Australia is a popular study destination because of its world-class educational infrastructure, excellent living standards, and well-connected transport system. Australia’s welcoming attitude and flexible post-study work policies make it extra appealing for international students. However, you need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia as a full-time student. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to five years, depending on the length of your course.
You must fulfill several visa requirements to get a student visa to study in Australia. Applying for a student visa in Australia can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. The process involves several steps and requires attention to detail. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the application process by providing all the information and guidance you need to obtain a student visa for Australia successfully. Read on to learn about the different types of visas available, eligibility criteria, documents required, and more.
The Australian Student Visa Types
Australia offers different types of student visas depending on the course duration. These student visas include
- Student visa (Subclass 500) – Valid for five years of study
- Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) – Valid till the student visa holder’s stay
- Training visa (subclass 407) – Valid up to 2 years
Subclass 500 student visa is a long-term study visa and extends up to five years of study. You can apply for this visa from anywhere in the world and accompany your family members by applying for a dependent visa. In addition to the subclass 500 visa, the other two short-term study visas are used for exchange programs at Australian universities.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for the Australian subclass 500 student visa, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a student visa in Australia.
- A valid enrollment certificate in a degree program at an Australian university
- You must be six years old
- Evidence of parental consent and welfare arrangement for funds in Australia if you are under 18
- Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Insurance
Australia Student Visa Application Process
You should apply for an Australian Student Visa at maximum 4 months before your course starts at the selected university. The updated SSVF (Simplified Student Visa Framework) guidelines by the Australia has made the visa process online and super smooth. Given below, we have formulated the steps you need to take to apply for a student visa in Australia.
Pass the English proficiency test.
Students may need to prove their English language skills to study in an English-speaking country. They must meet the English language requirements set by the educational institution they chose to study. For this purpose, they can take any English language test as recommended by their desired institute, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the PTE (Pearson Test of English). The required score may vary depending on the course of study and the level of study. The minimum score to qualify for a student Australian visa is 5.5, but top-ranked universities of Australia may require an even higher score above 6.5.
Apply to an institute in Australia and get confirmation of enrolment.
To get a student visa for Australia, you first need to get enrolled in an institute in Australia. For that purpose, you need to apply for your desired course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS) and meet their requirements. Once you got selected, you will receive an offer letter from your institute. The offer letter should include information about the course of study, its duration, and the tuition fee. You will have to accept the offer in writing and pay their dues. After clearing your dues, they will send you the confirmation of enrollment (COE) and you can begin your visa process. The COE is an online code that you need to enter in the online application.
Create an account on “ImmiAccount” and start the application process for a Student visa.
Nowadays, most of the application process for student visas is carried out online by the Australian Government. Obtaining a student visa requires an application through ImmiAccount, the online visa portal operated by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The first step is to create an account on their home office website “ImmiAccount”. They will ask for necessary details like your name, e-mail address, phone number to create your account. Then you will set your password and accept their conditions and your account will be created. Your application will be processed through this account and can also track your application. You should fill out the application form corresponding to the visa subclass under which you can apply.
Gather all the relevant documents in digital form.
As your application is to be processed online, you require to submit your documents in digital form. You can convert your documents in digital form by scanning them. It is advised to scan your documents in advance to ensure everything is clear. If your documents are not in English, then you need to get them translated by a certified translator. You can get a complete list of documents on their website of home affairs by using the documents checklist tool. They will provide you a complete list of documents after you fill in your nationality and name of the institute.
Complete the application form.
After submitting your relevant documents in digital form, you will be asked to provide other details. Firstly, you will have to choose your education sector in the online application e.g. ELICOS for language course and Higher education for course leading to a university degree. Other details include:
- Personal details
- Family details
- Details about your previous education
- Details about work experience
- Health and criminal record details.
If you missed some information, you have option to save the application and take a break if you want. You can continue your application later right from the point where you ended it.
Pay your visa application fee and get a TRN number.
When you have completed the application, you need to pay the application fee for student visa Australia. You can easily pay it with a credit card online. You will receive a TRN number (Transaction Reference Number) when the application and payment are made. Make sure to save the TRN, so you can use it later to check the status of your application.
Take an interview with the immigration authorities.
After you have completed the whole process. you will be called for a visa interview. Depending on where you will study and live, every student must undergo a Visa Interview for an International Student visa to Australia. Most interview questions will be based on the requirements, the submitted documentation, and how motivated and committed you are to excel via Australian education.
