Visa

Australia Student Visa Guide- Requirements and Full Process

Posted on by Chidiebere Onuoha

Australia is a popular location for international students in search of quality and affordable education. Australia houses world class universities, diverse cultures, and amazing sites, these are some of the reasons students choose to study in Australia. However, to pursue your academic dreams in Australia, you have to be in possession of a student visa. The student visa gives you a legal right to live and study in Australia for a specified duration. This article reveals how you can obtain a student visa, via this Australia student visa guide, which will walk you through a detailed visa process. This includes the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the full application process.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Australian student visa, you must meet these eligibility criteria.

  • Age: You can apply for an Australian student visa at any age, but certain conditions apply to applicants who are under 18 years.
  • Course enrollment: You must be enrolled in a course of study and be able to provide an evidence for it.
  • Language proficiency: You must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE.
  • Financial requirements: You must be able to show proof of funds to support yourself and your dependents (if any) during your stay in Australia. This would not apply if you have a sponsor.
  • Character requirements: You must meet the character requirements, and provide a police certificate to show a clear criminal record.

Required documents

  • Passport biodata page.
  • Course enrollment letter from an Australian University.
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.
  • If the student is Under 18, Form 1229, student’s original and English translated birth certificate and both parents’ passports are required. Furthermore, proof of guardianship and welfare arrangements must be provided prior to Visa application.
  • Academic transcripts & English proficiency tests results.
  • Proof of funds, scholarship awards, or sponsorship letters.
  • English language test certificate.
  • Police certificate.

Australia Student Visa Application process

Step 1: Research and apply for a course

  • Make an extensive research and choose a course and university that accommodates your interests, academic and career goals.
  • Check the course entry requirements and ensure you meet them.
  • Apply for the course through the university’s website or an authorized agent.

Step 2: Receive a confirmation of enrollment (C.o.E)

Upon acceptance of your application, you will receive a confirmation of enrollment from the university you applied to. This would include your course details, duration and applicable fees.

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

ImmiAccount is an online service provided by the Department of Home Affairs in Australia. It allows individuals to create and manage their visa applications and related processes electronically.

Step 4: Submit your student visa application

  • Log in to your ImmiAccount and submit your student visa application.
  • Attach all required documents to your application and;
  • Pay the required visa application fee, which is AUD 710 excluding card charges.

Step 5: Await visa decision

You would await a decision on your visa, depending on the complexity of your application. This could take weeks or months. You may be required to attend an interview, either in person or via a video call with a consulate officer.

Step 6: Receive your visa

Upon an approval, you would receive a visa grant notification which would include information about the visa condition and duration. If your visa is denied, you could appeal the embassy’s decision or reapply.

Relocating to Australia for studies requires careful planning for your admission and visa application. Learn how you can settle and live in Australia via this comprehensive relocation guide