The Australia Study Visa is essential for anyone planning to undertake full-time studies for three months or longer in the country. This visa allows holders to travel to, enter, and remain in Australia for the duration of their academic program. Most international students will need to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500), regardless of their field of study.

Depending on the length of your course, the visa grants additional time beyond your studies:

• If your course lasts less than 10 months, you’ll receive an extra month after completion.
• For courses exceeding 10 months, you’ll be granted two additional months.
• If your course is longer than 10 months and aligns with the Australian academic year, you’ll receive three extra months.

What is an Australian Student Visa?

The Student Visa (subclass 500) permits you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years for full-time study at a registered educational institution. Its benefits include:

• Eligibility for study courses
• Family Inclusion
• Online application options
• Work allowances.

Basic Checks Before You Apply for an Australia Study Visa

Before applying for an Australia Study Visa, there are several essential checks you need to complete:

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): You must be enrolled in your chosen study program and have received a Confirmation of Enrolment from the educational institution in Australia.
2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You should have Overseas Student Health Cover, unless you qualify for one of the exemption categories.
3. Welfare Arrangements: If you are under 18 years of age, you must be at least 6 years old and provide proof of appropriate welfare arrangements.
4. English Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate your English language skills through recognized testing.
5. Health and Character Requirements: You must meet the health and character standards set by the Australian government.
6. Financial Capacity: You should provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your studies in Australia.

Application Process for Study Visa Australia

You have to make sure that you meet all the requirements before you fill up the visa application.

To fulfil the requirements, you would need to :

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Application Submission for Australia Study Visa

To apply for an Australia Study Visa, submit your application 9 to 12 weeks before your course begins. Start by securing admission to a university or institute; upon acceptance, you’ll receive an offer letter. Confirm your enrollment by paying the first semester fee and obtaining overseas student health cover.

You can lodge your application online through the Immi Account on the Department of Home Affairs website or via an education agent or registered migration agent (MARA). You'll need to demonstrate your Genuine Student (GS) status and provide proof of sufficient funds for tuition, living, and travel expenses.

Student Visa Application Charges/Fee/Cost

Here are the current fees for different Australian visa types, starting in 2024:

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Australian Student Visa Processing Time 2024

Australian authorities approve an Australian student visa within a month, though occasionally, it might take up to three months. The Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) has made the process quicker and smoother. It cuts down processing times.

Student Visa Processing Times by Stream:

Standard processing time:

• 4-6 weeks, depending on the education institution and any additional documents requested by the visa officer.

Application Recommendations

• Apply for your student visa at least 12 weeks before the orientation date at your educational institution.
• Ensure you have the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) from your higher education provider in Australia. It is necessary for your visa application.

New Rules on Student Visa Australia

Australia has implemented significant changes to its international student visa requirements. It aims to address concerns over student exploitation and control record migration. Effective immediately, students must demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 ($19,576) to qualify. It is the second increase in seven months. These adjustments align with broader efforts to tighten visa rules, including:

• Increased English language requirements
• Crackdowns on institutions engaging in exploitative practices.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil stressed the government's commitment to removing dishonest providers and maintaining sector integrity. These actions aim to manage the migration, and ease the rental market. It ensures the sustainability of international education in Australia.

New Rules for Australia Study Visa Requirements in 2024

Financial Capacity Requirement Update for Student and Student Guardian Visas New Requirements Effective May 10, 2024

The Australian Department of Home Affairs raised the financial requirements for Student and Student Guardian visas starting May 10, 2024. This is to ensure international students have enough money to support themselves. Also, it lessens the chance of financial difficulties when they come to Australia.

Updated Financial Capacity Requirements

These updated requirements reflect the increased cost of living. It aims to ensure that international students and their families are adequately prepared financially for their time in Australia.

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What are the Documents Required for an Australia Study Visa?

When applying for an Australia Study Visa, you need to attach the following documents:

• Passport Copy: Include a copy of both the front and back pages of your passport.
• Passport Photograph: Provide a recent passport-sized photo.
• Confirmation of Enrollment (COE): Submit the official document confirming your enrollment in a course.
• English Proficiency Evidence: Include your IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL score report to demonstrate your English language skills.
• Financial Capacity: Provide documentation that shows your financial ability to support yourself during your studies. This can include:
  • Recent bank statements
  • Education loan sanction letter
  • Income tax returns
  • Other sources of income
  • Affidavit of support from your parents or sponsor
• Change of Name Documentation (if applicable): If you have changed your name, include:
  • A marriage certificate, deed poll certificate, or a certified copy of the name change evidence from relevant authorities.
• Relationship Evidence: If applicable, provide certified copies of:
  • Your marriage certificate or household booklet
  • Other documents that verify your family composition
• Employment History: Include evidence of your current or most recent employment, such as:
  • Payslips or an employment contract
  • Your most recent CV or resume
• Qualifications Evidence: Submit certified copies of your academic transcripts (Degree, Diploma, etc.) or a letter from your overseas educational institution.
• Other Identity Documents: Attach a copy of your birth certificate or national identity number.
• Health Insurance: Provide evidence of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement: In the online application, answer the four Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) questions, outlining your aims, objectives, reasons for studying in Australia, your chosen course, your university selection, and details on how you will pay your fees and sponsor information.
• Authorized Recipient Appointment: If applicable, include Form 956 or Form 956A to appoint an authorized recipient or MARA agent to handle your application.

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Types of Study Covered (Subclass 500) Visa

The Student (Subclass 500) visa allows you to pursue a variety of study types in Australia, including:

• Higher Education
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• Pathway Courses
• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
• Primary and Secondary School Education
• Secondary School Exchange Programs
• Postgraduate Research Programs
• Non-Award Courses
• Study Abroad
• Exchange Semesters
• Programs for International Students Sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) or Defence

Enrollment and Application Process

To apply for a Student (Subclass 500) visa, you must first enroll in a course at an Australian education or training provider. Once the provider issues you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you can apply for the student visa.