a PhD to a master’s degree.
Study Packaging Option:
Students also have the option to package their studies by enrolling in two or more courses under the Student Visa (Subclass 500), provided there is a clear progression from one course to another.
Requirements for the Australian student visa
When filling out your online visa application form, it is imperative to provide evidence of the following Australian student visa requirements:
Financial Adequacy:
Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs. As of February 2018, the amount required for living costs is set at AU21,041 (~US$14,185) per year. If accompanied by dependents, such as a spouse and children, evidence of their financial support is also necessary, including school fees. Alternatively, proof of willingness and capability of financial support from spouses or parents earning at least AU$62,222 (~US$41,949) annually is acceptable.
English Proficiency:
Provide evidence of English proficiency unless exempted as a native English speaker or having completed at least five years of study in an English-speaking country. Eligible tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE). The required score varies based on the program, whether it’s a full degree, foundation course, or preliminary English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
Health Assessment:
Undergo a medical and/or radiological examination if requested, particularly for students intending to pursue fields such as medicine, dentistry, or nursing. Attend appointments with approved medical practitioners designated by the Australian immigration department upon notification.
Health Insurance Requirement:
With the exception of students from Sweden, Belgium, or Norway, all international students are mandated to obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This coverage can be procured through the university or directly from approved providers, including Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, Allianz Global Assistance, and nib OSHC. The cost varies depending on the provider and duration of coverage.
Character Assessment:
Ensure compliance with Australian character requirements, which necessitate a clean criminal record check. Obtain a penal clearance certificate or police statement, if required, and complete a Character Statutory Declaration Form.
Australian student visa documents
To ensure a smooth visa application process, the Department of Home Affairs website offers a document checklist feature tailored to your specific circumstances, providing clarity on the required documents. Typically, students must submit the following:
- Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
- Paid visa application fee, currently AU$650 (~US$438) in most cases
- Copy of passport biodata page (some students may be required to physically provide their passport)
- Certificate of Enrolment or Letter of Offer
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Proof of health insurance cover
- Results of English proficiency tests
- Criminal record check results
- Four recent passport-sized photographs
Upon assembling and scanning the necessary documents, applicants must create an account and apply through the online ImmiAccount application system.
Visa applications typically take four weeks to process, with 50 percent of applications falling within this timeframe. For courses exceeding 10 months and concluding at the end of an Australian academic year (usually mid-December), visas are typically valid until 15 March of the following year. For courses finishing between January and October, visas are typically valid for two months following course completion.
In certain circumstances, applicants may be eligible to apply for a further visa upon completion of their course. For detailed information, applicants are advised to consult the Department of Home Affairs website.
Student Visa Entitlements and Obligations
Upon entering Australia on your student visa, you may arrive up to 90 days before the commencement of your course. Within seven days of arrival, it is mandatory to notify your education provider of your residential address, and subsequently inform them within seven days of any address change.
Temporary Relaxation of Work Hours
To address workforce shortages, temporary adjustments have been made to student visa work hours. Students are permitted to work more than 40 hours per fortnight across all sectors and can commence work before the commencement of their course of study.
Exemptions for Research Students
Students pursuing a master’s by research or a PhD are exempt from work restrictions. Additionally, any work mandated as part of the course curriculum does not count towards the 40-hour limit. Voluntary or unpaid work is also exempt from the 40-hour limit if genuinely voluntary, performed for a non-profit organization, and benefiting the community.
Obligations and Responsibilities
While holding a student visa, certain obligations must be fulfilled. These include remaining enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, attending classes regularly, maintaining satisfactory course progress, and retaining OSHC health insurance coverage. Compliance with specific visa conditions by both students and dependents is imperative, as breaching any visa condition may lead to the cancellation of the visa.