Australia Student Visa: The Complete Guide for Hassle-Free Processing

Planning to study in Australia? Great choice! The WorldGrad surveyed ~13,000 students and learned that Australia is the most preferred destination for undergraduate study.

But before you grab your textbooks and your sunscreen, there’s one crucial thing you need to take care of – your student visa. This article discusses step-by-step the details of how to apply for your Australian student visa.

Understanding Australian Student Visa:

Australia offers various types of student visas, depending on the level of study and duration. The most common ones are the Student (subclass 500) visa for full-time study, the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector visa for vocational courses, and the Higher Education Sector visa for university degrees.

If you plan on pursuing your degree in Australia, you must apply for a student (subclass 500) visa. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website, this visa is valid for a maximum duration of 5 years. Once you graduate, you will be given a grace period until 15 March of the following year.

Documents required for application:

To be eligible to apply for an Australian student visa, you need to submit:

• Valid Passport and proof of identity

• A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen education institution

• English language proficiency results

You will have to produce test results to substantiate your English skills. The most common English Proficiency Test is the International English Language Testing System.

• Evidence of financial capacity

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

With OSHC, you can rest assured that you will receive the care you need if you ever fall sick or have an accident while studying)

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement 

You will need to write a visa SoP of 300 words or less as a part of your GTE. Here are the steps to crafting a perfect visa sop for Australia. 

• Welfare Arrangements in Australia

Applicants less than 18 years of age must have a guardian in Australia

• Other supporting documents for special categories

How to Apply:

• You can apply for an Australian student visa online by creating an Immi Account on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
• After creating an account, please fill out the form carefully with the correct details. 
• Once you have filled out the form, pay the fee, which is AUD 710 or INR 40,000 for a student visa (subclass 500).
• You are required to apply for a visa no later than six weeks before your course starts. It is generally a good idea to apply 10-12 weeks before your course commences to avoid any last-minute hassles.

New Rules: Work While Studying

Being away from home and studying hard can also bring some financial challenges. Therefore, students are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks) from July 1 2023.

What next?

If you want to work in Australia post graduating, you can apply for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485). This type of visa is usually valid for two years after graduating from an Australian university. Some regional areas allow you an extended period of stay.

In addition to the work permit, it is important to note that certain restrictions and regulations may depend on your work. Some industries, such as healthcare and childcare, may require additional certifications or clearances.

How can The WorldGrad help you with your dream to study in Australia?

The WorldGrad offers the smartest way to study overseas. Our Smart Programs allow you to start your degree with The WorldGrad and progress overseas seamlessly. You can save up to 25% on education costs and maximise the chances of your visa success. Upon completing the Smart Program, you guarantee your admission to leading Australian universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much bank balance is required as proof for an Australian student visa?
→ According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website, you need to show sufficient funds to cover your travel costs, 12 months of accommodation expenses, and tuition fees.

2. How long does it take to receive a student visa for Australia?
→ It generally takes at least six weeks to receive an Australian student visa. However, it is a good idea to apply at least 10 weeks before your course commences.

3. What is the new rule for Australian student visa working hours?
→ According to the latest updates, individuals with a student visa will be eligible to work for 48 hours as opposed to 40 hours in a fortnight (2 weeks).

4. Can I apply for permanent residency after graduating?
→ Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing your studies. There are several pathways to permanent residency, such as the Skilled Independent visa (individuals who have the skills and experience that are in demand in Australia) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (individuals who have been nominated by an Australian employer).

In conclusion, the Australian student visa subclass 500 is a great way to experience the world-class education offered by Australia. With this visa, you can study in Australia for up to five years and work part-time while studying. So, no more excuses. Start with The WorldGrad to explore a world full of academic opportunities.

Source:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/temporary-relaxation-of-working-hours-for-student-visa-holders
https://theworldgrad.com/study-resources/how-to-write-a-winning-sop-for-australian-visa/

Author: Shreyas Mogal

Shreyas is an engineer-turned-writer, a published author, poet, and keyboardist. He has written a few short films, plays, a short fiction novella, and a crime fiction novel. He has helped students nationwide build their SOPs, LORs, and personal essays to get into the top universities in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Germany. Apart from his work, Shreyas is an avid reader, marathoner, and cyclist.