Australia is one of the top ranking countries in the world when it comes to educational institutions. Our qualifications are recognised and sought after all over the world!
There are several Student visa streams to choose from, depending on your previous educational background, English language ability and future career goals.
All Student visa subclasses permit the applicant to work up to 40 hours per fortnight whilst the course of study is in session and unlimited hours during course breaks. These visa subclasses also permit the applicant to be accompanied by their dependents. Your family members are permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight as long as you have commenced your course of study. The dependents are also permitted to study for up to three months whilst being included on your student visa application.
If you are enrolled in Masters by research or Doctoral degree (subclass 574), you can work unlimited hours when you start your main course. Your family members are also permitted to work unlimited hours if you are completing Masters on Subclass 573 or Doctoral Degree on Subclass 574.
The Student Visa Program currently consists of eight visa subclasses. These subclasses (except for Subclass 580) correspond to the different education sectors available in Australia and are as follows:-
Subclass 570 – Independent ELICOS Sector: Non-award ELICOS as a stand alone principal course. I.e. Certificate I – IV in ELICOS.
Subclass 571 – Schools Sector: Primary or Secondary School, International Baccalaureate & Secondary Exchange.
Subclass 572 – Vocational Education and Training Sector: Certificate I – IV, VET Diploma, VET Advanced Diploma or Advanced Certificate as principal course.
Subclass 573 – Higher Education Sector: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelors Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters by Coursework
Subclass 574 – Postgraduate Research Sector: Masters Degree by Research or Doctoral Degree
Subclass 575 – Non-Award Sector: Foundation studies.
Subclass 576 – AusAID or Defence Sector: For full time courses of all types (whether CRICOS registered or not) undertaken by Australian Department of Defence or AUSAID sponsored overseas students)
Subclass 580 – Student Guardian: For international student carers. Student applicants are assessed against the criteria for the subclass which reflects their principal course of study.
In order to be eligible for a Student visa, the applicant must meet several eligibility requirements:
1. You must obtain confirmation of enrollment (‘COE’) in a full time, registered course prior to being able to lodge the student visa application;
2. You must satisfy the ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ (‘GTE’) criteria which requires that the Department of Immigration is satisfied that, based on your individual circumstances, your focus or aim with regard to stuying in Australia is to obtain your qualification and return home;
3. You must satisfy the financial requirements which includes your ability to pay for your tuition, living expenses for yourself and if applicable your partner and your dependent children and your travel expenses. Depending on the country of citizenship, different criteria applies as to the evidence required to meet the financial requirement. For instance, you may only be required to declare that you are able to support your self financially or you may need to show substantial evidence such as fixed deposits, savings account or a loan from an acceptable financial institution. You must also be able to show that you can support your partner and your dependent children even if they are not traveling with you to Australia. Generally, you need to show that you are able to meet your financial requirements for the first 12 months of your study in Australia;
4. You must meet the health and character criteria; and
5. Hold adequate health insurance.
For more information, please refer to the individual visa subclass or contact us.
