This permit is designed for overseas learners who want to pursue full-time studies in Australia. It allows you to remain in Australia for the length of your study program. You must be enrolled, or sometimes just have an acceptance letter, from an educational institution in Australia before you apply for this permit.

Tips on selecting the best study program in Australia

The basic criteria for this permit include

Student permit evaluation The specific criteria for this permit vary based on the ‘Immigration Risk’ linked to your application. This risk is assessed by considering both the risk level of the educational institution and the country of your passport.

To apply for the visa, you need to

1. Join a full-time program at an Australian educational institution and get a confirmation letter (courses mostly online aren’t qualified).
2. Truly plan to finish your studies in Australia.
3. Meet the necessary English language skills, unless you have an exemption.
4. Have health insurance for international students (OSHC) for your time in Australia.
5. Have enough money for your return flights, school fees, living costs in Australia, and any family members coming with you.

The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) decides how much money you need. It depends on your school, program, and personal situation. For more details, please get in touch with us.

Adding more information

1. Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance in your course as required by your education provider.
2. Inform your education provider of your residential address in Australia within seven days of arriving and notify them of any subsequent changes within seven days.
3. If under 18, ensure appropriate welfare arrangements are in place for the duration of your stay in Australia.
4. Abide by the visa conditions and Australian laws during your stay.
5. It’s also important to be aware of the possibility of changing your course or education provider, but this may have implications for your visa status.

Please reach out for comprehensive guidance on the application process and to understand the full list of requirements and conditions.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Visa Application Steps First, you need to join a full-time course at an Australian school and get a confirmation letter (CoE) from them. After that, we’ll help you submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). The main thing is to meet the requirements we talked about earlier. These depend on your passport country and the school’s rules. You also need to pass health and character checks.

After DOHA approves your visa, you can come to (or stay in) Australia for your studies. While studying, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks when classes are happening. But, you can only start working after your course begins. This is only for your first visa. For research Masters and PhDs, the work rules are different. If this applies to you, let’s discuss. Also, check if family members on your visa can work.

Remember: It might take several weeks to get your application ready and send it in. How fast we do this depends on how quickly you (and your sponsor, if needed) give us the needed information and documents.

How long DOHA takes to process your application varies. It depends on their current workload, your application’s details, risk factors, and their processing priorities. For the latest on how long it might take, please get in touch with us.

Adding more information

• You may be required to undergo a visa interview or provide additional information if requested by DOHA.
• Ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• Be aware of the conditions attached to your student visa, such as not changing your education provider or course without approval.
• It’s important to keep your contact details up to date with both your education provider and DOHA.
• Familiarize yourself with Australian laws and cultural norms to ensure a smooth stay.
• Consider planning for accommodation, transportation, and other living arrangements in Australia before your arrival.

For a detailed understanding and assistance with the application process, feel free to contact us.

English language test score

English Language Test Providers	Minimum Test Score	Minimum Score with 10 Weeks ELICOS	Minimum Score with 20 Weeks ELICOS	Additional Notes
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)	5.5	5	4.5	Widely recognized, measures ability in listening, reading, writing, and speaking
TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT)	46	35	32	Measures academic English skills, widely accepted
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)	162	154	147	Globally recognized, tests real-life English skills
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)	42	36	30	Focuses on everyday English, not just academic English
Occupational English Test (OET)	B for each test component	N/A	N/A	Specific for healthcare professionals, tests real healthcare scenarios
Test of English as a Foreign Language Paper-Based Test (TOEFL PBT)	527	500	450	Paper-based version of TOEFL, available where internet is limited
Duolingo English Test	95	85	75	Convenient and fast, can be taken online anytime
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)	60	50	40	Focuses on Canadian English, includes academic content

This table provides a comprehensive overview of the various English language tests, their minimum required scores for visa purposes, and some additional information about each test. The scores for combined ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) indicate lower thresholds if the applicant also enrols in these preparatory English courses. The tests vary in format, focus, and recognition, catering to a wide range of applicants’ needs and contexts.

Packaged Courses

It’s essential to have adequate funds readily available to cover your course fees, and travel and living expenses for both you and any family members joining you in Australia. Use our student visa funds calculator to figure out the amount you need for your visa application.

To prove your financial ability, you can show one of these

• Proof of funds for your travel to Australia, and living expenses, course fees, and schooling costs (if you have school-aged dependents) for 12 months for both you and your family members.
• Evidence that your annual income meets the requirement.
• For secondary exchange students, an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form.
• A support letter from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence.

Family members joining later – relatives who apply after the main applicant’s visa is approved must also show financial evidence. They can do this using any of the methods mentioned above.

Combined Courses On a Student visa (subclass 500), you can enroll in multiple courses that logically lead from one to another. This is called course packaging.

For each course in your package, you need a confirmation of enrolment (CoE), or show that a CoE isn’t needed when you apply for your visa.

The last course in your package is your main course. It’s used to figure out what you need for money and English skills.

GTE requirement

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Criteria Your visa application will check if your stay in Australia is temporary. To prove this, you need:

• A purpose statement.
• Proof of your/your family’s financial situation in your home country, like bank accounts, business ownership, property, etc.
• Connections to your home country, like property or family, showing you’ll return after your studies.
• List of family and social ties.
• Past study records.
• Work history for the last 12 months, a job offer for when you return, or tax/financial records.
• Letter from your job or your statement about needing new skills for work or career.
• Evidence supporting a change in your career path.
• Visit our FAQ and samples for more on GTE requirements.

 

COVID-19 and Student visas

COVID-19 and Student Visas Be aware of current travel restrictions for visa holders.

Extending Student Visas You can’t extend a student visa under Australian law. Apply for a new visa if:

• Your visa’s expiring and you can’t return home.
• You need more time to finish your course. Apply for a new Student visa six weeks before your current one expires. You don’t need to show COVID-19 impacts for this.

If your studies in Australia are over, consider a Visitor visa (subclass 600) before your Student visa runs out.

More info on Visitor visas.

• Working in Australia When your course is ‘out of session’ (like during breaks or after completion), you can work unlimited hours.
• If you’re studying a master’s by research or a doctorate, you can also work without limits.
• For online studies, you’re limited to 40 hours every two weeks when the course is ‘in-session’ (including exam periods).
• If your course is deferred, you can work over 40 hours every two weeks.
• Special Work Conditions for Some Students Nursing students and those working in certain supermarkets have different rules. Check the list of eligible employers.

 

Australian Study Requirements The Department of Home Affairs doesn’t set study mode rules. Check with your education provider or see the Joint TEQSA and ASQA statement about flexible delivery.

For exceptions due to travel restrictions, refer to the National Code for affected tertiary students studying online.