Australia Student Visa for International Students
Australia is the most sought after study destination in the world, attracting thousands of international students each year. However, before students can begin their studies in Australia, they must obtain a student visa. The Australia student visa is a crucial aspect of the study abroad process, and it’s essential that international students understand the application process, eligibility criteria, and the requirements for the visa.
In this article we provide a comprehensive guide to the Australia student visa, covering everything from the application process to living in Australia as an international student. We’ll also discuss the importance of choosing the right course and institution and provide insights into popular courses and institutions in Australia for international students.
Obtaining the Australia student visa is vital for international students, as it enables them to study and live in Australia legally. The visa also provides access to various benefits such as the ability to work part time while studying and access to healthcare.
Understanding the Australia student visa
The Australia student visa is a temporary visa that allows international students to study in Australia legally. The visa is granted to students who meet the eligibility criteria and have been accepted into a course of study at a registered Australian institution.
Eligibility criteria for the visa:
To be eligible for the Australia student visa international students must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid passport
- Be accepted into a registered course of study in Australia
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have sufficient funds to cover living and study expenses in Australia
- Be a genuine temporary entrant
Types of Australia student visas
These are the types of Australia student visas:
- Student Visa (subclass 500): This visa is for international students who wish to study full-time in Australia for more than three months.
- Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590): This visa is for parents or legal guardians of international students who are under 18 years of age and studying in Australia.
- Training Visa (subclass 407): This visa is for individuals who wish to undertake workplace-based training in Australia.
Application process for the visa
The application process for the Australia student visa is straightforward and international students can apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The application process typically involves the following steps:
- Choose the appropriate visa subclass and gather all required documents
- Apply for the visa online and pay the application fee
- Attend a visa interview or provide biometric data if required
- Wait for a decision on the visa application
Documents required for the visa application
International students must provide these documents as part of their Australia student visa application:
- Passport and other identification documents
- Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) from a registered Australian institution
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover living and study expenses in Australia
- Health and character documents
- Any additional documents required for the visa subclass
Understand the Certificate of Enrollment (COE)
A certificate of enrollment (COE) is a document issued by an educational institution that confirms a student’s enrollment in a specific course or program. A COE is issued by the institution after a student has accepted their offer of admission and paid the required tuition fees. The COE is then used by the student to apply for their Australia student visa.
Understanding the English Language Requirements
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test is one of the accepted English language proficiency tests for the Australia student visa. The IELTS Academic test is designed to assess a student’s ability to use academic English in a university or college setting. It includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements for an Australia student visa a student must achieve a minimum score on the IELTS Academic test. The minimum score required may vary depending on the course or program that the student is applying for and the educational institution they are applying to.
Other English language proficiency tests that are accepted for the Australia student visa include the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Pearson test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
The Exact Financial Requirement for an Australia Student Visa Application
International students are required to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of their stay in Australia.
The current financial requirements for an Australia student visa are:
- Tuition fees: International students are required to pay their tuition fees in advance for the first year of study.
- Living expenses: International students are required to show evidence that they have access to at least AUD 21,041 per year to cover their living expenses.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): International students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia.
- Travel costs: International students are required to show evidence that they have access to funds to cover their travel costs to and from Australia.
Choosing the right course and institution in Australia
Choosing the right course and institution in Australia is a critical decision for international students. It’s essential to consider various factors before selecting a course and institution to ensure a successful and fulfilling academic journey.
Importance of selecting the right course and institution
Selecting the right course and institution is crucial for international students for these reasons:
- The course and institution should offer high-quality education that meets the student’s academic goals and expectations.
- The course and institution should provide opportunities for internships, work experience, and job prospects post-graduation.
- The institution should provide a supportive and welcoming environment that fosters personal and academic growth and development.
- The course and institution should be affordable and provide value for money.
Factors to consider when selecting a course and institution
When selecting a course and institution in Australia, international students should consider the following factors:
- The course should be relevant to the student’s academic goals and interests.
- The institution should have a strong reputation for academic excellence and quality.
- The location and campus facilities should be suitable for the student’s lifestyle and preferences.
- The institution should provide adequate support services such as accommodation and mental health services.
- The cost of living and tuition fees should be affordable and within the student’s budget.
Popular courses and institutions in Australia for international students
Australia is home to several world renowned institutions and offers a wide range of courses for international students.
