Applying in Australia: A student timeline

Three years prior to study

Research

It is never too early to start conducting theimportant initial research that will help you to decide on the right studydestination, institution and course. Institution websites, this Guide andwww.studiesinaustralia.com are the best places to find this information.

18 months prior to study

Check the entry requirements

Check the academic andEnglish language requirements for entry to your course prior to applying.

Organise English language testing (if necessary)

Ask yourinstitution whether you will need to demonstrate your English languageproficiency, the tests they accept and what score you will need. You shouldregister for the test about 18 months prior to commencing your studies. Youwill need the results in order for your student visa to be processed, but it isimportant not to register too early because institutions typically only accepttest results that are less than two years old.

12 months prior to study

Apply

Generally institutions don't set deadlines forinternational student applications, but it is best to apply as early aspossible so that you have time to organise a visa, flights and accommodation.You can have the forms posted to you, apply online through the institution'swebsite, apply through an education agent or at an education fair.

Complete and submit your application

It can take a fewweeks to complete the application as you need to obtain supportingdocumentation and get certified copies (or certified translations) made. Mostinstitutions take between four and six weeks to assess applications.

Accept your offer

Read the offer very carefully to makesure that course details and fee amounts are correct. Students with'unconditional' offers are free to accept the offer and make their firsttuition payment to the provider, while those with 'conditional' offers willneed to satisfy other conditions before they are able to enrol.

Meet the conditions

If you receive a conditional offer ofenrolment, you will need to find out what conditions need to be met and returncertified copies of all necessary documentation to the institution by the duedate.

Apply for a student visa

Visa processing through theDepartment of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or an Australian visaoffice in your home country can take up to 12 weeks, so apply as soon as youreceive your letter of offer or Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Organise your overseas student health cover (OSHC)

Purchase your OSHC as soon as you have received your letter of offer (at thesame time as you apply for your student visa) because you will need to haveOSHC in order to satisfy the grant of your student visa and accept your offer.

One month prior to study

Organise your accommodation

It is best to do this as soonas you have received your offer and your student visa has been granted so youcan secure your preferred accommodation.

Book your flight

You can book your flight once yourinstitution and visa applications are approved and accommodation arrangementshave been made. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to settle in beforeclasses start and that your arrival date coordinates with international studentorientation sessions and your accommodation check-in date.

Two weeks prior to study

Organise airport pick-up

Many providers offer a freeairport pick-up service for international students. If this is not provided,you will need to make your own arrangements. At this point you should alsoconfirm your arrival date and time with your accommodation provider, so you canbe sure that they are expecting you.