Australia is one of the most popular destinations for students seeking to study abroad. The country has a lot to offer, from top-notch educational institutions to a diverse and welcoming culture.
If you’re thinking about applying for a student visa in Australia, but aren’t sure how to get started, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know.
Why study in Australia?
There are many reasons why Australia is such a popular destination for students. For one, the country has globally ranking universities. In fact, seven Australian universities are ranked amongst the top 100 in the world!
Some of the other reasons why Australia is a great place to study include:
Diverse cultures and groups of people
Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, with over 300 different cultures and more than 30% of the population born abroad. This diversity creates a unique and vibrant society that is perfect for students looking to experience new things.
Find yourself in the heart of magnificent natural landscapes
Australia is the perfect place for you to explore, whether you want to surf world-famous beaches, climb mountains, or see exotic wildlife. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world.
From the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, there are endless opportunities to explore nature in Australia. International students studying in Australia can see some of the most coveted natural landscapes the world has to offer.
Work opportunities
As a student visa holder, you are able to work up to 20 hours per week. This is a great opportunity to gain work experience and earn some extra money while you study.
Some Australian universities also offer internships or work placements as part of their degree programs, allowing you to gain some practical experience in your field of study.
A range of jobs are available to student visa holders in Australia. These include:
- Retail jobs
- Hospitality jobs
- Administrative and office support jobs
- IT and technology jobs
- Marketing and sales jobs
Australia also offers three different Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) options, which let you stay and work in Australia after you finish your studies. These visas are:
- Graduate Workstream: This visa allows international students to stay up to 18 months after they finish their studies.
- Post-Study Workstream: This visa allows international students to stay in Australia for up to 4 years after they finish their degree, depending on the type of qualification they have completed.
- Second Post-Study Work stream: This visa allows international students who have graduated from an Australian institution located in a regional area to stay in Australia for 1-2 years after they finish their degree.
Australia truly has it all; all that’s left to wonder is how you can become a student there.
How to qualify for a student visa
There are a few different requirements that you will need to meet to be eligible for a student visa in Australia.
This includes:
Receiving an acceptance or offer letter from an Australian university
There are a few steps you need to follow to get an acceptance or offer letter from an Australian university. First, choose the program you wish to enroll in and determine if you are eligible based on the entry requirements.
Then you’ll need to submit your application along with all the necessary documents through the relevant admissions body. For most universities, this will be the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Your application typically needs to include:
- Your academic qualifications
- Your English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- A personal statement
- A CV or resume (if applicable)
Once you have been accepted into a program of study, you will need to pay an initial tuition fee and enrolment fee. After this, you’ll be able to register for courses, which will give you a confirmation of enrolment (COE) document. This document needs to be provided with your visa application.
English language proficiency
To be eligible to study at an Australian university, you’ll need to meet the English language requirements. Depending on your chosen program and institution, you may need to take one of the following English language tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- OET (Occupational English Test)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced test.
You will need to score at least 7 for each of the 4 test components in IELTS, or at least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking in TOEFL.
For PTE Academic, you will need to score at least 65 for each of the 4 test components.
To pass OET, you will need to score at least B for each of the 4 test components.
Lastly, to pass C1 Advanced, you will need to score at least 185 in each of the 4 test components.
However, different programs or universities may have different score requirements, so be sure to check with the program in which you are enrolled.
Written Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is designed to ensure that the visa applicant has a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily as a student.
To meet the GTE requirement, applicants must write a statement that addresses two key points:
- The reason they are applying for a student visa to study in Australia.
- The reason they will return to their home country after completing their studies in Australia.
You should include details in your statement about your ties to home such as your family, employment prospects, and other commitments.
Also, explain how your studies in Australia will contribute to your future goals. These can be long-term or short-term goals, but they should be realistic and achievable.
Proof of sufficient funds
You must have proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Australia. The amount of money required will depend on your circumstances but is typically AUD$62,222 per year for a full-time student, plus travel expenses.
You’ll need to provide evidence of these funds with your visa application. You can demonstrate proof of funds in several ways, including:
- Bank statements that demonstrate your ability to afford travel, rent, and school fees.
- Grants or scholarships that contribute to your ability to stay in Australia.
- Proof of parent or family support must amount to at least AUD$62,222 per year.
Enrollment in Overseas Student Health Cover
You must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia unless you qualify for an exemption. You can satisfy this requirement by purchasing health insurance from a provider registered with the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme.
Your OSHC will cover you for medical and hospital care that you may need while you are in Australia. You will be able to see a doctor and receive treatment as well as receive coverage for hospital visits.
Some of the registered health insurers include:
You will need to provide your OSHC policy number on your visa application form.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) will not grant you a student visa unless you have evidence of having purchased an OSHC policy.
Meet health and character requirements
You’ll need to have a health examination if you’re applying for an Australian student visa. You’ll receive a list of the examinations you’ll need to be done as well as an identifier (HAP ID) to make an appointment with a panel doctor.
You’ll also be required to have a medical examination, which will include a chest x-ray, tuberculosis (TB) test, HIV test, and blood tests for syphilis.
The panel doctor will assess whether you meet the health requirements for an Australian student visa. If you do not meet the requirements, your student visa application may be refused.
In Australia, you can book your exams online at Bupa Medical Visa Services. If you are living outside Australia, you will need to book your examination with a Department’s approved panel doctor. To find a panel doctor in your country, visit the immigration office nearest to you.
Finally, you’ll need to pass a character test to be eligible for an Australian student visa. You may need to provide a police certificate or conduct a background check depending on your criminal history.
Start the next chapter of your educational journey in Australia
If you’re looking for world-class education and an amazing experience in the land Down Under, Australia is the place to be. But don’t forget – there are some important things you need to do before you can pack your bags!
Check out our website for all the information you need on studying in Australia. Express Entry PR can provide you with different resources you may need to navigate the visa process so you can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality.
So what are you waiting for? Start your application today with the help of Express Entry PR!