Sep 17, 2024
Australia has long been recognized as one of the top study destinations for international students. The country’s higher education system is ranked among the best globally, providing students with recognized qualifications and diverse study options across various disciplines. In addition to its academic expertise, its major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane featured among the best student cities in the world. Now you know why, Australia attracts hundreds and thousands of students each year.
Recently, many changes regarding Australia’s student visa policies were announced. These changes include the introduction of the new ‘Genuine Student Test’ for streamlined visa processing, modifications in the post-study work rights and revision of the student visa application fees.
If you are planning to study in Australia for the upcoming academic year, then this article is for you. Keep reading to find out everything regarding the types of student visas for Australia and a lot more.
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When studying in Australia, selecting the right visa type is essential. Each visa type is for a distinct purpose based on the applicant’s course type, age, and future aspirations. Below is a detailed explanation of the most common student visas:
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the primary visa for international students who wish to pursue full-time education in Australia.
Eligibility: This visa is suitable for students enrolling in a full-time course at an accredited Australian educational institution. The education provider must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Duration: The duration of the visa differs as per the length of your course. The visa is granted for the duration of the study program and has a maximum limit of up to 5 years.
Cost: The application fee is AUD 1600.
Work Rights: Students on this visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their studies and unlimited hours during breaks.
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is for parents, legal guardians, or relatives who need to accompany a student under 18 years of age during their stay in Australia.
Eligibility: Guardians must be a parent, legal guardian, or relative of the student. The student must be under 18, although exceptions can be made for older students in exceptional circumstances (such as for students with physical or learning disabilities). Guardians must demonstrate that they can financially support themselves and the student.
Duration: The visa is usually granted for the same length as the student's visa or until the student turns 18 years old.
Cost: The application fee is AUD 1600.
Work Rights: Guardians are not allowed to work in Australia under this visa. However, they may study for up to 3 months during their stay.
The Training Visa (Subclass 407) is for individuals who need to undertake workplace-based training or participate in a professional development program in Australia. This is a temporary stay visa.
Eligibility: To apply for this visa, applicants must be sponsored by an Australian organization to participate in a structured training program. The training must align with their occupation or field of study. The applicant must show that the training is necessary to improve their skills or experience in their field.
Duration: The visa is granted for up to 2 years and cannot be extended. However, participants may explore other visa options after completing their training.
Cost: The application fee is AUD 415.
Work Rights: The visa holder can only undertake training or work related to their program. There are no additional work rights outside the scope of the training agreement.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to stay and gain valuable work experience. It is a post-study work visa that provides students with the opportunity to remain in Australia for employment after graduation.
Eligibility: The visa is open to international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. Applicants must hold an eligible qualification related to occupations listed on Australia's skilled occupation list.
Duration: Depending on the stream and qualification, the visa can last anywhere between 18 months to 5 years.
Cost: Depending on the visa type, the application fee starts at AUD 765 & goes up to AUD 1945.
Work Rights: There are no work restrictions for visa holders, allowing them to work full-time during their stay. This visa is an excellent opportunity for graduates looking to gain international work experience and enhance their employability.
After having an understanding of the visa types, let’s proceed and have a glance at the required documents for these student visas.
To apply for a student visa for Australia, it’s essential to gather all necessary documents before starting the application process. The following is a general checklist of documents required for most student visas mentioned above:
Once all these documents are assembled, to study in Australia for international students, the application process can begin.
Applying for an Australian student visa requires following some steps. Detailed below is the step-by-step guide to the application process:
Step 1 - Choose the Right Course and University: Before applying for a visa, you need to select a course, and an institution approved by the Australian Government. Double-check to confirm the course and institution are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Step 2 - Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): After being accepted into your course, the institution will provide you with a CoE. This is a mandatory requirement for visa application.
Step 3 - Create an ImmiAccount: To apply for a student visa, you need to create an account on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 4 – Download & Complete the Visa Application Form: Fill out the visa application form for the appropriate subclass.
Step 5 - Submit the Required Documents: Upload the required documents as outlined in the document checklist above.
Step 6 - Pay the Student Visa Fee: Pay the application fee online as mentioned for your visa type.
Step 7 - Biometric Data Submission: You may be asked to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photos.
Step 8 - Receive Visa Decision: Once your visa is processed, you will receive notification of the decision. If approved, you will get a visa grant number, conditions and other details like expiry mentioned.
Now you can plan to fly to Australia and book your tickets and accommodation accordingly.
Also, make note of the fact that each type of student visa for Australia comes with different conditions and processing timelines. For instance, a Student Visa (Subclass 500) usually takes a few weeks, while other visa categories, such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), may take longer. Applicants are strongly advised to apply for their visas as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure smooth travel arrangements.
Australia remains one of the best countries to pursue higher education, and securing the right visa is the first step towards achieving your academic dreams. For further guidance on getting end-to-end detailed assistance including visa applications, you can contact the experienced team at KC Overseas Education. Our highly qualified study in Australia Consultants will guide you through the student visa application process and provide insight on how to appear for the GS interviews. KC also provides mock interviews for this.
So, why wait any further to act on your dreams? Reach out to us today!
While there is no official age limit for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), applicants over the age of 18 must meet the required criteria. For students under 18, a legal guardian or sponsor may be required.
To apply for an Australian student visa, you need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living expenses (approximately AUD 24,505 per year), and return travel costs.
Yes, you can bring eligible family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) on a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
If your student visa application is rejected, you will be informed of the reasons and have the option to appeal the decision. Alternatively, you can reapply after addressing the issues that led to the rejection.
Yes, if your course duration is extended, you can apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. Make sure to apply well in advance and meet the eligibility requirements for the visa extension.
Yes, it’s possible to change courses or institutions, but you must meet certain conditions. If switching to a lower-level course (e.g., from a bachelor’s degree to a diploma), you may need to apply for a new visa.