Types of visas
How to apply
Health
English
Character
Finances
Thinking about studying in Australia?
This guide is a comprehensive handbook to help you navigate the student visa application process and get an idea of what it is like to live in Australia as an international student.
Australia is one of the world’s top destinations for international students — offering thousands of prestigious university courses, opportunities to work and earn money while you study, and a vibrant lifestyle in a fun and friendly nation. If you are ready to begin your student journey in Australia, read on to learn how to set a realistic budget, plan-out your study goals and prepare for your arrival in Australia.
Types of visas
Australian Visas
Unless you hold an Australian or New Zealand passport, you will need to obtain a travel or study visa before arriving in Australia. There are many different types of Australian visas and it’s important to obtain the correct visa before booking your flights and travel arrangements.
IMPORTANT: Having a travel visa (Electronic Travel Authority ETA) to enter Australia does not automatically entitle you to work or study. Australia has strict immigration and home security laws and you risk being deported if you don’t have the correct study visa.
Take the time to learn all of the work restrictions associated with your student visa, because if you break any of the rules, your visa may be cancelled and you will have to leave the country.
Student Visas
Australia offers three different visas for international students who want to study or undertake workplace training:
- Visa 500 — Student Visa
This is the most popular visa for international students and allows you to study for up to 5 years in Australia and get a part-time job while your course is in session.
Before applying for a student visa 500, you must be enrolled in full-time study at a recognised Australian university or education institution. Visa 500 processing times are usually 45-65 days — but may take longer if your situation is complex.
Learn more about the Student Visa 500 on the Home Affairs Australia website.
- Visa 485 — Temporary Graduate Visa
If you have recently graduated from a course that is related to an occupation where there is a skills shortage in Australia, the visa 485 will allow you to work and study in Australia for another 1-4 years. You can also bring your family for the duration of your visa.
Visa 485 processing times can take between 3-8 months and the approved length of stay will depend on the course you have completed and current skill shortages in the related occupation.
Learn more about the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 on the Home Affairs Australia website.
- Visa 407 — Training Visa
The Training Visa 407 allows you to visit Australia for up to 2 years and complete workplace-based training that will develop your skills in your current industry or field of expertise. You must be nominated and sponsored by an academic institution or approved employer to apply for this visa.
Processing times for the training visa 407 are usually 60 days — remembering that your sponsor must receive approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor before you can apply for your visa.
Learn more about the Training Visa 407 on the Home Affairs Australia website.
- Other Australian Visas
Once you have completed your training, the following visas can assist you obtain permanent residency and Australian citizenship. You may also need a BVA if you study visa is going to expire before you finish your course.
- Visa 010 — Bridging Visa A (BVA)
It is against the law for an international student to remain in Australia without an active visa. The bridging visa 010 (also known as the BVA) allows you to lawfully stay in Australia while your new visa application is being processed. To be eligible for a BVA you must have already a held an Australian visa and hold proper health insurance. There are also restrictions on your personal activities, work, and study while on a BVA.
Learn more about the Bridging Visa A 010 on the Home Affairs Australia website.
- Visa 191 — Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa
If you have been living in Australia for more than 3 years in a regional area, you may be eligible for the skilled regional visa 191. This is a pathway to Aus and permanent residency.
Learn more about the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa 191 on the Home Affairs Australia website.
- Visa 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
If you have qualifications, skills, and professional experience in an occupation where there is a skills shortage in Australia, you may be eligible for the skilled nominated visa 190. This visa is a pathway to Australian permanent residency and citizenship.
To hold a visa 190 you must be invited by an Australian state or territory government agency. Interested applicants can complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form through the Australian SkillSelect website.
Learn more about the Skilled Nominated Visa 190 (including the expression of interest and nomination process) on the Home Affairs Australia website.
- Visa 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Another pathway to Aus and Australian PR is to be nominated by an approved employer. To be eligible for this visa you must have qualifications, skills, and experience in an occupation where there is an existing skills shortage in Australia.
To receive this visa you must undertake a skills assessment test and have at least 3 years work experience. Depending on the industry group or work sector, you may also be required to hold current licences and membership with a peak industry body.
Learn more about the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 186 on the Home Affairs Australia website.
How to apply for a Student Visa
The student visa application process is straightforward and can be done online using the ImmiAccount portal to access services from the Department of Home Affairs. ImmiAccount allows you to apply for a new student visa, submit your supporting documents, pay your visa fees, and track the progress of your application.
- Enrol in an approved course
You cannot apply for a student visa until you have enrolled in an approved course and have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) form. You’ll need to upload this document into the ImmiAcount portal.
- Create (or login to) your ImmiAccount
You can create your own ImmiAccount for free from anywhere in the world. Just follow the the instructions onscreen and you’ll have your account up and running in just a few minutes.
Alternately, you can have a Registered Migration Agent create your ImmiAccount and manage the visa application process for you.
- Submit supporting documents
You must upload all required documents into the ImmiAccount portal. Your documents can be scanned or photographed and must be in full colour with the text clear and legible.
