If you're planning to study in Australia, the Student visa (subclass 500) is essential for international students. This visa permits you to live and study in Australia, enrolling at an Australian educational institution while also offering options to work, travel, and include family members. It allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies, provided you meet certain requirements. Here’s a detailed guide on how to qualify for and apply for this visa.
Various types of educational programs:
Higher Education: Includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Vocational Education and Training (VET): Vocational courses that provide practical skills.
Pathway Courses: Programs that help students meet entry requirements for higher education.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS): Courses designed to improve English language skills.
Primary and Secondary School: Education for younger students.
Secondary School Exchange Programs: Programs that allow students to study at an Australian secondary school on an exchange basis.
Postgraduate Research: Master's degrees in research and Doctoral degrees.
Non-Award Courses: Courses that do not lead to formal qualifications (e.g., Study Abroad or Exchange semesters).
Sponsored Students: International students sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) or Defence.
Requirements (Subclass 500)
Essential Documents:
Passport: A valid passport from your country of residence or birth is required. You may also need copies of your national ID and driver's license.
Recent Photograph and Biometrics: Provide recent identity photographs and, if necessary, biometrics (fingerprints).
Student Visa Application Form: Complete, sign, and submit the application form.
2. Age Requirements - for each year of secondary school, students must be under 17 years old when starting Year 9, under 18 years old when starting Year 10, under 19 years old when starting Year 11, and under 20 years old when starting Year 12. These age criteria ensure that students are within the appropriate age range for their respective year levels as they progress through their secondary education.
3. Evidence of Study Program:
Submit a Confirmation Letter of Enrollment (CoE) for all courses. If enrolling in multiple courses, provide a CoE for each one. The CoE must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
If sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence, include a letter of support. Secondary exchange students must provide an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student Form.
Postgraduate research students should include a letter from their education provider if staying in Australia for their thesis.
4. Parental Consent- If bringing a child under 18 and not all parents are accompanying, provide a parental consent form.
5. English Language Certification - Provide proof of English proficiency unless exempt. Accepted tests and scores include IELTS (6), TOEFL (46), Cambridge English Advanced Certificate (162), PTE (42), or Occupational English Test (B in each component). Exemptions apply for certain nationalities and situations.
6. Civil Documents- Include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce papers, adoption papers, and any name change certificates.
7. Health Insurance - Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, unless you are from Norway, Sweden, or Belgium and covered by specific agreements.
8. Evidence of Financial Capacity - Show proof of sufficient funds to cover travel costs, living expenses for one year, and tuition fees. Additional financial proof is required if you have family members accompanying you.
9. Form 157N and Authorized Recipient form- For students under 18 years old, this form is required to nominate a guardian. If someone else is assisting with your application, include this form or a letter explaining who is helping you.
10. Australian Values Statement - Sign a statement confirming your commitment to Australian values and laws.
Application Process
Secure your place in an Australian educational institution and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Submit your visa application and required documents.
Pay Visa Fees. As of July 2024, the base fee is AUD 1,600. Additional fees apply if including family members. (This amount is subject to change.)
The processing time for this visa typically ranges from 3 months to a year. This timeframe can vary depending on factors such as the type of course being pursued and the individual's specific circumstances.
Work Restrictions
During Study Terms: You are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight.
During Course Breaks: Unlimited work hours are permitted.
Postgraduate Research Students: Those enrolled in a Master’s degree by research or Doctoral degree have no work hour limits.
Validity and Extensions
The student visa is generally valid for up to 5 years, depending on the length of your study program. Processing typically takes between 3 months to a year, influenced by factors such as the nature of your study purpose. If your study program extends beyond the initial visa period, you may be eligible to apply for a visa extension.
After Visa Expiration
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): For recent graduates seeking work experience.
killed Recognition Graduate Visa (Subclass 476): For engineering graduates from recognized institutions.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): If your student visa expires before you graduate, you may apply for a visitor visa to stay temporarily.
Permanent Residency
Student visas do not automatically provide a pathway to permanent residency. After finishing your studies, you will need to seek permanent residency through alternative visa options, such as a skilled work visa or other relevant pathways. This typically involves meeting specific criteria and applying for the appropriate visa based on your qualifications and work experience.
Update as of July 2024:
Student Visa and Temporary Graduate Visa Program Report (BR0097) will be out by 30 September 2024, detailing visa lodgments, grants, processing times, and a comparison of the 2023-24 and 2022-23 program years.
New English test rules, and a polio vaccination requirement for high-risk countries.
The Migration Strategy outreach and BIRO efforts have been updated, and current visa processing times are available.
The Department's new On-Demand Web Translation (ODWT) service on its website offers from translation in 16 languages (Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese) for 98 Home Affairs website pages.
Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
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