Step-by-step information on how to apply for a student visa and Australia's entry requirements
Academic requirements (including English language level) will vary depending on the course you want to study. Please read the course entry requirements on each education provider’s website carefully and contact the provider directly if you need any further information
General guidance
Tip: To help you meet the equivalent academic entry requirements of an Australian high school qualification, you could consider taking a Foundation course, also known as a bridging study program. Foundation courses are usually one year long and are offered by most higher education institutions.
If you don’t meet academic requirements, there are a few options to prepare you for further study. Depending on your previous studies and the final qualification you want to study, you can enrol in secondary school or Foundation Studies.
Foundation Studies involve an intensive preparatory course that will give you the skills you need to enter an undergraduate course at a university or higher education institution. These studies are usually divided into streams such as business studies and science studies, and offer both compulsory and elective subjects. English language support is usually available.
Many schools, vocational education and training institutions, and universities offer Foundation Studies courses. The common feature of Foundation Studies is that a university allocates a provisional place in an undergraduate program assuming you achieve the prescribed grades.
Arranging a student visa is a very important step. Even if you are starting your studies online, getting a student visa now will help you prepare for on-campus studies in Australia in future. A student visa could also help you get ready for a post-study work visa (Visa subclass 485).
To apply directly to an Australian education provider, please download an application form from the provider's website, via the Course Search tool.
If you need assistance applying for a course, an Australian education agent can help. However, you will still need to supply your agent with all the relevant documents to be submitted with your form.
Relevant documents include:
See below for more information on these documents.
The Student visa (subclass 500) visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for a maximum of five years, in line with your course.
On this visa, you are normally allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during study breaks. However, the Australian Government is temporarily allowing students to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight during term time across all sectors. Currently, students may also start working on arrival in Australia, and do not need to wait until their course commences.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
In Australia, student visa fees are from AUD$650 per visa application* unless you are exempt. Australian student visa processing times vary from person to person. Visa processing times are available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Here is a breakdown of everything you need to apply for an international student visa.
If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer from your chosen education provider.
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document that will be issued by your education provider that verifies your enrolment in a specific course. The CoE will be sent to you after you have accepted your offer and paid your deposit.
You must include a copy of this document in your visa application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.
If you are not a native English language speaker, you’ll need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test, because Australian educational courses are taught in English. This certificate will prove to the Australian Government that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels needed to succeed in your given course.
There are only certain tests you can take that will be accepted by the Australian Government, but all are easily accessible from around the world.There are varying minimum requirements for each education level, and institutions sometimes set these requirements higher for certain courses.
To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must write a statement that addresses two criteria:
In your statement, include details on your ties to home (such as your friends and family, or a job that you have to return to) as well as the value of the course to your future career or academic goals.
By including these details, it will prove both your intention to return home at the end of your visa and your true intention to study in Australia.
To receive an Australian student visa, you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay. There are two options for meeting this requirement:
For more information on the minimum required funds, head to the Department of Home Affairs website, and navigate to 'Gather your documents'.
* Prices refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for current price information.
As an international student in Australia, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.If you don’t provide proof that you have bought this insurance, your student visa application will be denied.OSHC will help you:
While organising your health cover, also make sure you order an OSHC card for use at doctor appointments while you're living in Australia. Read more on our insurance page.
You can find out more about OSHC cover, including where to purchase OSHC at PrivateHealth.gov.au.
The Australian Government requires all international students to be in good health before entering the country. As a result, you may need to undergo a health examination and provide a medical certificate confirming that you meet these health requirements.
There are also certain character requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Australia. In your application, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you may even need to provide a police background check.
Explore your visa options for studying in Australia via the Australian Department of Home Affairs' website.
