International students need to acquire an Australian student visa in order to study in Australia. The Student Visas Australia (subclass 500) allow you to stay in the country for up to 5 years for the motive of full-time study at an educational institution.

Australia has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination among international students. Due to its world-ranking universities, incredible nature, bustling metropolises, and several breath-taking oceans. International students worldwide flock to Australia for higher education. Because of its friendly and laid-back population, high living standards, and world-class education system.

With an Australian student visa, you can:

•         Undertake an eligible program of study
•         Include your family members in your application (including your partner and you and your partner’s dependent child)
•         Apply in or outside Australia online
•         Work for up to 40 hours every 2 weeks, once your course begins.

Keep reading if you wish to learn more about Student Visas Australia, their eligibility, processing time, requirements, estimated fees, and much more!

 What are the requirements for Australian student visas?

The applicant must be able to prove to the Department of Home Affairs that they meet the following key Australian student visa requirements:

•         Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which says that the applicant must demonstrate a real intention to temporarily stay in Australia for study purposes or for accompanying a student as a dependent.
•         English proficiency requirements
•         Financial requirements
•         Health and character requirements

What are the eligibility criteria for student visas in Australia?

In order to be eligible for an Australian student visa, you must:

•         Be 6 years of age or older
•         Provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a full-time study program registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
•         Provide evidence of English language skills
•         For the duration of your stay in Australia, you as well as your family must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider
•         Have sufficient welfare arrangements during your stay in Australia
•         Meet character and health requirements
•         Have adequate funds for your stay

What is the process to apply for an Australian student visa?

•         If you’re an international student outside Australia, apply for your Australian student visa at least 6 weeks before the commencement of your course.
•         If you’re in Australia, apply way before the expiry of your current visa, as you may need more time in case of any complications.
•         Use the Document Checklist Tool and gather all your required documents. Make sure you have the most current list as the tool is updated twice every year on 31st March and 30th September.
•         Apply for your Australian student visa online, whether in or outside Australia.
•         Create or sign in to your Immi Account, attach your documents and pay the visa application fees.

What is the processing time for student visas in Australia?

Processing times for Australian student visas can vary depending on the sector you’re applying for. It may take:

•         Higher Education Sector: 75% of the applications processed in 29 days; 90% of the applications in 42 days
•         Vocational Education and Training Sector: 75% of the applications in 43 days; 90% of the applications in 77 days

 What is the cost of the Australian student visa?

For the main applicant, the cost of student visas Australia starts from AUD$620. A fee will be applicable for each family member who applies for the visa.

If evidence of English language skills is required for the Australian student visa, what must I provide?

You must provide evidence that you:

•         Have secured a certain test score in an English language proficiency test approved by the Department. You must have taken the language test in the 2 years before applying for the Australian student visa.
•         Have pursued certain eligible studies in the English language, or
•         Fall into one of the exemption categories

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Completing an Application Form for Student Visa Australia

All international aspirants apply for the same student visa for Australia – the Student Visa Subclass 500, which is an online application process. Before applying for this visa, you will need to get a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), Letter of Acceptance (LOA), or Letter of Offer to prove that you have been accepted into a course that has been registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS).

The COE is an online code that is required to be entered into a certain designated section in the online visa application form for the Students Visa Australia. You may also have to pay a tuition fee deposit. If you wish to change your chosen course of study at the same or a higher level of study. You can do so afterwards, but will need to apply for a fresh new Students Visa for Australia. If you are choosing a lower level course on the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) or a non-AQF level course.

Course Duration and Study Load for Student Visa Australia Holders

While studying on an Australian Student Visa, students are required to complete their desired chosen course in which they have enrolled by the time their student visa expires, unless they have received an approval for a COE extension for a valid reason. In 2020, the Australian Government automatically approved a reduction in study loads due to the heavy negative impact of COVID-19. If a student was on a part-time study load in 2020, and is no longer on track to complete his course by the visa expiry date. In 2021 and 2022, the Government of Australia demands that students either remain full-time enrolled at a load of 50 credit points every half-year period. Or that they apply for a reduced study load if they are not able to enroll due to any serious and convincing reasons.