Australia is a hugely popular study destination for international students looking for an overseas education in the English language. If you plan to study in Australia, one of the first steps is to apply for your Australian student visa.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on the Australian student visa process, including the different types of student visas, the documents required, the costs involved and tips for a successful visa application.
Read Also: How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa and Study Permit
Types of Australian Student Visas
There are several visa options for international students wanting to study in Australia:
- Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Independent ELICOS Visa (Subclass 570)
- Vocational Education and Training Sector Visa (Subclass 572)
- Higher Education Sector Visa (Subclass 573)
- Postgraduate Research Sector Visa (Subclass 574)
- Non-Award Sector Visa (Subclass 575)
- AusAID or Defence Sector Visa (Subclass 576)
The most common visa route for higher education students is the Subclass 500 visa. This allows you to study any recognized course at the bachelor, master or doctoral level at an authorized Australian university.
You can apply for the Subclass 570 visa to study English language courses. If you want to pursue vocational training courses (like trade certificates), you need the Subclass 572 visa.
Once you have narrowed down your preferred Australian institution and course of study, you can check the specific visa you must apply for on their website or with the institution’s international admissions office.
Age Requirements
To be eligible for a student visa to Australia, you need to meet these age requirements:
- Student visa applicants must be above the age of 6 years at the time of visa application.
- For school-level courses, you mustn’t be older than 50 years of age.
- If you are above 18 years old, you can study any recognized course in Australia, including higher education.
In the visa application form, you must provide supporting documents, such as a copy of your passport, birth certificate, or 10th standard mark sheet, as evidence of your age.
Academic Requirements
To get an Australian student visa, you must prove that you meet the academic requirements for your chosen course of study and have been accepted by your selected education provider.
For undergraduate programs, you typically need to demonstrate completion of 12 years of schooling or equivalent academic qualifications. For graduate courses, you need a recognized bachelor’s degree or higher.
You must receive an unconditional offer letter from the Australian institute you are applying to. This letter must show that you meet the course’s academic and English language proficiency requirements.
English Language Ability
If your previous studies were not in English, you must prove a minimum level of English language ability as part of the student visa requirements. This is done through standardized language tests like:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Pearson PTE Academic
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
The minimum test score required is an IELTS score of 5.5 for most courses. You may need a higher score of 6.5 or 7 for studying nursing or law. Check your chosen Australian university’s language requirements before applying.
Financial Requirements
To get an Australian student visa, you must prove you have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for your first year of study. This is done by providing evidence like:
- Proof of annual tuition fee payment to your chosen institute
- Bank statements showing at least AU$20,290 as funds for living costs
- Proof of scholarship or sponsorship covering your fees and stay
- Evidence you meet the annual income threshold for international students
You must also prove your health insurance through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This will prove you can cover medical costs in Australia.
How To Apply?
To apply for an Australian student visa, you need to follow these steps:
- Get an unconditional offer letter from your chosen Australian university.
- Take language tests like IELTS/PTE and make sure you obtain the required scores.
- Submit online visa application and pay visa fees
- Attach supporting documents
- Get medical examination
- Attend visa interview (if required)
- Wait for visa processing decision
You start by researching universities and courses in Australia and applying directly to institutes. You can apply for a student visa once you get an unconditional offer letter.
Applications and supporting documents are submitted online via ImmiAccount. Biometrics collection and medical examination are also required. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 months, after which you are informed if your student visa is approved.
Documents Checklist
Some key documents needed for the Australian student visa application are:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Offer letters from the Australian Institute.
- Proof of tuition fee payment
- English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Financial documents
- Birth certificate
- Medical examination report
- Police clearance certificates
Check the latest checklist on the Australian immigration website, which is updated frequently. Keep digital and physical copies of all documents ready before submitting your application.
Visa Fees
Visa application fees for an Australian student visa are:
- Main applicant fee: AU$630
- Additional applicant fee (for family members): AU$1,715
- Additional medical examination fees may apply
The fees can be paid via credit card, debit card, PayPal, etc. while submitting your application online. Make sure you have sufficient balance available.
Visa Processing Time
Once you have submitted the fully completed Australian student visa application, processing typically takes 1 to 4 months.
You can track your visa status online via ImmiAccount. Complex cases may take longer, so applying 3-4 months before your intended start date for study in Australia is advisable.
Having all documents ready, meeting English and financial requirements, and applying well in time can help fast-track your student visa approval.
Top Tips for Student Visa Success
- Apply to multiple Australian universities to maximize chances of admission
- Book IELTS/PTE dates well in advance to obtain good scores
- Make an unconditional offer letter your priority.
- Collect all documents diligently as per the checklist.
- Check the official website for the latest visa rules and updates
- Pay attention to detail and double-check forms.
- Apply 4-5 months in advance of the course start date.
- Opt for priority visa processing if offered by the university.
- Join pre-departure briefing sessions at your institute.
I hope this detailed guide helps you understand the Australian student visa process and requirements. The key is to research thoroughly, prepare well in advance, and double-check every detail in your application. If you apply systematically with all documentation, you have a good chance of success with an Australian student visa.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about getting your study visa for Australia! And don’t forget to keep checking back at www.workliveincanada.com for more tips on studying, working, and living abroad.
