Australia is one of the more popular destinations for international students. Currently, there are more than 800,000 foreigners enrolled in higher education institutions. But before you are allowed to enter the country, you need to apply for a student visa.
If you’re thinking of studying in the land Down Under, then here’s what you need to do to get a student visa in Australia.
Steps on Applying for an Australian Student Visa
Here’s a step-by-step process that you need to follow:
Step 1. Prepare All the Requirements
Gather all the documents needed and ensure that you have completed obtaining the documents at least six weeks before the semester starts.
You also need time to go through a health exam. If you come from a country with a low tuberculosis risk, you won’t need a medical exam. But if you are coming from a country with a high tuberculosis risk, you will need to undergo a medical exam and a chest x-ray. Those who wish to study Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, or other Paramedical courses will have to undergo additional exams, such as HIV and Hepatitis testing.
To hasten the process of obtaining a student visa for Australia, ensure that you have all the documents. Even if you lack only one, the processing time may be further delayed.
Step 2. Apply for the Australian Student Visa
Applying for a visa can be quickly done online. All you need to do is create an ImmiAccount (or log in to an existing one). Once you have an account, you can start attaching the necessary documents.
Make sure to review all the papers you have attached before proceeding with the next step, which is paying for your Australian student visa.
Step 4. Pay for Your Visa Application
Unless exempt, you can pay the AUD 1,600 fee via credit card or debit card. However, please note that this will come with surcharges ranging from 1.4% to 1.99%. Payments made through UnionPay come with a 1.90% surcharge. Applicants may also pay the fee through BPay. While many options are available, PayPal is the cheapest as it only comes with a 1.01% surcharge.
If you are qualified for visa payment exemption, you must upload a copy of this document.
Step 5. Wait for Your Visa Application Status
Australian Student visa processing usually takes anywhere from 3 – 8 months. It may take longer if your application lacks information or is incorrectly filled. While waiting for the result, you may be required to take additional exams or submit other documents.
For instance, applicants who need to have their biometrics taken will be advised so immediately after they submit their documents. You will need to complete this within 14 days. Sometimes, applicants are requested to undergo a health exam and complete other requirements. If you made an incorrect answer to your application form, you can rectify it by submitting Form 1023, which is a notification of incorrect answers.
Step 6. Check Your Visa Outcome
Once your application has been processed, the Australian government will inform you of its decision. If granted, you will be notified about your grant number, visa expiration, and visa conditions.
Should your application be denied due to incomplete documentation or other reasons, you will also be informed in writing. However, you will not be refunded your application fee.
Documents Needed for Australian Student Visa
To apply for the Australian student visa – also known as a Subclass 500 visa – you need to prepare the following documents:
VISA
REQUIREMENT |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Passport |
This is the primary requirement for every applicant. You won’t be able to start your student visa application without one. |
| Proof of Identity |
You need to submit a copy of your National ID card. You also need to provide a document proving your name change, such as your marriage or divorce certificate. To get a more extensive list of your document requirements, go to the Australian Government’s Document Checklist Tool. |
| Enrollment, Support, and Acceptance Forms |
A confirmation of enrollment form is required from applicants outside and within Australia. Sponsored students need to submit a letter of support, while exchange students need to present an acceptance advice form. |
| Proof Financial Capacity |
You need to prove to the Australian government that you have enough money throughout your stay. That means your family should have an annual income of at least AUD 62,222, or AUD 72,592 if you want to bring your family. To show your financial capacity, you need to submit the following: proof of deposits, government or financial institution loans, and scholarships or other supporting documents |
| Genuine Temporary Entrant Document |
This statement should detail your previous studies, gap year (if any), and current employment. It should also enumerate your ties and economic situation in your home country. |
| Proof of English Proficiency |
You may take any of the following exams to showcase your proficiency in the English language: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE, or OET. The required scores will vary according to university, program, and/or level of education (i.e., postgraduate courses require higher grades than undergraduate programs.) |
| Health Coverage |
All applicants, except those from Norway, Belgium, or Sweden, will need to provide a copy of their overseas student health cover which should last the entire duration of their studies in Australia. |
| Proof of Visa Payment Exemption (if applicable) |
Exchange students and scholars are usually exempted from visa payment. You will need to upload this document to avoid paying the fee after applying. |
| Partner’s or Dependents’ Documents |
If you’re bringing family with you, you also need to submit their identity and character documents. |
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Australia
How Much Money Do You Need for an Australian Student Visa?
An Australian student visa will cost you AUD 1,600. Likewise, you will need an additional AUD 1,190 for every family member who is 18 and over you take with you. An additional applicant charge of AUD 390 for those under 18 also applies.
You will also have to bear the cost of the required tests, such as Biometrics, police clearances, and health examinations.
With the right preparation and guidance, an educational journey in Australia is an exciting adventure. Securing a visa is a smooth step towards turning your dreams into a reality. Start your application today!
We hope this article on applying for a student visa in Australia was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, check out our Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students pages for more articles on studying in this country.
