Student Visa Australia
Australia is a consistently popular destination for students who wish to conduct their studies overseas and the Australian Government welcomes foreign nationals to the country under a variety of student visa subclasses. 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 student visa to Australia for up to three months; however courses with a duration beyond this will require a visa application to be submitted.
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Australian Visa for Students
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Students must obtain their Australian visas before they can begin a course and applications depend upon the individual securing a confirmed place on a course from a bona fide Australian educational institution. Students who successfully obtain a place on a full time course at a recognised institution will receive an electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE). It may be necessary to show evidence of this as part of an application.
Australian Student visas are normally issued as multiple entry permits allowing holders to travel to and from Australia as many times as they choose, within the validity of the visa. The validity is normally based upon the duration of the course. Student visas also make provision for spouse immigration and a candidate’s spouse and unmarried dependent children aged under 18 years may accompany the main applicant to Australia for the same length of time.
Types of Australian 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.
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.
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.
Global Visas help many individuals to realise their goal of studying in Australia. Answer a few questions from the assessment page and we will get back to you. Find out further information on our Australia Business Visas page.
