If you are going to study in Australia for a longer period, you will need to apply for a student visa. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to apply for an international student visa.
Letter of Offer
Your preferred education provider will provide you with a Letter of Offer if your application is accepted.
Before you accept the Letter of Offer, thoroughly read it. It will contain information on your course, enrollment requirements, and costs you must pay if you accept the offer.
The agreement will decide whether you will receive a refund if you don't start or finish your course, so be sure you are aware of all of your rights, including the refund policies.
If you don't agree with the Letter of Offer's conditions, don't accept it.
A copy of the Letter of Offer should be kept. You will need this document to understand your rights and determine if you must sue the institution.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document that confirms a student's enrolment at an educational institution in Australia. The institution issues it once the student has accepted their offer of admission, met all the required conditions, and paid any necessary fees or deposits. The CoE contains important information about the student's course of study, including the start and end dates, the course code, and the institution's location.
International students must submit a CoE as part of their visa application to the Australian Government. This confirms the student has been accepted into a valid course of study and that the institution is registered with the relevant government authorities.
It is also important to show proof of their enrolment, and length of study is important. The visa applicant is responsible for ensuring the details in their visa application match those on their CoE.
Proof of English Proficiency
International students who wish to study in Australia must demonstrate a certain English proficiency to be eligible for a student visa. The Australian government has set English language proficiency standards for international students, which are considered the minimum scores required for English language tests.
The most widely accepted English language tests for international students are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), and the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test. The scores required for these tests may vary depending on the specific course and institution, so it is important to check the requirements of the institution you are applying to.
Some institutions may also accept other qualifications, such as completing a degree program in an English-speaking country or a certain period of study in an English-speaking country. If the student already holds a degree from an English-speaking country such as the UK, USA, Canada, or New Zealand, they will likely not have to submit an English test score.
It is also important to note that the Australian government reserves the right to request additional evidence of English proficiency even if a student has already submitted an English test score that meets the minimum requirements. For example, students whose first language is not English and whose scores are near the minimum required scores may be required to take an additional English test. Also, the visa process might be subject to change with time and government policies.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
Write a statement that satisfies the following two requirements to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement:
- You are travelling to Australia solely to study and for no other purpose.
- You will only spend a short time in Australia (and stay within your visa). Write a statement that satisfies the following two requirements to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement:
Include information about your links to home in your statement, such as your friends, family, or work you must return to, as well as how the course will help you achieve your academic or career objectives.
These specifics will demonstrate your actual purpose for studying in Australia and your plan to return home at the end of your visa.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
To be eligible for an Australian student visa, international students must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves throughout their stay in Australia. This is to ensure that students will not become a financial burden on the government and will have the ability to pay for their expenses, such as tuition, accommodation, and travel.
The government require the students to demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover their living expenses, course fees and travel expenses for themselves and any family members who come with them.
There are two options for meeting this financial requirement:
- Provide bank statements and evidence of grants or scholarships demonstrating that the student has sufficient funds to cover all their costs and expenses through their course.
- Supply proof of the parent's or partner's annual income, which must be AUD$62,222 in the year, immediately before the student applies for the visa. If the student plans to bring family members, the annual income requirement increases to AUD$ 72,592.
It is important to note that financial requirements may change over time, and the student should always check the most recent information from the Australian government's immigration website. The student should also be aware that providing false or misleading information during the visa application process can result in the cancellation of the visa or future visa applications being refused.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You must obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your studies in Australia as an international student. Your application for a student visa will only be accepted if you show that you've purchased this insurance.
OSHC will assist you in:
- Spend money on hospital or medical treatment when you're a student in Australia.
- Pay for the majority of prescription drugs.
- Provide you with emergency ambulance coverage.
- Make sure you order an OSHC card for medical appointments while you reside in Australia, along with your health insurance.
Health Requirement
All international students seeking to enter Australia are required to comply with the health requirements set forth by the Australian Government. This means that before being granted entry into the country, international students may be required to undergo a comprehensive health examination and provide a medical certificate that confirms that they meet all of the necessary health criteria.
This certificate should be issued by a qualified medical practitioner and include details about the student's health status, including any pre-existing medical conditions or diseases. This requirement aims to ensure that all international students arriving in Australia are in good health and do not pose a risk to public health or safety.
Character Requirement
When applying to study in Australia, applicants must also meet specific character requirements set forth by the government. This includes providing information about their character and past conduct as part of the application process.
This may include answering basic questions about their history or, in some cases, submitting a police background check. This is done to ensure that individuals who are allowed to study in Australia do not pose a risk to the community.
The government uses this information to evaluate the applicant's character, assessing if they have a history of criminal activity or other conduct that may be considered detrimental to the community. This requirement is in place to protect the safety and security of the community and maintain the country's reputation as a safe place to study and live.
