How to Get an Australian Student Visa
If you are planning to study in Australia, it is important to understand the process of obtaining an Australian student visa. This article will guide you through the requirements, necessary documents, fees, and the time period involved in obtaining the visa. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily secure your dream visa and prepare for your studies. Consider enrolling in English courses to enhance your language skills and readiness for the academic journey ahead.
Table of Contents
- Required Documents for an Australian Student Visa
- Visa Requirements
- Visa Fees
- Time Period
- Application Process
Required Documents for an Australian Student Visa
The application process for an Australian student visa involves submitting a series of required documents. Depending on your current country of residence and the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents such as a national ID card. For students from Bangladesh, the Australian High Commission provides a form to complete. You must also submit a recent passport-size photo with your name printed on the back. The photo should only include your head and shoulders against a white background.
Additionally, you need to provide proof of your identity, which may include a certified copy of your birth certificate, national identity card, or driver’s license. You must also demonstrate adequate health insurance coverage, such as Overseas Student Health Cover. Lastly, you must meet the requirements for Genuine Temporary Entrant status, which entails submitting a statement declaring your intention to study full-time at a recognized institution in Australia.
Visa Requirements
To obtain an Australian student visa, you must demonstrate a genuine interest in studying in the country. Apart from having the required language skills and educational background, you must possess sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in Australia. You must also commit to abiding by the visa requirements. Here are some key requirements for student visas:
- The main visa holder must be the legal guardian of the dependent child or person.
- The guardian must be a parent or legal custodian of the student.
- If the guardian is over 21 years old, they can apply for the student visa upon arrival in Australia.
- The guardian of a dependent child must have adequate funds to support the student.
- Fees may vary between universities depending on the level of study.
Visa Fees
When applying for an Australian student visa, applicants must submit their passports, proof of financial capability, academic records, work experience documentation, bank statements, and evidence of scholarships or grants received. Recent passport-size photographs and character certificates are also required. The fee for an Australian student visa is approximately $350, payable by credit card, money order, or bank transfer. In some cases, certified or notarized copies of passports may be requested.
For students with an existing student visa, there is an additional fee for dependents. The fee for a single applicant is $630, while dependents (spouse and children) incur an extra cost of $150 per person. Students can also opt for health insurance plans that cover emergency costs during their stay in Australia. The monthly fee for these plans ranges from $45 to $55 AUD, depending on the chosen coverage.
Time Period
The processing time for an Australian student visa varies depending on the program and country. Generally, visa applications are approved within 58 days, although this duration can vary based on the educational institution and the specific course of study. Vocational sector students experience a significantly shorter processing time to obtain an Australian student visa.
Upon acceptance into a full-time course, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from your educational provider. This document verifies your enrollment in a course registered with CRICOS. It is essential to include a copy of the COE when applying for your visa, as it demonstrates to the Australian Government that you are enrolled in an approved course. Non-native English speakers must also submit a certificate of their English language proficiency from an approved test.
Application Process
The application process for an Australian student visa begins with registering for a full-time course and obtaining a CRICOS certificate of enrollment. Your university will provide an electronic confirmation of enrollment certificate, which serves as proof of your enrollment. You must also provide evidence of good character, which can be obtained through a police statement from your home country or by completing a Character Statutory Declaration Form.
There are various types of Australian student visas with different allowances. Typically, these visas permit part-time work during the semester and full-time work during holidays. Graduate work streams, which allow up to three years of work, require a degree in a specific discipline. Post-Study streams provide full work rights for up to four years after completing your course. Working Holiday visas, available to citizens of specific countries, are valid for one year only.