Studying in Australia is a fantastic experience. It offers foreign students a high-quality education, a wonderful lifestyle, and a warm welcome. The next stage is to arrange your student visa once you’ve been accepted into your Australian study.
Before applying for an Australian course, check with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or your local Australian visa office to see if you’ll be qualified for a student visa, how to apply, and what papers you’ll need.
To apply directly to an Australian education provider, use the Course Search feature to download an application form from the provider’s website.
An Australian education agent can assist you with the application process. You must, however, provide your agent with all essential documentation to be filed with your form.
Relevant documents include:
- Certificates confirming your prior studies, as well as any qualifications you currently possess
- Confirmation of your English language potential.
- If you’re looking for course credit, you’ll need certificates or documentation that prove your past studies or professional experience. These are required to be translated into English.
Understanding the Student Visa (Subclass 500):
- The Student visa (subclass 500) permits you to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years, depending on your degree.
- During term time, you are usually permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per week and unlimited hours during study breaks on this visa.
- During term time, the Australian government is temporarily allowing students to work more than their regular 40 hours per fortnight in all industries. Students can now work as soon as they arrive in Australia, rather than waiting until their study begins.
With this visa you can:
- take part in an accredited study program in Australia
- travel in and out of Australia
- work for limited hours in any sector.
How long will be your stay:
- This is a five-year temporary study visa. The length of stay will be determined by the type of course and its length.
- Students in grades 1-4 will often be awarded a student visa for a maximum of three years.
What to do if you want to stay longer:
- You must apply for a new Student visa to continue your studies in Australia.
- If your student visa runs out before you graduate, you may be eligible for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). You’ll need a letter from your education provider with your graduation date on it.
- If you have recently completed particular qualifications in Australia in the last six months while on a student visa, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
- You may be eligible for the Skilled Recognition Graduate Visa (subclass 476) if you are a recent engineering graduate from a recognized university.
- If you wish to remain longer for whatever reason, you must apply for a new visa that is appropriate for your situation.
Apply Form:
- You can either be inside or outside Australia when you submit your visa application and when we make the decision.
Your Obligations:
- You and your family must adhere to all visa requirements and Australian laws.
Travel:
- While the visa is active, you are free to travel outside of Australia and return as often as you like.
- The time you spend outside of Australia does not count against the duration of your visa.
Visa Label:
- Your visa and passport will be linked digitally. Your passport will not have a label.