Australia is a land of opportunities, and individuals can access a better lifestyle, education, health facilities, work opportunities, and more.
So, if you are a student looking to get an Australian Visa to stay, study, and work in Australia - then this blog is your guide to getting a student visa for Australia.
More than 500,000 overseas students choose to study in Australia every year thanks to the highly sought-after Australian student visas. Australian student visa application may be easier for applicants who follow a set process and provide accurate information.
To know about the basics of a student visa for Australia, how to get it, eligibility requirements, the process and everything in between - this blog is all you need.
Let’s keep on reading!
Types of Student Visas for Australia!
There are different types of Australian Visa for International Students that you should know about:
Visa Type | Description |
Student visa (subclass 500) | This visa is for international students who wish to study in Australia. It is one of the most popular student visas in Australia, allowing students to live, study, and work part-time throughout their stay. Subclass 500 with Full-time Registered Programmes has the highest success rate among all the visa programs. |
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) | After graduating from Australian universities, eligible students who want to stay temporarily to obtain work experience or continue their education can apply for a temporary graduate visa. |
Student Guardian visa (subclass 580) | This visa is for the parents or guardians of under-18 students studying in Australia. It permits the guardian to remain and provide for the student during their time studying in Australia. |
The Australia Student Visa Requirements!
The primary Australian study visa requirements for Indian students looking to apply are as follows:
Qualifications
- An admissions offer from a registered Australian educational provider
- Full-time enrollment in an approved program.
- Sufficient funds for housing, education, dependant, spousal funds(family + kids, return airfare, other cost of living funds as well, etc.
- To be eligible for the visa, applicants must have Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC) and meet the conditions of a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). (Keep reading to know more about GTE and how to get it)
- English Language Proficiency: You’ll need to take the PTE/ IELTS exam or even Duolingo depending on your case
Indian students are required to take one of the following exams to show that they are proficient in English:
- IELTS: Depending on the course objectives, the minimum overall band score is 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: The minimum score is 60 (or more, depending on course requirements).
- PTE Academic: The minimal score is 50 (or more depending on the course requirements).
- Cambridge English: Advanced (Cae) The minimal score is 169, but depending on the course requirements, it could be higher.
- Some institutions also accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative. Generally, a minimum score of 100-115 is required, although some programs may have higher requirements.
What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)?
The GTE requirement assesses if the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily to study, rather than for permanent residency. Meeting the GTE requirement is essential in proving that you are a genuine student, and it increases your chances of visa approval.
To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for an Australian student visa, applicants should provide:
- Clear documentation of personal circumstances in their home country, such as employment, family ties, or property ownership.
- A well-prepared Statement of Purpose (SOP) is essential to explain why the applicant chose the specific course, institution, and Australia as a study destination, and how the course aligns with their career goals.
- Financial stability is also crucial, so applicants must submit proof of funds covering tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- If a visa interview is required, applicants should communicate their intentions genuinely, which includes covering their plans and connections to India.
The necessary funds
- Candidates must show they have the money to pay for:
- The course's first-year's tuition fees
- Minimum annual living expenses of AUD 29,710 (plus AUD 10394 for each kid and AUD 4449 for a dependent).
- Airfare back from Australia
Additional prerequisites
- Candidates must state that they plan to study and stay in Australia for a short time.
- Applicants must meet specific conditions pertaining to their morality and health, which may include passing a physical examination and receiving a police clearance.
How to apply for a student visa in Australia? Step-by-Step Guide!
Here’s a comprehensive guide you should know about how to apply for an Australian student visa.
1. Apply to an Australian School and Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Before applying for a student visa, you must first be accepted into an Australian educational institution.
- After receiving an offer letter, accept the offer in writing, and pay the tuition deposit.
- The school will then issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), a document required to start your Australia student visa application.
- If enrolling in multiple programs (e.g., a preparatory language course followed by college), you’ll need a CoE for each program.
2. Create an ImmiAccount
- Visit the Australian immigration website and create an ImmiAccount.
- Enter your details, create a password, and accept the terms and conditions.
- This account will be used for all communications and actions related to your Australian student visa application.
3. Gather the Required Documents in Digital Format
- CoE: Proof of enrolment in an Australian institution.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Passport: Ensure it’s valid for your entire stay, as renewing it while on a student visa can be complicated.
- Proof of Temporary Stay: Certify that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily (e.g., proof of employment, or a letter from a home country institution).
