Student Visa
An Australian Student Visa allows people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents, to study in Australia and undertake a registered course.
Find out which category of student visa for Australia you are eligible for by completing the free assessment below:
Australia Immigration is consistently popular for students who want to study in Australia and the Australian Government welcomes foreign nationals to the country under a variety of student visa subclasses.
Types of Student Visa
In Australia, visas for study are divided into several divisions based on their specific purpose and the types of study they cover. Some of the key sub-categories are set out below. Often people also view pages on work in Australia for other options.
Student visa sub-classes
Independent ELICOS Visa - Subclass 570
This visa category is specifically for students who will be studying the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) programme. Students in this class will be undertaking the programme in its own right, not as a precursor to further study.
Schools Visa - Subclass 571
The Australian schools visa class applies to all those attending a primary, junior secondary or senior secondary school and applies to approved exchange programmes.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) - Subclass 572
This study visa service applies to Certificates I, II, III and IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas.
Higher Education Visa - Subclass 573
The higher education visa applies to those studying for a Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Associate Degree.
Postgraduate Research - Subclass 574
Postgraduate research visas apply to Masters degrees and PhDs
Non-award - Subclass 575
This visa class specifically covers bridging or foundation courses which do not involve an award of any kind.
Benefits
Successful Student Visa Australia applicants may work full-time during vacations or when semester is not in session. During term time student visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week.
Family members of Masters and PhD students may apply for unrestricted work rights once the primary student has commenced his or her Masters or PhD course. This also applies to AusAid dependants of Masters and PhD students.
The student visa can be granted a maximum of 12 weeks (2 months and 3 weeks) before your course commencement date allowing you to travel and explore the country and travel to Australia on a one-way ticket.
You may remain in Australia until your visa expires or is cancelled. However, if you plan to remain in Australia you must apply for another course, another visa, or depart Australia after your graduation.
Foreign nationals studying in Australia can apply for subsidised student health cover and may be able to work in Australia subject to obtaining permission.
Visitors to Australia may study in the country without the need to apply for an Australian student visa for up to three months; however courses with a duration beyond this will require a visa application to be submitted.
Involved with the granting of student visas, international students must provide evidence that satisfies the assessment factors applicable to your country of origin. Assessment factors include English proficiency levels and financial requirements amongst other matters.
Requirements
Candidates who apply under the student visa category must be in good health and of good character and must not have any debts. Candidates must ensure that they fulfil the requirements of their course, including attendance and must only work in Australia where express permission is granted.
Australian study visas oblige the holder to remain with the sponsoring institution for a minimum of 12 months, or the entire course in circumstances where the course duration is less than 12 months. Applicants must also advise the educational institution of their address within seven days of arrival. Students must be able to support themselves and any dependents financially during their time in Australia and must have a sufficient level of proficiency in the English language to successfully complete their course.
Assessment
In Australia, candidates are assessed at one of 5 levels depending upon the country whose passport they hold. Levels are based upon previous conduct of students from these countries and the perceived likelihood of the student undertaking and completing the proposed studies.
The process seeks to determine that a student is genuinely entering the country in order to study. The higher the number of the assessment level, the more evidence it will be necessary to submit in order to secure a successful application.
A Global Visas immigration consultant will be able to advise you of the likely assessment level of your country of residence.
Answer a few questions from the assessment page and we will get back to you.
