AUSTRALIA: VISAS & APPLYING

For periods of study greater than 3 months, a Student (Temporary) Visa is required by non-Australian residents. If the student’s intended stay in Australia is 3 months or less, they may apply for a short stay visa.

To be granted a Student (Temporary) Visa, the student must be planning to undertake a course offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. For details of registered courses, visit The Department of Education, Science and Training website: cricos.dest.gov.au

The Student (Temporary) Visa has separate sub-classes for each education sector. Students should therefore apply under the visa sub-class for their principal course of study. For further information visit: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

It is advisable for students to check with the Australian Embassy in their home country to see if they are eligible to apply for a student visa before they obtain official confirmation of their enrolment and pay tuition fees. For further information visit: www.dfat.gov.au/missions

EXTENDING THEIR STAY

Students may wish to extend their stay in Australia for further study, graduation or to travel. If students wish to enroll on a new course, they will need to apply for a new student visa before their current visa expires. For further information on the options that are available, visit: www.immi.gov.au/students/students/extending_your_stay/index.htm

We aim to keep this information as current as possible. However, regular changes are made to the immigration rules, so it advisable to check regularly with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA): www.immi.gov.au

APPLYING

Students wanting study full time in Australia will need to complete an application form for the college or university they are interested in. Depending on the country they are from and the institution they have selected, they will need to send their completed form to either:

  • the international office or nominated contact officer of the college or university, or
  • a local agent of the institution in your country

An Australian Education Centre or Australian Embassy can provide a list of nominated contact officers within the colleges or universities and local Australian education agents where students can obtain the necessary application forms and advice. For contact details of Australian Government offices worldwide, visit: www.dfat.gov.au/missions

Each college and university has different admission criteria. However, the list below gives you an indication of what most institutions will require from international student applicants:

  • full details of previous study, including copies of qualifications already awarded to them
  • evidence of their English language proficiency

Depending on the students’ country or nationality and their sector of study, they may be required to undergo a pre-visa assessment before they are issued with an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). The eCoE is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. For further information, visit: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/sia/en/studycosts/visa.htm

Students may be required to pay tuition fees before applying for the student visa. The college or university will advise them of its requirements. Generally students will be required to pay at least one semester of course fees in advance.