Student visas
Australia is a great country in which to study and live. It provides high-quality courses, a fantastic lifestyle and
a welcoming environment for international students. Once you have been accepted into your Australian course, the next step is to organise your student visa.
Applying for a student visa
Student visa requirements
General requirements
Parents of students living in Australia
Help with your visa requirements
Fees and charges
Applying for a student visa
You cannot apply for your student visa until you are accepted by your Australian education provider
and have received formal proof of offer or enrolment, which is known as an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). You will need a student visa for the whole time that you study in Australia.
You can apply for your student visa in person at your local Australian embassy (see link below) or by mail. All assessment level 1 students outside Australia can apply for their student visa online. Citizens of India, Indonesia, Thailand or The People’s Republic of China may also apply online if they are residing in their own country at the time of application.
Student visa requirements
Before you apply for an Australian course you should contact the Australian embassy in your country to find out if you will be eligible for a student visa, how to make your application, and what your document requirements will be. There is a list of Australian embassies on this website.
There are different visa requirements depending on:
What type of study you are enrolled in
Student visas are divided into seven subclasses that depend on the type of study you have enrolled in.
Your country of origin
When applying for a student visa, carefully check the country assessment level for your home country. The visa assessment levels depend on where your passport was issued and your visa subclass.
General and other student visa requirements
Regardless of visa subclass or assessment level, there are a number of general requirements that international students must meet in order to be eligible for a student visa. These include requirements relating to:
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health
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character
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health insurance
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debts to the Commonwealth
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custody, accommodation and general welfare arrangements for students under 18 years of age.
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English language proficiency.
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New living costs requirements |
Parents of students living in Australia
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 who is moving to Australia to study, you can also apply for permission to live in Australia as a student guardian. Student guardians can live in Australia for the duration of their child's course or until the child turns 18.
In order to be eligible, parents or legal guardians must meet the requirements listed above, relating to health, character and financial status. It is especially important that a guardian shows that he or she is equipped to provide for the welfare of the student.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship can provide more details about eligibility and the application process for the student guardian visa. Visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
Help with your visa requirements
The best way to find out your specific visa requirements is to visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website. You can also contact an education agent or the international office at your intended Australian education provider for advice and help with your visa application.
Fees and charges
A non-refundable visa application charge of $450 applies to most visa applications, with the exception of secondary exchange students and students sponsored under Commonwealth approved programs.
In addition, there may be other expenses associated with your visa application, such as costs for medical examinations, police checks, and the translation of documents into English (if required).
Once you have finished your studies
