Australia is one of the leading destination for international students because of its world class universities, vocational colleges, and outstanding English language schools. Student Visas allow international students to travel to and from Australia and live in Australia while they undertake a full-time course of study. There are many different courses an international student can enrol in and also international students have permission to work 40 hours per fortnight while studying. Also, you may include your partner and children as a dependent family member.

Student Visa Requirements

Before applying for a student visa, you must first enrol in a CRICOS-registered course.

1. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

When applying for a student visa, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine student with a true intention to study in Australia and return to your home country after completing your studies. Your application must clearly reflect that your goal is to gain skills and knowledge through an Australian education, which will be used to advance your career back home.

The Australian Minister for Immigration has outlined several key factors that Department of Home Affairs case officers consider under Ministerial Direction 69 (Section 499 of the Migration Act):

• Your Circumstances in Your Home Country

• Potential Circumstances in Australia

• Value of the Course to Your Future

• Your Immigration History

• Intentions of Parent, Legal Guardian or Spouse (if the applicant is under 18)

• Other Relevant Matters

  
  

At First One Education and Migration, we guide you through each of these factors to ensure your application reflects your genuine intent. This includes demonstrating how your chosen course aligns with your background and how it will enhance your career opportunities in your home country.

2. Country and Provider Risk Model

Australia applies a risk rating system to both education providers and passport countries. Based on your country of citizenship and the education provider you choose, you will need to provide the following at the time of your application:

• Proof of English language proficiency

  If you are required to meet Regular Evidentiary Requirements, you must demonstrate your English proficiency through a recognized test. The minimum accepted scores include:

  • IELTS: Overall 6.0

  • TOEFL iBT: 64

  • PTE Academic: 50

  • Cambridge English (CAE): 169

  • OET: B for each test component

    
    

  If you are enrolling in an English course (ELICOS) as part of a packaged program, lower scores may be accepted.

  https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500#HowTo

  
  

  You may also be exempt from providing test results if:

  • You hold a passport from an eligible English-speaking country

  • You have previously studied in English or completed a course in Australia for the last 2 years

  • You are enrolling in certain types of programs

• Evidence of financial capacity

  You may need to show evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself for the first 12 months of your studies in Australia. This can include:

  • Personal savings or parental support

  • Official Sponsorship

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

As an international student, you are required to have adequate health insurance while in Australia. This is fulfilled by obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which provides access to medical and hospital services during your stay.

How can you apply?

You can either be in Australia (onshore) or overseas (offshore) when you apply for a student visa. If in Australia, you would generally need to hold a substantive visa which is not subject to a “no further stay” condition.

Student visa conditions

Your visa is generally approved for the duration of your studies plus 2 months. PhD and Masters by Research students will generally receive an additional 6 months to handle marking of their theses.

You are permitted to work in Australia on a student visa once you have commenced your studies. In general, you can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight whilst your course is in session, you can also work unlimited hours when you have a break for study.
You must maintain enrolment in an approved course whilst in Australia. You must maintain adequate health insurance, and this is also an ongoing condition of your visa.

Pathways after your study complete

Australian qualifications can also give you more options in applying for longer-stay visas such as Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 visas and General Skilled Migration