Planning to study in Australia, is an exciting journey, but there’s a lot to know about student visa requirements.
The Australian Student Visa, known as the Subclass 500, is a type of visa granted to international students who wish to undertake a course of study in Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia to study full-time in a recognised education institution.
It’s important to note that the visa application process can be complex and requires careful attention to detail. The Australian government has set specific criteria that must be met by all applicants.
Course Enrolment
First and foremost, you must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia. This course should be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). You’ll need to provide proof of your enrolment when applying for your visa.
Your course must be full-time. Part-time courses do not meet the criteria for the Subclass 500 visa.
English Proficiency
As an international student, you must demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency. This is usually done through an English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The required score varies depending on the course and institution.
Some students may be exempt from this requirement. For instance, if you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland, or you have completed five years of study in English in certain countries.
Financial Requirements
Studying abroad can be expensive, and Australia is no exception. You’ll need to prove that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
The exact amount you need to show can vary, but generally, you should be able to demonstrate access to at least AUD$24,505 per year for the main applicant, AUD$8,574 for partner/spouse and AUD$3,670 for a child. This does not include your tuition fees, which you’ll also need to account for.
Health and Character Requirements
Australia has strict health and character requirements for visa applicants. You may need to undergo a health examination and provide a police certificate from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.
These requirements are designed to ensure that all international students are of good character and will not pose a risk to the Australian community.
Applying for an Australian student visa can be a complex process, but with careful preparation, it’s achievable. Just make sure to start early and follow all the requirements to the letter. Remember, studying in Australia is an incredible opportunity. Contact our migration team today to see how we can assist you with a student visa application.