Additional documents may include:
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements or other proof of financial capacity
- Academic transcripts or IELTS test scores
- Employment proof, such as pay stubs or a contract
- Criminal record documentation (if applicable)
Note: Documents must be uploaded in digital format and translated into English by a certified translator if they’re in another language.
4. Complete the Online Australia Student Visa Application
- Log in to your ImmiAccount and apply for a student visa Australia Subclass 500.
- You can apply for an Australia student visa up to 124 days before your course start date (as per the CoE).
5. Pay the Student visa Australia and Get a TRN Number
- After completing the Australia student visa application, you need to pay the student visa Australia cost, which is AUD 1600 (as of 2024).
- You’ll receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) upon payment, which is necessary for tracking your application status.
6. Complete Health Checkups and Interviews (If Required)
- Depending on your location and study plans, you may need a health checkup and/or visa interview.
- Do not undergo a health checkup until after completing the Australia student visa application, as the TRN is required, and you’ll receive specific instructions.
7. Wait for your Student Visa Decision
- Processing times vary, but once complete, decisions typically arrive within a few weeks.
- You can track your application using the TRN in your ImmiAccount.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an email notification. Your visa is electronic, though you may print the grant letter as proof.
How Can I Extend My Student Visa?
If your course duration extends or you need more time to complete your studies, you will need to apply for a visa extension. Here’s what to do:
- Request a New CoE: Contact your education provider to extend your enrolment and issue a new CoE.
- Renew OSHC: Your health cover should match the new visa period.
- Apply for an Extension Online: Use your ImmiAccount to lodge a new visa application before your current visa expires.
- Check Eligibility for Bridging Visa A: This allows you to stay legally while your new visa is processed.
Changing Courses
For some reason or the other - if you decide to switch to a different field of study in Australia, here’s how the process works:
- First, you need to ensure you meet their course withdrawal requirements.
- After the withdrawal, you need to choose a new course and get a CoE.
- If the new course is at the same academic level or higher, your current visa will remain valid.
- If switching to a lower-level course (e.g., bachelor’s to diploma), you must notify the Department of Home Affairs, as it may affect your visa status.
Changing Universities or Education Providers
If you wish to transfer to a new university or provider, here’s how the process works:
- You must need to complete study for at least six months with your original provider (for degree courses).
- If switching before six months, you need permission from your current provider.
- Then you need to apply to the new Provider and get a CoE.
- Log into your ImmiAccount and update your visa details with the new CoE.
Courses You Can Study on a 485 Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to stay and work in Australia temporarily. This visa gives you flexibility in choosing courses to upskill or improve your career prospects.
Eligible Courses:
- Trade Courses: Carpentry, plumbing, electrical work (related to skill shortage areas).
- Professional Year Programs: For accounting, engineering, or IT graduates to increase employability.
- Short Diplomas or Certifications: Courses like project management, business administration, or health-related certifications.
Let’s understand how trade courses & higher education programs differ.
Trade Courses:
- Typically shorter (1-2 years).
- More practical and hands-on learning.
- Leads to jobs in demand (e.g., electricians, chefs, welders).
- May offer faster pathways to Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas or PR.
Higher Education Programs:
- Includes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
- Focus on academic knowledge and research.
- PR pathways are available but may take longer (e.g., through the General Skilled Migration program).
- Often required for professional roles in law, healthcare, and education.
PR-Friendly and High-Paying Courses
PR-friendly courses:
- Nursing & Healthcare: Registered nurses, midwives, and aged care workers are in high demand.
- Information Technology (IT): Software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts.
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
- Education: Early childhood and secondary school teachers.
To know more about PR-friendly courses in Australia, check out our full blog. (Add the blog link)
High-Paying Courses:
- Medicine and Dentistry: Specializations like surgery or orthodontics offer lucrative career options.
- Mining Engineering: Mining professionals enjoy competitive salaries.
- Finance and Business: Careers in finance, accounting, and investment banking.
To Conclude
Here’s a wrap on everything you need to know about getting a student Visa in Australia. We have explained all the ins & outs of getting an Australian student visa - right from eligibility requirements to the comprehensive process, fee details, changing of courses or universities(if you want), and course extension details followed by some of the PR-friendly & high-paying courses in Australia.
We hope this blog has cleared all the basics & beyond for you and will help you fulfill your Australian education dream.
To get ahead & simplify the process further, you can connect with our leading migration agent in Adelaide. We at Visafast Consultancy have a full-fledged team who will understand your needs and will help you with the end-to-end Australia student visa process.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a free consultation call now & get started.
