What is it?
The Student Visa is for international students to take on full-time education and training in Australia.
This visa enables a student to stay in Australia for the duration of their relevant course(s). There are many different courses an international student may enrol in, including English language programs, vocational and higher education courses. The student must enrol, or in some cases have a letter of offer, with an Australian education provider before lodging a visa application.
How to Study in Australia
The first thing you need to do to apply for an Australian Student Visa is choose a course that is right for you.
What you can study
English Intensive Language Courses
Like: ELICOS Preparation, General to Advanced English, Cambridge etc
University Courses
Like: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, and PhD
Vocational Courses
Like: Hospitality, Building & Construction, Automotive. Engineering Trades, Business etc
Common Questions
What type of enrolment do I need?
What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement?
The GTE requirement applies to all student visa applicants – it requires you to demonstrate how the studies are relevant to your profile, and how the studies will make you more employable in your home country.
What is the Country and Provider Risk Model?
This is determined by a combination of your passport country and the education provider; this dictates the requirements you will need to meet:
- Regular Evidentiary Requirements: in this case you would need to provide evidence of English language level and financial capacity
- Streamlined Evidentiary Requirements: evidence of English language level or financial capacity not generally required
What is the required English Score?
This would generally require you to undertake English language testing – minimum scores would usually be as follows:
- IELTS: 5.5 Average
- TOEFL (Paper): 527
- TOEFL iBT: 46
- CAE (Cambridge): 162
- PTE (Pearson): 42
- OET (Occupational English Test): B Pass
What are the financial capacity requirements?
This could be demonstrated in two ways:
- Evidence of funds to cover your studies for the first 12 months of your stay in Australia; or
- Proof of taxable income of your parents or spouse for the last 12 months
Can I apply In Australia or from Overseas?
If in Australia, you would generally need to hold a substantive visa which is not subject to a “no further stay” condition.
The application is generally lodged online, though paper applications are possible in some circumstances.
What are the visa conditions?
You are permitted to work in Australia on a Student Visa once you have commenced your studies. In general, you can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.
You will also need to evidence you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia.
Key Takeaway
Student visas provide a good platform to develop your skills and improve your chances of employability in Australia. Qualifications gained in Australia can provide you more options to secure longer-stay visas in Australia. For example, studying the right trade qualification in Australia or a higher education program can make you eligible for the Graduate 485 Visas and General Skilled Migration Visas.
Find out about trade courses that train you for a position that is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
If you are unsure of the type of course you would like to study and would like to look at a Student Visa as part of your overall migration strategy, please book a consultation with one of our advisors.
Superior migration expertise at your side.
Visa Application Charges
- Main Applicant $620
- Additional applicant Charge + 18 $460
- Additional applicant Charge -18 $150
*The fee listed above is current as of 1st of July, 2019 and is subject to change.
**Plus credit card surcharge if paying by credit card.
Excludes Costs
- Health Insurance
- Medical Exam (if required)
Understand your Options
Migration Plan
A FULL assessment of your PR options including a roadmap identifying the best pathway forward, so you can reach your goals. A comprehensive overview of the overview of the Skills Occupation lists so you can understand your options including study pathways, 189 visa, Regional 491 and State Nominated 190. Skills Assessment and State or Territory Government requirements, links to all key websites and review of any employer sponsorship & DAMA visa options.
The Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is a work visa for international students who have completed university and certain vocational courses in Australia. It can last between 18 months and 4 years, depending on your unique situation. It helps you remain in Australia beyond your studies and pursue permanent residency (through General Skilled Migration or employer sponsorship). It is not points tested and nor does it require an employer to sponsor you!
482 Employer Sponsored
The 482 Employer Sponsored visa is the most common work visa in Australia. Although a temporary working visa, It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. Depending on the stream and your occupation, it can lead to Permanent Residency in Australia.
Looking to study in Australia?
We help make the process of applying to study in Australia easy and simple.
Contact us today to find out more.