Popular institutions in Australia for international students include:
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- University of Sydney
- Australian National University
- University of Queensland
How to apply for courses and institutions in Australia
International students can apply for courses and institutions in Australia through the institution’s website or through an education agent.
The application process involves the following steps:
- Choose the appropriate course and institution based.
- Gather academic transcripts.
- Apply online and pay the application fee.
- Wait for a decision on the application.
- Accept the offer and pay the tuition fee to secure a place in the course.
How to prepare for the Australia student visa application process
International students should research the visa requirements and eligibility criteria to ensure they are eligible for the visa and have all the required documents.
- Apply for the visa well in advance to allow sufficient time for the application process and any unforeseen delays.
- International students should fill out the application form correctly and provide accurate information.
- Provide all required documents
- Attend the visa interview if required
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for the visa
International students should avoid the following mistakes when applying for the Australia student visa
- Providing false or incomplete information
- Not providing all required documents
- Applying for the wrong type of visa
- Not applying in advance
Documents to prepare before applying for the visa
International students should prepare the following documents before applying for the Australia student visa
- Their passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Australia.
- International students should provide a letter of acceptance from the institution.
- Academic transcripts
- International students should provide a certificate of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Financial documents.
- International students should provide evidence of health insurance that meets the visa requirements.
Living in Australia as an international student
Accommodation options for international students
- On-campus accommodation: Some institutions in Australia offer on-campus accommodation.
- Homestay: Homestay involves living with a local family which can provide international students with an opportunity to learn about Australian culture and practice their English language skills.
- Private rental: International students can also rent private accommodation, such as apartments or shared houses, in Australia. They can search for rental properties on websites such as realestate.com.au or domain.com.au.
- Long term serviced accommodation: Long term serviced accommodation can be booked via BookDirectandSave.com
Working while studying in Australia
International students in Australia can work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during semester breaks. Working while studying can help international students cover their living expenses and gain valuable work experience.
Healthcare for international students
International students in Australia are required to have health insurance that meets the visa requirements. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the most common type of health insurance for international students in Australia. OSHC covers basic medical services.
Transportation options for international students
- Public transportation in Australia includes buses, trains, and trams. International students can purchase a travel card, such as the Opal card in Sydney or the myki card in Melbourne, to use public transportation.
- Many cities in Australia have dedicated bike lanes and bike rental options, making cycling a popular and eco-friendly transportation option for international students.
- International students can also choose to rent or purchase a car in Australia, but they must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
Frequently asked questions about the Australia student visa
Q: What is the processing time for the Australia student visa application?
A: It is recommended that international students apply for the visa at least three months before their course start date to allow sufficient time for processing.
Q: Can I apply for the Australia student visa before receiving a letter of acceptance from an Australian institution?
A: No, international students must have a letter of acceptance from an Australian institution before applying for the Australia student visa.
Q: Can I work in Australia on a student visa?
A: Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during semester breaks on a student visa with work rights.
Q: What are the financial requirements for the Australia student visa?
A: International students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses and tuition fees for the duration of their course in Australia. The exact amount of funds required may vary depending on individual circumstances and the length of the course.
Q: What is the difference between the subclass 500 and subclass 590 student visas?
A: The subclass 500 student visa is for international students who want to study a course in Australia. The subclass 590 student guardian visa is for parents or legal guardians of international students under 18 years of age who want to accompany the student to Australia.
Q: Can I extend my Australia student visa?
A: Yes, international students can extend their Australia student visa if they meet the eligibility criteria. It is recommended that international students apply for a visa extension at least six weeks before their current visa expires.
All the sub-classes for Australia student visas
- Subclass 500: This is the most common type of student visa and is suitable for students who wish to study full-time in a registered course at a recognized educational institution in Australia.
- Subclass 590: This visa is for students who are enrolled in non-award courses or components of a course (excluding ELICOS).
- Subclass 570: This visa is for students who are enrolled in a standalone ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) course.
- Subclass 571: This visa is for students who are studying a primary school course.
- Subclass 572: This visa is for students who are studying a secondary school course.
- Subclass 573: This visa is for students who are studying a higher education course, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Subclass 574: This visa is for students who are studying a postgraduate research course, such as a PhD.
- Subclass 575: This visa is for students who are studying a non-award foundation studies course or other full-time course that does not lead to a degree.
- Subclass 576: This visa is for students who are studying a vocational education and training (VET) course, such as a diploma or certificate.
