Student Visas

Australia is fast becoming a hot destination for students, whether on an exchange or to study for your post-graduate degree. Let’s face it, what could be better? Early morning surfing followed by a bit of studying, then a barbie on the beach to watch the sun go down. Now that’s something you can’t get in Manchester!

Australia also has a top-notch reputation when it comes to education, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade boasting about its “international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, with academic staff recruited from Australia and around the world.”

So, just how do you go about getting a student visa? There are a number of different sub-classes to a student visa:

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students

This is for students who want to learn English as a foreign language.

Primary or Secondary School Course

This applies to children in primary, junior or secondary schools and also covers exchange programmes.

Vocational Education and Training

This applies to most diploma programmes or vocational graduate diplomas and related certificates.

Higher Education

Bachelor or associate degree courses, graduate certificate or a graduate diploma.

Postgraduate Research

Masters by research or a doctorate degree.

Non-Award

Foundation studies or any other full time course that does not lead to an Australian award.

AusAID and Defence

For students sponsored by AusAID or the Australian defence who are undertaking courses.

Student Guardians

Parents or relatives can apply for a visa if they are the guardians of a student who is studying in Australia.

This guide is intended only to give you a brief summary for the above mentioned visas, for more detailed and accurate information you can visit the Australian Immigration website.

What will this visa allow me to do?

Well, you can stay in Australia for the entire length of your course.

You can also work up to 20 hours a week during term time and unlimited hours during the holidays, but you cannot begin working until your course has started.

Generally your visa will also cover you for multiple entries into Australia during your study course.

Members of your immediate family, such as your partner and any children, may also accompany you into Australia by applying for the same visa.

Who can apply for it?

First time applicants can use this visa, you can also apply for this visa if you want to renew your old one.

Family members of students studying in Australia can also apply to visit them using this visa.

What do I need to apply?

You must have been accepted to do a registered full-time course.

You’ll need separate healthcare cover, but you do get access to Australia’s subsidised student health cover.

A reference attesting to your good character and good English language skills.

You may also need a medical check-up and background checks.

What are the requirements?

You need to show good attendance in your course.

You can change courses, however if you change the level of qualification, you’ll need to apply for a new visa.

You will need to have sufficient finances to support your studies and your stay. Currently the DIAC require that you have access to at least $18,000 a year to cover living costs. You’ll also be responsible for your own tuition fees and travel costs.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, by post or by person. The visa charge is $540AUD.

You can find out more and apply for your visa at the Australian Immigration website.

For other migration news and updates on visa changes, click on our Australian immigration news section.

To read our feature on taking a gap year in Australia, including where to stay and places to visit, click on our Australian Gap Year feature.

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