Let’s begin by examining the 2022 rules for Australian student visas. Aimed at facilitating international students, the authorities introduced the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). The old visa subclasses were discarded and amalgamated into a single Subclass 500 student visa, rendering the application process easy.
Along with the SSVF, a streamlined visa processing system was introduced, assessing the immigration risk of your country and the education provider you choose. Further, more emphasis was given to the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. This was to ensure whether your stay in Australia was genuinely temporary and for academic purposes.
The changes have made the visa process more straightforward and student-friendly.
Best wishes for an amazing academic journey!
Types of visa for Australia
Australia offers visas for various purposes. Here are some common types:
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
As per the 2022 rules, the visa category allows international students to pursue full-time studies at recognised educational institutions in Australia. The programmes are wide ranging and include higher education, vocational education and training, and English language courses. The visa allows working rights during an academic semester and permits limited work hours during scheduled breaks. The visa’s duration depends on the course length.
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
This visa is for parents or legal guardians of international students under 18 years of age studying in Australia. This visa allows the guardians to accompany their wards and provide care and support during their studies. The eligibility criteria include being at least 21 years of age, possessing adequate financial means, and meeting health and character requirements. The visa duration is typically aligned with the student's visa or till the student turns 18. This visa does not provide working rights, though it allows limited study. Adequate health insurance coverage and financial resources are required, and compliance with visa conditions is essential.
Training visa (Subclass 407)
This is a temporary visa curated for individuals who want to undertake workplace-based training to enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific occupation, industry, or field of expertise. It allows applicants to participate in structured training programmes provided by approved Australian organisations, enabling them to acquire practical experience and improve their skills.
This visa requires sponsorship by an eligible organisation and has various streams, including Occupational Training, Professional Development, and Research Activities. The visa’s duration depends on the nature and length of the training programme, and requires applicants to meet specific criteria related to qualifications, English language proficiency, and health insurance.
Student visa prerequisites
Certain prerequisites must be fulfilled and requirements met to be eligible for an Australian student visa. Here are the main requirements:
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment issued by an Australian educational institution. The CoE confirms you have been accepted into a registered course of study.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: You need to demonstrate your stay in Australia is solely for academic purposes and you intend to return to your home country upon completion.
Financial capacity: You must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs for the duration of your studies.
English Language Proficiency: Depending on your course and educational institution, you may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Health and character requirements: You will be required to undergo a medical examination to demonstrate you meet the country’s health requirements. You must also provide a police clearance certificate or evidence of good character.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): International students must have health insurance coverage called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia.
Genuine access to funds: You need to provide evidence of having genuine access to funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: You must provide a statement explaining your reasons for studying in Australia and your intention to comply with visa conditions.
Documents required for an Australia Student Visa
Here are some commonly required documents for an Australian student visa:
- Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- English language proficiency test results
- Financial documents
- Health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC)
- Academic documents (transcripts, certificates, diplomas)
- Statement of Purpose
- Character documents (police clearance certificates)
- Biometric data (fingerprints, photographs) for certain nationalities
| Visa Type | Base application fee | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) | Subsequent temporary application fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type Student visa (subclass 500) (6a, 6b, 6c & 6d) | Base application fee AUD 650 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) AUD 485 | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) AUD 160 | Subsequent temporary application fee AUD 700 |
| Visa Type Student visa (subclass 500) (subsequent entrant) (6e) | Base application fee AUD 650 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) AUD 485 | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) AUD 160 | Subsequent temporary application fee AUD 700 |
| Visa Type Student visa (subclass 500) – Postgraduate research sector | Base application fee AUD 650 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) N/A | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) N/A | Subsequent temporary application fee N/A |
| Visa Type Student Guardian (subclass 590) (6c & 6d) | Base application fee AUD 650 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) N/A | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) N/A | Subsequent temporary application fee AUD 700 |
| Visa Type Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (8a & 8b) | Base application fee AUD 1,730 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) AUD 80 | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) AUD 860 | Subsequent temporary application fee AUD 435 |
| Visa Type Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Extension | Base application fee AUD 680 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) AUD 340 | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) AUD 175 | Subsequent temporary application fee N/A |
| Visa Type Training Visa (Subclass 407) | Base application fee AUD 325 | Additional applicant fee (18 and over 18) AUD 325 | Additional applicant fee (Under 18) AUD 80 | Subsequent temporary application fee N/A |
How to apply for a student visa for Australia
The Australia student visa application process is typically completed online through the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
You should submit your application at least 3 months before the course commencement date as the visa process takes around 124 days. Consider additional factors that may affect Australia student visa processing times, such as peak application periods or holidays. Also, check the validity of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to ensure it covers the course duration.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the Australia student visa application process:
- Research and select a course of study and an educational institution that is registered and recognised by the Australian government.
- Check and fulfil the admission requirements set by the educational institution you are applying to, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and any other specific prerequisites.
- Once accepted into a course, obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) document issued by the educational institution, which is essential for your visa application.
- Prepare the necessary documents for the application.
- Create an ImmiAccount on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and complete the online application form for the student visa (Subclass 500). Provide accurate and complete information.
- Pay the required visa application fee online through the ImmiAccount portal.
- Depending on your country of residence and duration of stay, you may need to undergo a medical examination. You will receive instructions on how to complete this process.
- Ensure all documents are in the prescribed format and meet the specified requirements, upload them, and submit the application.
- Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) at a designated location. Follow the instructions provided on your application or on the official website.
- Use your ImmiAccount to track the progress of your application. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents from the Department of Home Affairs.
You will receive a decision on your visa application once it has been thoroughly assessed. You will be notified if approved, and your visa grant letter will be electronically provided. Ensure your health insurance is active and plan your arrival according to the course start date.
What can you study in Australia as an international student?
The Subclass 500 student visa allows international students in Australia to pursue a wide range of programmes in various sectors. Here are some of the programmes and sectors eligible for a student visa holder under Subclass 500:
Higher Education: This includes university-level courses such as:
- Master's degree
- Postgraduate diploma
- Bachelor's degree
- Doctoral degree
Vocational Education and Training (VET): This sector offers practical and skill-based training courses such as certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. It covers areas pertaining to business, hospitality, automotive, construction, beauty, and more.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students: Collectively termed ELICOS, these courses are designed to improve English language skills and are typically taken before or alongside other courses. They can range from short-term intensive programmes to longer-term courses.
Schools: The student visa allows international students to study at primary or secondary schools in Australia, including government and non-government schools.
Non-Award Courses or Bridging Programmes: These are non-degree courses taken for skill enhancement, professional development, or as a prerequisite for further studies.
Foundation Studies: They prepare students for entry into university-level courses, and provide a strong academic foundation in subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science.
Research: You qualify for a student visa if you are pursuing research-based programmes such as a Master's or a Ph.D.
Professional Development Programmes: These focus on specific professional fields in areas such as business, finance, healthcare, IT, engineering, and more.
Australia student visa processing time
The processing time for an Australian student visa can vary and depends on various factors, including the type of visa, the country of application, and the volume of applications received.
| Visa Category | Visa Process Completion up to 25% | Visa Process Completion up to 50% | Visa Process Completion up to 75% | Visa Process Completion up to 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Category Student Visa (Subclass 500) Foreign Affairs | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 7 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 14 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 48 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 85 days |
| Visa Category Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 18 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 63 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 85 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 547 days |
| Visa Category Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 20 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 29 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 44 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 78 days |
| Visa Category Student Visa (subclass 500) | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 14 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 29 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 70 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 121 days |
| Visa Category Student Visa (Subclass 500) Vocational Education & Training | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 33 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 54 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 213 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 365 days |
| Visa Category Student Visa (Subclass 500) Higher Education | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 16 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 29 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 57 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 213 days |
| Visa Category Student Visa (Subclass 500) No-Award Sector | Visa Process Completion up to 25% 9 days | Visa Process Completion up to 50% 17 days | Visa Process Completion up to 75% 23 days | Visa Process Completion up to 90% 42 days |
Australia student-dependent visa
The student-dependent visa allows immediate family members of international students to join their wards during the course of study. Eligible family members include spouses, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents. The visa falls under various subclasses, including Subclass 500, and the application process is generally conducted online either together with the primary student visa application or separately.
Financial requirements must be met to support the family members, while health insurance is mandatory. Dependent visa holders typically have working rights and can study, with specific conditions depending on the visa subclass. The visa duration matches the primary student visa, and compliance with visa conditions is essential.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Australia student visa IELTS band requirement for 2023?
The minimum IELTS band score for an Australia student visa depends on the specific university and course being applied for. For postgraduate programmes, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 to 7.0 with no band score below 6 in subsections is required. Do note that the IELTS score is primarily a university requirement and does not directly impact the Australian Student Visa application process. The specific IELTS band requirements may vary depending on the university and programme of choice, and candidates should check with their chosen university for the exact requirements.
Q2. What is the PTE score required for an Australian student visa in 2023?
The minimum PTE score depends on the university and course you are applying for. Generally, most universities require a minimum overall PTE academic score between 58 and 65 for postgraduate courses.
Q3. How can funds for a student visa in Australia be shown?
They can be shown through the applicant's personal savings, financial support from parents or legal guardians, scholarships or grants, relatives or friends acting as sponsors, government or employer sponsorship, or loans from financial institutions. Regardless of the source, applicants must provide genuine evidence of their financial capacity to cover expenses during their stay.
Q4. What is the 2022 Australia student visa success rate?
The success rate is around 23.3% for higher education, 18.9% for vocational and educational training, 11.8% for postgraduate courses, and 82.8% for the ELICOS sector.
Q5. What are the medical requirements for obtaining an Australian student visa?
Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination conducted by an approved physician panel. The examination typically includes physical assessments, blood tests, urine tests, and chest X-rays. Applicants are responsible for paying the medical examination fees directly to the doctors or clinics conducting the tests. The approximate cost should be A$300. The fees for examinations conducted outside Australia can vary depending on the country.
How to finance your education in Australia as an international student
Financing education in Australia as an international student can be tricky, as high tuition and living costs are usually involved. However, there are many ways—besides family support—to get help in financing your education in Australia. You can explore scholarships and grants or financial aid and assistance offered by educational institutions. These programmes may offer support in the form of fee waivers, grants, or other financial assistance options.
Another option is part-time work. If your student visa permits, you can work part-time while studying. International students are typically permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during an academic semester and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Further, exploring the availability of education loans from financial institutions in your home country is a great idea. Opt for agencies that offer education loans specifically for international students. Understand the terms and conditions, interest rates, repayment options, and eligibility criteria before considering a loan.