Some of the required documents include:
- Passport and identity documents
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university or course provider
- Evidence you have enough money to pay for your course fees, travel, and at least 12 months of living costs.
- English language test results
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy
PLEASE NOTE: If the documents are not in English, they will need to be translated by a qualified translator.
Pay the visa application fees
You can pay your visa fees inside the ImmiAccount portal. Payment can be made by Credit Card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY.
Lodge your application
Once you have everything finalised you can lodge your application. Before you hit submit you should make sure that:
- you have carefully read through the checklist of required documents and submitted everything you need.
- you have been truthful about all your details.
- the documents are in colour, clear, and legible.
REMEMBER! Missing, inaccurate, unclear, false, and misleading information can delay your application.
Respond to requests for information
After you lodge your application you should login to your ImmiAccount regularly and check the progress of your application. If you receive a message from Home Affairs requesting extra information you should respond without delay. Don’t wait for the deadline to provide the requested information.
Receive your visa outcome
You will be notified when your visa application has been finalised. If your visa is approved you will receive your:
- Visa grant number
- Visa expiry date
- Visa conditions
Once your visa is approved, you can start booking your flights and travel arrangements. Remember to keep a copy of the approval with you when in Australia.
If your visa is declined, Home Affairs will explain the reasons why, and whether you have the right to apply for a review of the decision. Unsuccessful visa application fees are not refunded.
REMEMBER! Australian student visas cannot be extended. If your visa 500 is likely to expire before you finish your studies you must apply for a whole new visa. You may also need to obtain a BVA (bridging visa) while your new visa is being processed.
Health requirements
Australia has strict health requirements for overseas visitors and you may need to have a series of medical examinations and chest x-rays to prove you meet these health standards. This especially applies to international students who are:
- Studying to become a doctor, dentist, nurse or paramedic.
- Coming from a country that has a higher risk of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
- Doing workplace training at a childcare centre (including preschools or creches), healthcare facility, aged care centre, or disability care facility.
Health requirements are different for each Australian visa, so do read the instructions carefully when completing your online application.
Student Health Insurance
Do you have overseas student health cover (OSHC)? If you study in Australia you will be responsible for all your medical costs while in the country and OSHC health insurance can assist you if you have an accident, medical emergency,or significant illness.
OSHC is one of the conditions of the Student Visa 500 so you must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia. More importantly, your student visa cannot be issued until you provide evidence of suitable health insurance.
Choosing an OSHC policy
OSHC generally includes hospital admissions, ambulance fees, essential emergency care, and some medications — but it does not cover everything. When choosing health insurance always read the fine print carefully so you know exactly what is included.
OSHC policies are usually tiered and the cheaper alternatives don’t provide a comprehensive level of cover and ancillary costs (eg, dental, optical, elective surgery). Take the time to ensure the policy you choose is suited to your individual health care needs.
Helpful resources
English language tests
To prove you have proficient English you will need to undertake a recognised English Language Test and upload the test score into your ImmiAccount. Some universities and education providers may also ask for your test results during the enrolment process.
The following English language test providers are currently acceptable for student visa 500 applications:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- TOEFL internet-based test
- Cambridge English: Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Occupational English Test
Check the Home Affairs Australia website for the minimum overall band scores or get in touch to discuss taking a test with an immigration agent.
Learning English
Learning English is actually lots of fun and will greatly enhance your student journey in Australia. When you gain English proficiency you’ll be able to confidently interact with your classmates and teachers, get a job, and complete your academic studies at a high level.
There are many different pathways to learning English in Australia and achieving proficient English. You could:
- Learn with a private English tutor
- Enrol in a fully accredited English course
- Use free English language resources
DID YOU KNOW? Australian English is quite different from US English, which is the standard across Asia and the Americas. You’ll need to learn the correct Australian spellings and grammar to ensure success in your academic studies.
Helpful resources
Character requirements
There are strict requirements to live and study in Australia. Your visa may be declined if you have:
- Been convicted of a serious crime, especially sexual crimes involving children.
- Have a substantial criminal record.
- Have a history of domestic violence.
- Been involved in people smuggling, genocide, or war crimes.
- Escaped from an immigration detention centre.
Every visa application is unique and Home Affairs Australia will consider all the circumstances of your case. Even if you have a criminal history you may still be granted an Australian visa.
It’s very important to be honest about your background and declare any criminal convictions and activity. If Home Affairs conducts a background check and discovers criminal activity you have not disclosed, your visa application may be refused or cancelled. If you are already in Australia, you risk being deported.
Financial capacity requirements
To study in Australia you must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself while you are in Australia. Living costs may be much higher than your home country so you’ll need to research the cost of living in the Australian city or region where you’ll be located.
There are two ways of proving you have financial capacity to study:
- Provide a breakdown of anticipated expenses as well as financial documents (eg, bank statements) that indicate a balance that covers at least your:
- Travel costs
- 12 months of living expenses
- Tuition fees
- Expenses for accompanying family members and dependents.
- Evidence that your parents or spouse are willing to support you and pay your study expenses while you are in Australia. They must have an annual income of at least AUD$60,000 (single students) or AUD$70,000 (students who are married or are being accompanied by family members.