How to Obtaining an Australian Student Visa

Studying in Australia requires obtaining an Australian student visa. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the key requirements and procedures involved in securing an Australian student visa. By following these instructions, you can navigate the process with ease.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Australia temporarily. The Department of Home Affairs considers factors such as your circumstances in your home country, potential circumstances in Australia, the value of your chosen course to your future, and your immigration history. In some cases, an interview may be required, while others may only need to fill out a visa application form.
Completing the Application Form: All international students must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) online. Before applying, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer from a course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). The COE is an online code that you must enter in the visa application. Additionally, you may need to pay a deposit toward your tuition fees.
Australian Student Visa Requirements:

During the online visa application process, you must provide evidence to meet the following requirements:

Financial Requirements: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, travel, and living costs. The living cost requirement is currently set at AU$21,041 (~US$14,185) per year. If you have dependents, you must also demonstrate the ability to cover their living costs or show that your spouse/parents earn at least AU$62,222 (~US$41,949) annually.
English Proficiency Requirement: If you are not from an English-speaking country or haven't completed at least five years of study in an English-speaking country, you must prove your English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and CAE, with the required score varying based on your course level.
Health Requirements: Some students may need to undergo medical and/or radiological examinations to confirm their good health. This requirement applies to those intending to train as doctors, dentists, or nurses. Approved doctors must conduct these assessments.
Character Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate good character, which involves a criminal record check. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide a penal clearance certificate, a police statement, or complete a Character Statutory Declaration Form.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): With the exception of students from Sweden, Belgium, and Norway, all students must purchase OSHC. This health insurance can be obtained through your university or one of the five approved providers.

Required Documents:

During the visa application process, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
Paid visa application fee (currently AU$650 (~US$438))
Copy of passport biodata page
Certificate of Enrolment or Letter of Offer
Evidence of sufficient funds
Evidence of health insurance cover
English proficiency test results
Criminal record check results
Four recent passport-sized photographs

Visa Processing and Duration: Visa processing takes an average of four weeks for 50 percent of applications. If your course is longer than 10 months and finishes at the end of an Australian academic year (mid-December), your visa will be valid until March 15 of the following year. For courses finishing between January and October, the visa is usually valid for two months after course completion. Consult the Department of Home Affairs website for information on applying for a further visa at the end of your course.
Utilizing Your Student Visa: With your student visa, you can enter Australia up to 90 days before your course starts. Upon arrival, inform your education provider of your residential address within seven days. If you change addresses, notify them promptly.

Recent changes allow students to work more than 40 hours a fortnight across all sectors, starting before the course begins. However, work required as part of your course or voluntary/unpaid work for non-profit organizations and the community is not included in the 40-hour limit. Compliance with visa conditions, such as remaining enrolled, attending classes regularly, making satisfactory course progress, and maintaining OSHC health insurance, is mandatory.

Conclusion: Securing an Australian student visa involves meeting specific requirements and following a well-defined process. By understanding and fulfilling these obligations, you can embark on your educational journey in Australia with confidence. For more details and specific inquiries, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.