Choosing to study in Australia is an exciting step towards a bright future. Here's a simple guide to applying for a student visa.
If your course 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 Letter of Offer and paid your deposit.
You must include a copy of your CoE in your student visa application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.
Please note: Concurrent CoEs will no longer be issued. If you choose to change your course from a higher education degree to a vocational education and training course you must meet all student visa requirements. You may be eligible for credits and exemptions in recognition of your prior learning.
Australian educational courses are taught in English, so you may need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test. This certificate will prove to the Australian Government that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels needed to succeed in your 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.
The online student visa application form contains a list of questions. Your answers to these questions will give visa decision makers information about you and your reasons for wanting to study in Australia, which gives context to the documentary evidence that you provide in support of your application.
The GS questions cover:
For more details on the GS requirement, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
To meet the requirements for a student visa, you must prove that you have enough savings to cover the costs and expenses associated with your course, such as travel, course fees and rent. International student visa applicants must provide proof of at least $29, 710.
There are a range of options for you to prove your financial capacity. For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website, and navigate to 'Gather your documents'.
Living costs vary throughout Australia and may be higher than what is needed for your visa application. We recommend you research the area you intend to live including the cost of living in that area.
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 this insurance, your student visa application will be refused.
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.
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 to meet the student visa health requirement.
You can use the My Health Declaration service to complete any required health examinations before submitting your visa application.
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 need to provide a police background check.
The Department of Home Affairs website outlines all the requirements for a student visa. You apply online using ImmiAccount.
You do not need an agent to lodge a student visa application. If you want professional immigration assistance with your visa application, use a registered migration agent or a legal practitioner.
Only certain people can give immigration assistance in Australia. An education agent is someone who can assist you with your options for studying in Australia. An education agent who is not a registered migration agent or a legal practitioner and cannot lawfully give you immigration assistance in Australia.
More information on who can provide immigration assistance is on the Home Affairs website.
You can stay up to date with the latest travel requirements by visiting our Preparing for your travels page.
This information may change. Check the Department of Home Affair’s Student visa website for the most up to date information on how to apply for Student visa.