Your Student Visa

Choosing to study in Australia is an exciting step into a bright future.

Before you can take this step, you need to finalise some important details.

One of the most important septs is to obtain a Student visa (subclass 500).

There are several eligibility requirements and documents that you need. Below is a step-by-step guide to academic entry and visa requirements.

Academic entry requirements

You must enrol in a full-time course of study with an Australian institution that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Relevant documents you need to include in your enrolment are:

·         Certificates that verify your previous study, including any qualifications you already have.

·         Evidence of your English language proficiency.

·         Certificates or documents that verify previous study or work experience if you are seeking course credits. These must be translated into English.

 You need to read the course entry requirements on each education provider’s website carefully and contact the provider directly if you need any further information. 

Applying for a Student Visa

The Student visa (subclass 500) visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for a maximum of five years, in line with your course.

On this visa, you are normally allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during study breaks. However, up until 30 June 2023 the Australian Government is temporarily allowing students to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight during term time across all sectors. Currently, students may also start working on arrival in Australia, and do not need to wait until their course commences.

Student visa fees are from AUD$650 per visa application

Student Visa Requirements

1.             Identity

You need to supply evidence of your identity. Your passport must be valid for at least 12 months. You will also need to supply certified copies of other forms of identification such as your birth certificate, national identity card or drivers licence where you have these.

2.             Letter of Offer

If your application for enrolment in your chosen education provider is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer from your provider.

Once you have accepted your Letter of Offer you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment from your chosen education provider.

3.             Confirmation of Enrolment

A Confirmation of Enrolment is a document that will be issued by your education provider that verifies your enrolment in a specific course.

You must include a copy of this document in your visa application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.

4.             Proof of English Proficiency

If you are not a native English language speaker, you’ll need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test, because Australian educational courses are taught in English. This certificate will prove to the Australian Government that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels needed to succeed in your given course.

There are varying minimum requirements for each education level, and institutions sometimes set these requirements higher for certain courses.

5.             Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement

To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must write a statement that addresses two criteria:

i)        that you are genuinely coming to Australia to study and not for any other reason and,

ii)      that you will only be residing in Australia temporarily (and not overstaying your visa).

In your statement, include details on your ties to home (such as your friends and family, or a job that you have to return to) as well as the value of the course to your future career or academic goals within your home country.

By including these details, it will prove both your intention to return home at the end of your visa and your true intention to study in Australia.

6.             Proof of Sufficient Funds

To receive an Australian student visa, you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay. There are two options for meeting this requirement:

• Provide bank statements, evidence of grants or scholarships. This will prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel costs and 12 months of living and tuition fees for you and your accompanying family members and school costs for any school aged dependants.

• Supply proof of your parents' or partner’s annual income, which must be AUD$62,222 in the year immediately before you apply. If you bring family members, the annual income must be at least AUD$72,592.

7.             Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

As an international student in Australia, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

If you don’t provide proof that you have bought this insurance, your student visa application will be denied.

OSHC will help you:

• Pay for medical or hospital care while studying in Australia.

• Pay for most prescription medicines.

• Provide you with ambulance cover in emergencies.

While organising your health cover, also make sure you order an OSHC card for use at doctor appointments while you're living in Australia.

8.             Health Requirement

The Australian Government requires all international students to be in good health before entering the country. As a result, you may need to undergo a health examination and 

provide a medical certificate confirming that you meet these health requirements.

9.             Character Requirement

There are also certain character requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Australia. In your application, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you may even need to provide a police background check.

If you are eligible for a Student Visa and can supply all the necessary documents and proof that the Department of Home Affairs requires then you stand a good chance at fulfilling your dreams of obtaining an education in Australia.

A good migration lawyer is essential for you to make sure everything is covered. At Culleton Lawyers, we can guide you through the process and provide you with expert advice.

Contact us today on 42437855, or email reception@culletonlawyers.com.au