Do you want to know what your Australian student visa options are?

Our expert guide offers a deep dive into securing an Australian student visa, covering everything you need to know about it.

Whether you dream of surfing Australian beaches or joining research projects at some of the world’s leading universities, we’ve compiled what you need to know to make your Aussie study dreams a reality.

Read more to prepare yourself for your Australian studies…

Australian Student Visas: An Overview

​​Australian student visas are designed to welcome students from across the globe into its world-class education system.

With various visa subclasses tailored to different study needs, Australia offers opportunities for school-aged learners, vocational education and training attendees, and higher education students.

Each visa subclass has criteria, but all aim to simplify access to Australia’s diverse educational offerings.

Our team has done the groundwork for you.

Duration

The duration of your Australian student visa generally matches the length of your study program plus an additional 2 months (or longer in certain circumstances, like postgraduate research).

This extra time lets you prepare for departure or extend your stay under a new visa.

For shorter courses of study, such as language courses, the visa duration aligns closely with the course length, ensuring your legal status in Australia covers your entire education period.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Australian student visa, you must be enrolled in a course of study, prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, demonstrate English language proficiency, and meet health and character requirements.

Additionally

You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless exempt.

These criteria ensure that international students can fully engage with their studies and life in Australia.

Rules & Regulations

Upon securing an Australian student visa, you must maintain enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course, attend classes regularly, and progress academically.

Australian student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during semester breaks, offering a balance between study commitments and part-time work.

Maintaining your health insurance coverage and notifying your education provider of changes in your circumstances is vital.

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

Costs & Fees

An Australian student visa (subclass 500) costs AU$630 for the main applicant.¹

However, this fee doesn’t cover additional costs such as health checks, police certificates, or the health insurance required for your stay.

Financial requirements also include proving you have the funds to support yourself.

This means

Access to at least AU$21,041 per year for living expenses, tuition, and travel.

8 Types of Australian Student Visas

Australia offers a variety of student visas tailored to international students' diverse needs and educational goals. 

Here’s an overview of the 8 main types:

Independent ELICOS Sector Visa

This visa (subclass 570) is for students enrolled in standalone English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

It’s ideal for those looking to improve their English before commencing further studies in Australia and requires enrolment in a full-time English course.

Schools Sector Visa

This visa (subclass 571) is designed for international students attending primary, junior secondary, or senior secondary school courses or participating in exchange programs in Australia.

It supports younger learners in accessing Australia’s high-quality school education.

Vocational Education & Training Sector Visa

This visa (subclass 572) is tailored for students engaging in vocational education and training (VET) courses, including certificate I through IV, diploma, and advanced diploma courses.

It caters to those looking to gain practical skills and vocational qualifications.

Higher Education Sector Visa

This visa (subclass 573) is for students enrolled in a bachelor's degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master's by coursework.

It’s the key for those seeking higher education qualifications from Australian universities or colleges. 

Postgraduate Research Sector Visa

Specifically, this visa (subclass 574) is for students undertaking a master's in research or a doctoral degree in Australia.

It encourages the pursuit of research projects and higher academic qualifications, offering longer visa durations to accommodate research timelines.

Non Award Sector Visa

This visa (subclass 575) is for students enrolled in non-award foundation studies or other full-time courses or components of courses not leading to an Australian award.

It’s suitable for those taking preparatory or bridging courses.

Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector Visa

This visa type (subclass 576) is issued to students sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence.

This visa facilitates the study of individuals coming to Australia under certain scholarship programs or defense agreements.

Student Guardian Visa

This visa (subclass 580) is for parents or guardians of younger students studying in Australia.

The visa allows a guardian to live in Australia with the student under 18 years of age (or older if special needs exist) to provide support and welfare.

Australian Student Visa Interview

For Australian student visas, interviews aren’t a standard requirement for every applicant, as in some countries.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs may request an interview on a case-by-case basis to clarify your application details or verify the information provided.

However

The decision to request an interview is at the discretion of the visa officer handling your case.