- It would help to remember that the answers provided must be as honest and verifiable as possible.
- You should take all the student visa supporting documents, such as original documents of educational qualifications or bank statements.
Double check your documents so that you do not miss anything. Also make sure you have every information that might be asked in the interview.
Health cover
Some students may be asked to take a medical check-up to show they’re in good health (this applies, for example, to those who intend to train as a doctor, dentist, or nurse). If told to do so, you must attend an appointment with a doctor approved by the Australian immigration department. All students are obliged to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You can purchase this cover through your university or directly from one of the five approved providers, which are:
- Australian Health Management
- BUPA Australia
- Medibank Private
- Allianz Global Assistance
- Nib OSHC
The cost of your compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will depend on the level of cover you choose (for example, OSHC ‘Extras,’ including coverage for dental and optical, will cost more). You should allocate a minimum of AU$ 450 (single person for one year) for OSHC.
Get your decision on student visa to Australia.
Australian student visa processing times vary depending upon how busy the Australian immigration authorities are and where you are applying from. Within the higher education sector, 75% of applications are processed in 80 days, while 90% are processed in 4 months.
You will be notified by the Australian authorities through e-mail once your visa decision is ready. Your visa is electronic, but you can print the grant letter you receive online once your visa is approved.
Travel to Australia
After receiving your visa, you can enter Australia 90 days before the course starts according to the date mentioned on your CoE. You can book accommodation within your university. However, if you do not book accommodation through your university, you need to provide your address in Australia within a week of arriving in Australia. All the date limits of entering and exiting the country will be written on your visa. Usually, students can stay in Australia for 30 days after their course ends or 60 days if their course lasts longer than ten months.
Documents Required for Subclass 500 Visa
The following nine documents are a must for all international students to submit as part of the Australian student visa application:
- Evidence of English proficiency test scores
- Proof of enrollment at an Australian university (COE)
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized ID
- Visa application fee
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement: On your application, you need to show that you only plan to stay in Australia temporarily. You can support this claim by providing a letter from your school in your home country or another document.
- Academic and work experience documents
- OSHC health insurance document
- A police certificate
- Evidence of financial ability to pay tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare, and other relevant expenses
Your can attach documents, update passport details, and change e-mail and address details by using your account.
Student visa Australia processing time
The Australian DHA recommends that international students submit their application no earlier than three months before your degree program begins, and no later than six weeks before your course starts. You should apply for a student visa (500) at the earliest 124 days before your course starts (according to the date on your Certificate of Enrolment).
How long it takes to get your visa decision depends on the country you are applying from and how busy the Australian immigration authorities are. Usually the decision is made within one or a couple of weeks after your application is complete. The standard time to process an Australian student visa is between 3 and 5 weeks, and the maximum time it can take is up to 3 months. You can contact the Australian DHA for additional questions regarding your student visa.
Student Visa Charges for International Students
For international students pursuing degree programs at universities in Australia, there is one compulsory charge, which starts at 650 AUD, for processing a student visa. For more detailed information about student visa classes, visit the Australian department of home affairs website.
Australian Subclass 500 Visa Work Rules
Luckily for international students, the Australian DHA has recently decided to increase the work allowance for student visa holders due to a shortage of workers in the post-covid Australian economy. As a result, international students can now begin working even before their degree program begins. Additionally, you can work up to 20 hours a week in any sector of the economy, not just the sectors related to your degree program.
Many international students work part-time jobs or internships to offset living expenses in Australian cities. Online portals are usually excellent resources for locating ideal jobs in major Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
To retain your student visa while in Australia, you are legally required to maintain enrolment in your degree program and ensure satisfactory course attendance and course grades. A full-time degree student (undergraduate and postgraduate) can work part-time during the year and can work full-time in summer holidays with a valid Australian student visa.
Once your degree program in Australia is complete, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa that allows international students to stay and work in Australia for a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 4 years, depending on your qualification. You must apply for this visa within six months of the expiry of your subclass 500 student visa, alongside providing English proficiency and other required documents as part of the process.
Suppose you are studying online at a university in Australia. In that case, you must complete all course requirements resulting from at least two academic years or 92 weeks to qualify for the subclass 485 work visa.
Conclusion
It is your complete guide to student visa for Australia. A slight mistake can have your visa rejected. So, having your student visa (500) processed by a professional consultant, like HSA consultants is worthwhile to ensure your application has the best possible chance of success. You can apply for Free Assessment here.