Are you planning to study in Australia? It is a popular study destination for international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. Studying in Australia can provide access to top-ranked universities, a wide range of academic programs, and opportunities for post-graduation employment. Your journey begins with understanding the student visa requirements for Australia.
As an international student, it's important to familiarise yourself with the updated Australia study visa requirements to ensure a smooth application process. Whether you're applying for a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program, knowing the specifics of how to apply for a student visa in Australia is the first step toward your academic aspirations. This blog will provide you with all the essential information and tips to help you understand the Australian student visa application process with ease.
Process of student visa for Australia
To help you understand the Australian student visa procedure, Here's a general overview of the steps involved:
Choose your course and institution
Apply to the institution
Check visa requirements
Prepare your documents
Apply for the visa online
Pay the visa application fee
Attend an interview/health check/biometrics collection (if required)
Wait for a decision
Visa outcome
Prepare for your arrival in Australia
Australia Student Visa Requirements
Below listed are the mandatory requirements for an Australian student visa:
Proof of enrolment - Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE)
A valid passport
Visa application fee
Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Academic and work experience documents
English proficiency test scores (such as IELTS test scores)
Evidence of financial ability
Details of your health insurance policy (OSHC)
Passport-sized photographs
Moreover, if you are under the age of 18, you will be required to provide additional documents, such as parental consent.
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Cost of a Student Visa in Australia
Below is an overview of the cost of student visa in Australia according to the visa subclasses:
Visa subclass | Base application charge | Additional applicant charges if 18 years or above | Additional applicant charges if less than 18 years | The subsequent temporary application charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Student visa (subclass 500) | AUD 630 | AUD 460 | AUD 150 | AUD 700 |
Student visa (subclass 500) (subsequent entrant) | AUD 620 | AUD 460 | AUD 150 | AUD 700 |
Student visa (subclass 500) – Foreign Affairs or Defence sector | nil | nil | nil | nil |
Student visa (subclass 500) – Postgraduate research sector | AUD 620 | nil | nil | nil |
Student visa for Australia – Age limit
To get an Australian student visa, you need to be a minimum of 18 years old. Australia imposes no maximum age limit for its student visas. However, the Subclass 500 visa typically does not accept applicants below 18 years due to certain restrictions associated with student visas in Australia.
If you're seeking alternatives or need to request an exemption from this age requirement for an Australian student visa, it is advisable to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Australia for further guidance and assistance.
English Proficiency Requirement for Australia Study Visa
English is the primary medium of communication in Australia, and it is essential to provide proof of proficiency in the English language. You must take an English language proficiency test such as IELTS to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
IELTS is the most widely used English language proficiency test for studying, working, and migrating abroad. Its results are recognised by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities and employers in 150 countries.
Band Score Requirement for Australia Study Visa
The minimum IELTS score required for an Australian student visa is 6.0, but you must aim for a higher score to get admission to the top universities. Courses such as Business, IT and Engineering usually require an IELTS band score of 6.5, and for courses such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Teaching is 7.0.
How to Apply for Study Visa in Australia
To apply for a study visa in Australia, you must create an account using the Department of Home Affairs website (ImmiAccount). You can also track the status of your visa using the Immi Account. You must submit your application six weeks before your course starts and not earlier than 12 weeks.
Rules for Australian Student Visas 2024
The Australian Government recently revised its student visa requirements, replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with the Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement). Student visa applications logged on and after 23rd March 2024 will be assessed against the revised criteria.
Australian Student Visa Validity
After receiving your visa application, there are several things you must consider to ensure that your visa remains valid. These include:
You must remain enrolled and maintain good academic progress and attendance.
You must provide your updated Australian address to your university.
You must continue to have sufficient financial support to stay in Australia.
You must not breach the working conditions allowed on your visa.
You must apply for a new Australian student visa if you need to change your qualification level.
Work in Australia on a Student Visa
As a student in Australia, you can work part-time with a subclass 500 visa. Once your course starts, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks. Depending on your educational institution's rules, you can get part-time or off-campus jobs.
Why apply for a student visa to Australia?
Applying for an Australian student visa can be the best option for several reasons:
QS ranking universities: Home to 38 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings, offering globally recognised education.
Affordable tuition fees: Competitive and affordable tuition fees compared to other leading countries in higher education.
Scholarship benefits: Opportunities for scholarships worth up to AUD 20,000, easing the financial burden for international students.
Quick visa process: Efficient and swift visa processing for international students, facilitating easier access to Australian education.
Post-study work permit: Availability of a four-year post-study work permit, allowing graduates to gain valuable international work experience.
Australian PR: Potential pathway to Australian Permanent Residency for qualifying graduates, offering long-term career, and living opportunities.
Diverse range of study options: Australian institutions offer a wide variety of courses and degrees. International students can easily find the school and field that are right for them.
Research opportunities and technology: Australian universities are at the forefront of research and technology. They offer excellent research opportunities, especially in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Note: Remember, it's important to carefully research and consider your options and requirements before applying for a student visa, as each country and institution may have different processes and prerequisites.
If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with our team of IELTS experts. They will help you with your queries.
Summary
Australia is home to some of the best and most renowned universities, a multicultural society, excellent job opportunities, and student support services. These are just a few of the many reasons Australia has become one of the most popular study destinations for international students. IELTS for Australia is one of the primary requirements for a student visa. Understanding the requirements for studying in Australia is important to make your dream come true.