The interview would focus on your reasons for studying in Australia, your chosen course and institution, your understanding of the visa conditions, and how you plan to support yourself financially during your stay.

Rights & Benefits

Holding an Australian student visa comes with a suite of rights designed to enrich your educational experience.

We’ve compiled the main attractions for you. 

Living in Australia

Australia is renowned for its friendly locals, diverse cultures, and high quality of life, making it an ideal destination for international students.

Australia offers a unique blend of educational and lifestyle opportunities, from bustling metropolitan cities to serene coastal towns and rugged outback landscapes.

Embrace the chance to engage in various social, cultural, and recreational activities, enhancing your study experience with unforgettable memories.

What's more

You gain access to Australia's world-class healthcare system through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

This visa also allows you to travel in and out of Australia, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the country's natural wonders and vibrant cities.

Work Opportunities

Your Australian student visa facilitates your studies and opens up various part-time work opportunities.

You're entitled to work up to 40 hours per fortnight and unlimited hours during semester breaks, providing a balance between studies and part-time employment.

Why’s this important?

This allows you to gain valuable work experience in your field of study or earn money to support your living expenses.

Australia's dynamic job market offers roles across the retail, hospitality, tourism, and administration industries, providing practical skills and professional networking opportunities.

Bringing Family Members

Australian student visas may permit you to bring family members, including your spouse or de facto partner and your or your partner’s dependent children, to live with you in Australia.² 

Eligible family members can apply for a dependent visa, enabling them to work and study in Australia.

This feature makes managing your studies and personal life easier, ensuring a supportive living environment.

Challenges & Pitfalls

While studying in Australia is an exciting opportunity, it's not without challenges.

Here’s what to look out for:

Delays

Visa processing times in Australia can vary, and delays are possible due to incomplete applications, peak application periods, or the need for additional documentation.

To minimize the impact of potential delays, it's advisable to submit a complete and accurate application well before your intended start date and stay informed about the current processing times.

Denials

Visa denials, while disappointing, can occur for reasons such as failure to meet health and character requirements, insufficient evidence of financial capacity, or doubts about your genuine temporary entrant criteria.

If you decide to reapply, it’s imperative that you comprehend the reasons for a denial in order to resolve any issues and prepare a stronger application.

Maintaining Your Student Visa Status

To maintain your Australian student visa status, you must comply with all visa conditions, including continuous enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting course requirements, and upholding Australian laws.

Regularly updating your contact details and notifying the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your circumstances are essential to maintaining your legal status in Australia.

Extending & Changing Your Student Visa

Whether you're extending your studies, moving to a new institution, or transitioning to another visa type, understanding the requirements and timelines is helpful to maintaining your legal status in Australia.

Read on.

Permit Extension Conditions

To extend your Australian student visa, you must continue to meet the standard eligibility criteria: enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course, sufficient financial capacity, health insurance coverage through OSHC, and compliance with Australian laws.

An application for extension should be made before your visa expires, but not too early, as you'll need to provide evidence of ongoing enrollment and financial stability.

This ensures you can continue your studies without interruption.

Changing Your Educational Institution

If you wish to change your educational institution, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs and provide a new Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from the new institution.

This is particularly important if you're changing courses or levels of qualification, as your visa subclass may need to reflect your new study situation.

Keep in mind

Restrictions apply within the first 6 months of your principal course, so it's crucial to understand the implications and requirements of making a change.

Transitioning From a Student Visa to Another Visa

After completing your studies, you may remain in Australia to pursue further education, gain professional work experience, or transition to permanent residency.

Your options include:

• A temporary graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after your studies
• Skilled work visas
• Partner visas
• Other visas for which you meet the eligibility criteria

Common Questions

In Conclusion

By familiarizing yourself with your Australian student visa's rights, benefits, and responsibilities, you can fully embrace life and study in Australia.

With our expert knowledge, you should be well-equipped to embark on your Australian educational adventure, explore new academic horizons, and contribute to the vibrant, multicultural tapestry that defines Australia.

If you want to study in a different country, read about other countries and their student visas.

Learn More: Student Visas