Australian Student Visa- Are you planning to study in Australia? If so, the first step that you need to take is to apply for an Australian Student Visa. The Australia visa application process requires you to meet certain criteria, fill the application form and attend the visa interview. Let us explore these steps in greater detail.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
International students are required to meet this requirement by going for an interview at their nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. The student must be able to convince the officials about his/her genuine intention to stay in Australia for a temporary period. The officials at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) will look at the following points:
- The situation in your country of origin
- Opportunities for you in Australia
- Whether the chosen program is in line with your future goals
- Immigration history
- Any other matter that they may deem important
Australian Student Visa Requirements
There are four main requirements that you need to meet if you wish to obtain an Australian Student Visa. These are:
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
- Financial requirements
- English proficiency requirements
- Health and character requirements
Let us look at each of these requirements in great detail:
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: As explained above, you need to meet this requirement in order to successfully obtain an Australian visa.
- Financial requirements: You need to submit bank account statements and other documents in order to prove that you have enough funds to meet your tuition, travel and living expenses. The amount that you need to show for living expenses is about AU$19,830 or US$15,170 for one academic year. You could also state that your parents will be supporting you and you could attach evidence stating that they are earning about AUS$60,000 or US$45,850 per annum.
- English proficiency requirements: If you’re from a non-English speaking country, you will need to prove that you are proficient in English. You can do so by attempting one of the English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English) mentioned on the DIBP website. The required score will depend on the type of course that you have chosen (a foundation course or a degree course).
- Health and character requirements: Students wishing to pursue a medical program may be required to go for a medical check-up by a doctor approved by the immigration department. You will also have to prove that you do not have any criminal record and you might also have to obtain a penal clearance certificate or police certificate.
Australian Student Visa Application Form
Earlier, there were different types of Australian student visas based on the study level but the system has now been simplified and all international students can apply online for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Prior to filling the visa application form, you will need to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from your course provider indicating that you have been accepted into a program that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). The COE is an online code which will have to be entered in the appropriate section on the visa application form.
Student Visa Documents
Here is a checklist of documents required for the visa application process:
- Form 157A and Form 956 A must be duly filled and signed by the student.
- Details of relatives must be filled in the appropriate section.
- Carry three recent passport size photographs for the interview.
- Attach a well drafted Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Copies of all 36 pages of your passport with notary attestation
- Copy of the IELTS score sheet which has been attested
- Attested copies of your X, Xii and graduation mark sheets and passing certificates.
- Attested Copies of your work experience certificate, if applicable.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
- Offer letter from the course provider
- Fitness certificate from your health practitioner.
Financial Tips
All said and done, studying abroad is an expensive affair. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents to prove that you have the resources to manage your tuition fees, travel and living expenses. Here are a few pointers:
- Carry bank account statements, share and bond certificates, debentures and other documents to prove to the concerned officials that you can manage your expenses while studying in Australia
- If you are being sponsored by your parents, ensure that you carry proof of their income.
- Plan well in advance and read all the guidelines carefully before applying for the visa.
Using your Student Visa
Once you have obtained your student visa, you can use it to travel to Australia 90 days before the commencement of your course. Once you reach Australia, you must inform your course provider about your residential address or change of residence within 7 days of your arrival.
With the student visa, you will be allowed to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight during your terms and full-time during the holidays. However, you will only be allowed to work once your course begins. The work restrictions are not applicable for PhD or Master’s students. Moreover, voluntary or unpaid work is not included in this duration (40 hours).
Ensure that you fulfil all the requirements of your course like regular attendance, good performance, etc. Else, your visa might be cancelled.
