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. They 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 for an 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. A couple of extra months are 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 Australia student visa requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Confirmation of Enrolment: You will require a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution, which proves that institution has accepted you into a full-time study program.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): You 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. You will write a personal statement. In this, you must describe your intention of studying, then depart to your home country after completion of studies.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Character and Health Requirements: You must submit police clearance certificates to prove your good character, and you might also undergo health examinations to show you’re fit to study in Australia. Also, students from some countries might need to provide biometric data like fingerprints.
- 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
You can apply for an Australian student visa 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
Collect all necessary documents, which may include, CoE, proof of finances, OSHC, English proficiency test results, passport and any additional documents needed.
Step 3: Submit the Visa Application Form
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 need to pay the visa application fee which is around AUD 620. The amount may vary depending on your personal situation. Make the payment by using a credit or debit card.
Step 5: Lodge biometrics and other documentation
Depending on your country of origin, you might need to provide 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)
After submitting your application, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) immediately. 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. Once the authorities approve your visa application, they will send you a visa grant letter stating 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.
Apply before the academic year begins, since the processing may take several weeks or even up to a month, depending on how busy the application period is.
