How to apply
Here is some advice to help with your course application.
Step 1: Choosing your course and education provider
Step 2: Applying
Step 3: Processing of your application
Step 4: Accepting your offer
Step 5: Preparing for departure
Step 1: Choosing your course and education provider
Think about which courses you are interested in, and if they will lead into your chosen career. Carefully research courses, institutions and their locations. Consider the areas of specialisation offered through different courses, and which specialisations will best suit your intended career path. Once you have decided on the best course, you need to find out which education providers offer it, and which provider best suits your requirements. You might like to consider the size of the campus, the available facilities and the support services available to international students.
Step 2: Applying
Once you have chosen your course and education provider, it is time to apply. Check the entrance and English language requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply. If not, you may have to consider a different course, or bridging or foundation study that may increase your chances.
Contact your education provider and ask about their application requirements and application dates, as these will differ for each provider. Make a note of important deadlines and make sure you meet them. Remember to allow for postal times when sending forms by mail. Search for educational provider contact details .
International students usually apply directly to Australian institutions either by post or online. You can download application forms from institute websites, or you can request the forms to be posted. Another option is to contact an education agent or an overseas representative of the institution to which you are applying. Your application form will ask you which course(s) you are applying for and give details of the documentation you need to supply.
Most application forms require the following:
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personal details
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certified proof of your level of English language proficiency
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details of previous educational qualifications, such as academic transcripts
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course preferences (the course(s) you are applying for)
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a summary of employment experience (if applicable).
If you are still completing your education you can provide evidence of your most recent marks until it is possible to provide your final marks. If the documents you supply are not in English, you must provide an official certified translation. Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee of around $50–100 that must be included with your application. Some institutions waive this fee if the application is made online.
Before sending your application, check your visa requirements with your local Australian embassy to ensure you will qualify for a visa if you are successful. Visit the student visas page for more information about visas, or check the list of Australian embassies.
If at any time in the application process you are uncertain how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact your education provider—they are there to help.
Step 3: Processing of your application
Once the education provider receives your application it will be assessed and you will be notified of the result. Be prepared to be patient. It may be a few weeks (longer for postgraduate applicants) before your application is processed and a response is posted to you.
Step 4: Accepting your offer
If your application is accepted you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting the offer, you should carefully read the letter of offer and check any conditions that may apply. Depending on your country of nationality you may be required to undergo a pre-visa assessment before the institution issues an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). The eCoE is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications.
You may be required to pay tuition fees before applying for the student visa. the institution will advise you of its requirements but generally it will require payment of at least one semester of course fees.
Step 5: Preparing for departure
Now that your education provider has accepted you, it is time to apply for your student visa . You must also purchase your plane ticket, organise your Overseas Student Health Cover and start thinking about your accommodation options .
