How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa: Complete Guide

Introduction

Studying in Australia is a dream of many students around the world. Of all the great universities, there are some of the best in the world and offer high-quality education in a multicultural context. However, to study there, you’ll need an Australian student visa, which allows you to live and study in the country legally. The following article describes the complete procedure, from what the visa is to the requirements for obtaining one and how to apply, so that you can successfully begin your academic journey in Australia.

how to apply for australian student visa

What is an Australian Student Visa?

The Australian student visa, specifically the Subclass 500 visa, lets international students live and study full-time in Australia. It covers students who have enrolled in an approved course at any Australian educational institution, including universities, colleges, and even English language programs.

One of the benefits of this type of visa is that you can work while studying. You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks and full-time during term breaks. Working in Australia provides a wonderful opportunity to support yourself while also obtaining practical experience. If you bring family members with you to Australia, they can also work part-time for you while you study.

The length of your study course will decide how long your visa is valid. On average, the visa is always valid for the duration of your study program and a couple of extra months approved for travel both before and after your course.

Requirements for an Australian Student Visa

To apply for the Subclass 500 student visa, you must satisfy some simple student visa Australia requirements. Here's what you'll need:

1. Confirmation of Enrolment

‍ To apply you will require a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution, which proves that you have been accepted into a full-time study program.

2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

‍ou need to show that your main purpose for entering Australia is to study and that you intend to return to your home country upon completion of your course. This is assessed through a personal statement you will need to submit as part of the application process. In this, you must describe your intention of studying, then depart to your home country after completion of studies.

3. Financial Requirements

You must provide proof that you have enough funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and travel costs to and from Australia. This includes showing that you have at least AUD 24,505 per year for living expenses (excluding tuition).

4. English Language Proficiency

‍Depending on your country of origin and the course you're applying for, you might have to prove your English language skills through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The particular test score needed varies by institution and course type.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover

‍You will need to have health insurance Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole period that you intend to stay in Australia. This will cover your medical expenses while staying in Australia to study.

6. Character and Health Requirements

You must provide police clearance certificates to show good character, and may also be required to undergo health examinations to confirm that you're well-fit enough to stay in Australia. Also, depending on the country you come from, some students might be required to provide biometric information, which includes fingerprints.

7. Welfare Arrangements for Minors

‍If you are under 18 years old, you need to show appropriate welfare arrangements. Some of them include a sponsor with a guardian or approved accommodation.

How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa

The Australian student visa is rather straightforward to apply for and is mostly done online. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount

This is the first step in the process of applying for an Australian student visa. Come up with an account in the Australian Government's immigration portal known as ImmiAccount. That is where you are going to submit your visa application and track its status.

Step 2: Gather All Documents Required

You need to collect all the documents, which may include, but are not limited to Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE); proof of financial capability; health insurance (OSHC) results of your English language test; and other relevant supporting documentation, including your passport and your academic transcripts.

Step 3: The Visa Application Form must be filled

Once logged in to your ImmiAccount, submit the Subclass 500 visa application form. At this stage, you will provide information regarding your identity, the course you are going to pursue, and other supporting documents.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

You will be required to pay for the student visa application fee. The charge for a student visa application is estimated at approximately AUD 620. The amount may vary depending on your personal situation. Payments can be made online by credit or debit card.

Step 5: Lodge biometrics and other documentation

Depending on your country of origin, you will be required to give biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs; additionally, bring along other documentation, if required: parental consent forms (if under the age of 18) or health checks.

Step 6: Receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

An applicant receives a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) immediately after the application is submitted. These digits will be used to track the status of your application online, so make sure to keep it safe.

Step 7: Attend an Interview, if required

At times, you may be required to sit for an interview to see if you qualify. The interview will mostly focus on your study plans, background, and plans to return home when you complete your studies. Answer honestly.

Step 8: Wait for the Decision

Although the number of weeks for processing may be varied, most of the applications for a student visa will take 4-6 weeks for processing. When your visa application is approved, you shall receive a letter for a visa grant letter stating details about your visa grant number, the conditions of your visa, and its expiry date.

Conclusion

The procedure to get an Australian student visa seems confusing, but if all the points above are undertaken and all of these conditions are satisfied, the process becomes much easier. With this visa in hand, get ready for a rewarding academic life in Australia. Upon arrival in the country, you are required to meet the conditions specified for your visa, for instance, reaching a good academic standing while having satisfactory work hours per week.

It is recommended that you apply well in advance of the academic year because processing can take a few weeks or perhaps a month depending on how busy the application periods are.

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