How to apply
Now that you have made the decision to come to Australia to study it is time to put your plans into action. Here is some advice to help with your course application.
Step 2: Completing your application form
Step 3: Processing of your application
Step 4: Applying for your student visa
Step 1: Choosing your course
Think about your future career plans and which Australian courses will help with these plans. Carefully and thoroughly research courses, education 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 Australian course for you, you need to find out which education providers offer it (whether you intend to enrol in school, university or a TAFE college), and which provider best suits your requirements. Other than the areas of speciality within each course, you might like to consider the size of the campus, the available facilities and the support services available to international students.
This website has information on different education providers and the courses they offer. Search for an institution .
Step 2: Completing your application form
Once you have chosen your course(s) and education provider(s), 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 course that may increase your chances.
Contact your preferred education provider(s) to research their application requirements as well as application dates, as these will differ for each provider. Make a note of important deadlines and be sure you meet them. Don’t forget to allow for postal times when sending forms by mail. Contact details for educational providers are listed on this website. Search for your prefered provider .
International students typically apply directly to Australian education providers either by post or online. Application forms can be downloaded from university and college websites, or you can ask that the forms 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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proof of your level of English language ability
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details of previous educational qualifications
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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. In addition to the information above, applications to Australian education providers require certified copies of certain documents, such as English language test scores, evidence of previous studies (such as academic transcripts), and an official explanation of the grading system of previous qualifications. If documents are not in English, an official certified translation must also be supplied.
Institutions generally require documents to be certified by the education provider that issued them, or by an Australian embassy, Education Australia office, or an education agent registered with the Australian institution you are applying to. Photocopies and faxed or scanned copies of certified documents, and documents certified by a Justice of the Peace will not be accepted by Australian education providers.
Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee of around A$50–100 that must be included with your application. If your application is successful and you accept the offer, this money is credited towards your first semester’s tuition fees.
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 the education provider — they are there to help.
Step 3: Processing of your application
Once your application is received by the Australian education provider 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 applications) before your application is processed and a response is posted to you.
Step 4: Applying for your student visa
If your application is accepted you will be sent 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. Once you are happy to proceed, you must return your completed acceptance form and pay your first semester’s tuition fees. The institution will then issue a confirmation of enrolment (CoE). Note that students from certain countries may have to undergo a pre-visa assessment (PVA) before a CoE will be issued.