Student Visa Application
Australian Student Visas are divided into visa subclasses based
on the principal course of study in Australia.
The Department of Immigration associates a risk to the issue
of Student Visas, and due to this base the different Student Visas
on assessment factors such as the applicant's nationality and
their intended type and area of study.
Students who have obtained certain Australian qualifications
are potentially able to apply for new categories of permanent
Skilled Visas in Australia on completion of their studies.
The different Student Visa subclasses (based on the
intended studies) include:
- 570 - Independent English Language Intensive Courses for
Overseas Students (although where a student is undertaking ELICOS
as a prerequisite to another course, the student must apply
under the subclass relevant to the principal course);
- 571 - Schools (primary, secondary, and approved secondary
exchange programs);
- 572 - Vocational education and training sector (meaning Certificate
I, II, III, and IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma);
- 573 - Higher education sector (covering bachelor degree,
graduate certificate and graduate diploma);
- 574 - Masters and doctorate sector;
- 575 - Non-award foundation studies/other full-time course
not leading to an Australian award; and
- 576 - AusAID or Defence sponsored sector.
Visa Conditions
Strict conditions are imposed on Student Visa holders, and any
breach of these conditions may lead to the cancellation of the
visa.
Some examples of Student Visa conditions are outlined
below:
- The student must satisfy attendance and/or course requirements
and maintain a valid enrolment for the chosen course of study.
- Students (and their dependents) are not allowed to work. After
they have commenced studies, they can apply for work rights
(limited to 20 hours per week).
- The student must remain with the education provider with
whom the student enrolled for the first 12 months of the course
(or for the duration of the course if the course lasts for less
than 12 months) - save for in exceptional circumstances.
- The student's residential address (and any changes) must
be notified to the educational provider within 7 days of arrival
in Australia (or of any move).
Students must also provide evidence they have sufficient
funds to pay for accommodation, airfares, course tuition fees,
overseas student health cover (OSHC) and meet the basic requirements
for English language ability as determined by their intended
institution of study. All students must prove they can manage
their tuition fee and general expenses during the duration
of their stay in Australia on a Student Visa.