Australia Student Visas

Australia welcomes overseas nationals wishing to study in Australia and offers a comprehensive range of study visas and permits which apply to specific groups of students. Studying in Australia is a popular option for overseas students and Australia offers subsidised health cover for students and in many cases, subject to permission being granted, students may work in Australia to supplement their income.

At Global Visas our specialist team of Australian immigration lawyers and highly skilled migration consultants are committed to helping you obtain the right Australian visa service for your needs. Visit our online assessment area today to set your application in motion.

Benefits of an Australian Study Visa

In most cases, Australian study permits are issued as multiple entry permits which means that the holder is free to travel in and out of Australia as many times as they wish within the duration of the visa. Although they are issued as a temporary Australian immigration service, student visas also make provision for the spouse and or dependents of the main applicant to stay in Australia for the same amount of time. This applies to the Spouse of the main applicant and any unmarried children who are dependents and under the age of 18. However, the applicant will be required to demonstrate that he or she can financially support all family members whilst in Australia.

Australian Student Visas – Eligibility Requirements

The Australian ETA visit visa, ETA business visa and long stay tourist visa all allow candidates to study in Australia. However, in all three cases, the maximum permitted period is three months. Applicants wishing to study for longer than three months will need to apply for an Australian student visa.

The key requirement of an Australian study visa is that all candidates must have an offer of a place on a course of study from a recognised Australian educational institution. Students must have an offer of full time study and may be required to submit their electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) as part of their application. Australian study visas are only valid for the institution and course in question, and applicants must remain with the institution for a minimum of 12 months, or where the entire course duration is less than 12 months, candidates must remain at the institution throughout the course.

Study visa applicants must have a sufficient grasp of the English language to allow them to complete their course of study and must be capable of financially supporting both themselves and any dependents joining them in Australia. Student visa applicants must be in good health and of good character and those applying to visit Australia for 12 months or more will need to undergo Australia’s strict health and character requirements including a chest x ray by an approved doctor and police checks for previous countries of residence.

Australian Study Visa Assessment

In Australia study visa applications are assessed on a 5 tier system which is based on the applicant’s country of residence and seeks to establish the likelihood of a candidate genuinely completing their course of study in Australia. The test is based upon the previous conduct of applicants from their country of residence and the higher the assessment number the more evidence will be required from the candidate as part of their application. Your Global Visas consultant will be able to advise you of the exact requirements for your country of residency.

Australian Student Visa – Categories of Visa

Independent ELICOS Visa (Subclass 570)

Students in this category will be undertaking the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) programme.

Schools Visa (Subclass 571)

All candidates attending a primary or secondary school in Australia will need to apply for a study visa in this category.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) (Subclass 572)

This category is for students undertaking a range of vocational qualifications.

Higher Education Visa (Subclass 573)

Higher Education Visas apply to candidates who are studying for university degrees.

Postgraduate Research (Subclass 574)

This study visa service applies to those studying in Australia beyond bachelor degree level, i.e. masters degrees and PhDs.

Non-award – (Subclass 575)

The non-award category applies to bridging courses and foundation courses which do not involve an award.

You can find out whether you qualify for an Australian study visa by visiting the Global Visas online assessment area. Just take a moment to complete one of our forms and an Australian immigration specialist will respond to your enquiry.