Brief Guide: How to Apply for an Australian Study Visa?

From modern and sophisticated capitals to rustic country towns, Australia is a wonderful country. However, Australia is listed as one of the most popular travel destinations, especially when it comes to education. The process of applying for a Student Visa in Australia is straightforward, provided the requirements are met. 

The number of students applying for the visa and the approval rate has increased over the last 3-4 years. According to the recent stats, the number of students holding the Australian study visa till 16th July, 2022, globally is calculated to be 4,69,306.  

To obtain a student visa for Australia, there is a specific process that has to be followed to apply for a student visa to Australia. 

Before looking into the details of the application process, let’s know a little more about the student visa. 

Understanding Student Visa

A student visa (subclass 500) is a visa that can allow you to live, work and study in Australia for up to five years, depending on your degree.

 This visa normally allows you to work up to 40 hours every 14 days during the school term and unlimited work during study breaks. However, the Australian Government has temporarily allowed students to work beyond the normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight in all departments during the academic year. You can get started with your work and don’t have to wait for the course to start.

How to apply for an Australian student visa?

There are a few steps listed below that are important for you to take care of. 

Step 1: Get proof of English proficiency

Every international student is required to meet English language requirements in order to access courses and obtain a student visa. Australia accepts IELTS for immigration purposes and all visa applications that require proof of English language proficiency.  

Step 2: Apply to an Australian institution and obtain a COE 

Before you can apply for a student visa (subclass 500) to Australia, you must be eligible to participate in an Australian study program. If you have received an offer letter from the university, you have to pay the tuition fees after accepting it. Then, your institution will send you an electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). This is the most important for your visa application. 

Step 3: Create an Australian immigration account 

Australian visas can usually be applied for online. This way you can also track your progress. Before you can start applying for your visa, you need to create an account on the Department of Home Office website. 

To apply for a student visa, you will need the following documents: 

1. Coe from the university you applied in.  
2. Proof of International Health Cover (OSHC) for students. 
3. Valid passport 
4. Proof of temporary stay

 In some cases, you may be required to submit additional documents. 

Step 4: Complete your visa application online 

International students coming to Australia must apply for a subclass 500 visa. It is recommended that you must apply for a visa at least 6 weeks before the start of the course. 

 Step 5: Payment of the visa fee and obtain your TRN number 

To get an Australian visa, the payment of the visa fees is necessary. In case your visa is denied, your fees will not be refunded. So, it is recommended that you seek advice from visa consultants before submitting your visa application. After completing the application, you have to pay the application fee. The price is currently about 620 AUD. When you submit your application, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Save this so you can track your application online.

Recommended Read: How Much does Student Visa Cost in Australia?

Step 6: Possible health check and interview 

In some cases, you may be required to undergo a medical examination or an interview. You will get the final information when you complete your visa application.

Step 7: Visa approval and arrival 

Once your application is complete, you might receive the results within a few weeks. However, this may be affected by the quality of your application. It may also depend on how busy the Australian immigration services are. Errors in your application may result in delays or rejection. You will be notified by email once your student visa application has been processed. As your visa is an electronic visa, we recommend that you print your visa grant letter and keep it with your passport when traveling to Australia.  

Step 8: Move to Australia 

Once you have your visa, you can book your travel and enter Australia. You can start with your studies and also explore new places to visit in Australia. 

Requirements for applying a student visa for Australia

A student must submit a visa application to the relevant institution 12 weeks prior to her orientation date. The requirements for applying for an Australian student visa are: 

• Electronic CoE (enrollment confirmation provided by institution) 
• OSHCHealth Insurance 
• Valid passport 
• Proof of Temporary Residence 
• Visa fee 
• Visa application form 
• 4 passport photos 

Other additional documents will be required depending on the region the candidate is applying for and the institution he/she is studying at. 

• Applicant’s birth certificate  
• Bank passbook that proves your financial situation (living expenses, tuition fees, round-trip air tickets, etc.) 
• Evidence that the applicant has sufficient knowledge to pass the intended course of study. This usually includes your IELTS test results and certification report. 
• Evidence of previous employment such as payslips, employment contracts, etc.
• Proof of criminal records report 

After completing all these requirements, you can apply study visa to Australia. 

Summing up

A specific procedure has to be followed and along with it, several documents are to be maintained while applying for a study visa in Australia. This might get difficult or confusing, so it’s recommended to take guidance from the visa consultants as they can handle it more efficiently. 

We, at Ozee migration Services, the most trusted migration agent in Adelaide, have professional visa consultants who can assist you in finalizing the courses, universities, and many more things according to your needs. Visa consultants can guide you while applying for your study visa in Australia.