How to Apply for an Australian Study Visa for Immigrants. Study in AU

Australia is a top destination for international students due to its world-class universities, high quality of life, and diverse culture. Obtaining a study visa is essential if you plan to study in Australia. This guide will walk you through the entire process, but before that, let’s briefly explain the type of Australian study visa that is more common for international students.

 

The most common visa type for international students is the Subclass 500 Student Visa, which allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study program. This visa is suitable for:

• Full-time higher education (university or college courses)
• English language programs
• Vocational education and training (VET) courses
• Secondary school programs

 

How to Apply for an Australian Study Visa

Let’s simplify the visa application process for the Subclass 500 Student Visa, making it a straightforward journey for international students.

 

Step 1. Receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)

Before applying for a student visa, you must be accepted into an Australian educational institution. Here’s how to go about it:

 

• Choose a Program and Institution

Research and select the course and institution where you wish to study. Australia offers a wide range of programs, so ensure that the institution is a CRICOS-registered provider (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). This guarantees that the course and institution meet Australian standards.

 

 Apply and Receive an Offer Letter

Submit your application directly to the institution. If accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter. Once you accept the offer and pay any required tuition deposit, the institution will issue you a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). This document is needed for your visa application as it confirms your enrollment in a full-time study program in Australia.

 

Step 2. Meet the Financial and Health Requirements

Before applying for a study visa, you must meet specific financial and health criteria to ensure you can support yourself during your stay in Australia. Some of these criteria or requirements are listed below:

• Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

To meet this requirement, you can provide bank statements, scholarships, or evidence of a financial sponsor. In some cases, students from certain countries may also need to provide additional financial proof under the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria.

• Health Insurance

Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)  for the duration of their stay. This health insurance ensures you are covered for any medical care you may need while studying in Australia. Your educational institution may offer OSHC, or you can purchase it directly from an approved provider.

• Health Examination

Some applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination or chest x-ray to meet Australia’s health requirements, especially if they come from countries with a high risk of tuberculosis.

Gather Necessary Documents

To successfully apply for an Australia study visa, have all the required documents ready. These typically include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Australia.
• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): Proof that you’ve been accepted into a registered Australian institution.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement: A written statement explaining that you intend to come to Australia only to study and not for immigration purposes. You’ll need to prove that you have strong ties to your home country and plan to return after your studies.
• Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, proof of a scholarship, or evidence of financial sponsorship.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Proof of health insurance coverage.
  • English Language Proficiency: Most students must prove their English proficiency by providing an IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score, depending on the course and institution. The required score varies but typically ranges from IELTS: 5.5–7.0 – TOEFL: 46–100
  • Health Examination (if applicable): Medical test results if required.
  • Academic Transcripts: Previous school certificates, degrees, or diplomas, depending on the level of study.
  • Character Requirements: To demonstrate good character and a clean criminal record, you must submit a police certificate from your home country.

  Step 4. Apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa

  Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time to apply for the student visa. B Below are steps you can follow to get it done:

  • Create an ImmiAccount

  Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website here and create an mmiAccount. This online portal lets you lodge your visa application and track its progress.

  • Complete the Online Visa Application

  Fill out the Subclass 500 visa application form in ImmiAccount. Ensure all your details are accurate and you upload the required documents, including your CoE, financial proof, and health insurance. 

  • Pay the Visa Application Fee

  The Subclass 500 Student Visa application fee is AUD 650 (as of 2024). If required, additional fees may apply for biometrics or a health examination.

  • Submit Biometrics (if required)

  Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and facial recognition) at an authorized center.

  • Visa Processing Time

  Visa processing times vary but generally take 4–12 weeks. You can check the status of your visa application through the ImmiAccount you created earlier on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

  Step 5. Receive Your Visa and Prepare for Travel

  Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification with your visa number, expiration date, and visa conditions. Congratulations, you are now eligible to move to Australia.

  Conclusion

  Applying for an Australia study visa as an international student is straightforward, provided you follow the steps in this piece carefully. Make sure you meet all the admission requirements of your chosen university, secure your CoE, and gather the necessary documents for your visa application. With your study visa, you’ll be ready to embark on a new academic adventure in one of the world’s most exciting study destinations. Should you have further enquiries, please drop us a line in the comments section, and we will be here to support you every step of the way.