Your Australian Education Journey Starts Here!
- littleflorence.au
- Sep 2, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 20, 2024
Australia's student visas open the door to a world-class education, offering access to top-tier schools and universities while immersing you in a rich and diverse culture. Studying in Australia not only provides valuable international experience but also allows you to work while you study, helping to cover living expenses and build your resume. You can apply through the Student Visa (SC 500), or if you are a parent/guardian who wishes to provide care and support for a student visa holder who is under 18 years of age or older due to exceptional circumstances, you can apply through the Student Guardian Visa (SC 590).
Ready to embark on your educational journey? Here's everything you need to know about meeting the requirements and navigating the application process for an Australian student visa.
Student Visa (SC 500)
What can you do with this visa?
Study
You can participate in an eligible course of study in Australia.
Travel
You can travel in and out of Australia.
Work
You can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session (students studying masters by research or doctoral degree, and their families, have no work limit).
To apply, you must:
be aged 6 or older to apply for this visa
You must also be:
less than 17 years old when you begin Year 9
less than 18 years old when you begin Year 10
less than 19 years old when you begin Year 11
less than 20 years old when you begin Year 12
be enrolled in a course of study and provide evidence such as Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You are exempted from providing CoE if you are:
enrolled in a full-time course of study or training under a scholarship scheme approved by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade: provide a letter of support
sponsored by the Australian Department of Defence: provide a letter of support
a secondary exchange student: provide an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form
a postgraduate research student who needs to stay in Australia while your thesis is marked: provide a letter from your education provide
make Welfare arrangements if you are under 18 years
ensure sufficient funds to support your stay
meet English language requirements, if applicable to your country
must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia, unless you are exempt. Exemptions apply if you are:
a Norwegian student covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme
a Swedish student covered by Kammarkollegiet
a Belgian student covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia
be a genuine student
meet the health and character requirements
Relevant Government Fee:
AUD 1,600, unless you are exempted.
Turnaround:
2 – 25 days (Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector)
42 days – 4 months (Higher Education Sector)
32 days – 6 months (Independent ELICOS Sector)
2 – 50 days (Non-award Sector)
30 days – 7 months (Postgraduate Research Sector)
71 days – 4 months (Schools Sector)
5 months – 7 months (Vocational Education and Training Sector)
Student Guardian Visa (SC 590)
What can you do with this visa?
Care and support
You can provide care and support for a student visa holder who is under 18 years of age (or over 18 in exceptional circumstances) and care for more than one student
Study
You can study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for less than 20 hours per week, or any other study or training for no more than 3 months
Stay
You can stay in Australia until a date specified on your visa grant letter.
To apply, you must:
be the parent of the student visa holder, or a person with custody of the student, or a relative of the student (aged 21 or older) nominated by a parent or person with custody. A relative includes:
Parent or step-parent
Grandparent or step-grandparent
Sibling or step-sibling
Aunt, uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle
Niece, nephew, or step-niece/step-nephew
Partner
Child or stepchild
provide care and support for a student visa holder under 18, or a student visa holder 18 or older who needs care due to exceptional circumstances
be able to provide accommodation, general welfare, and support to the student
ensure sufficient funds to support your stay
make adequate arrangements for the accommodation, support and welfare of any non-migrating children of your family who:
are not coming with you to Australia
are under 18 years of age and
does not have a student visa
must maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay, unless Reciprocal healthcare agreements apply
be a genuine temporary entrant
meet health and character requirements
Relevant Government Fee:
AUD 1,600, unless you are exempted.
Turnaround:
72 days – 9 months
Increase to the Financial Capacity Requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas
On 10 May 2024, the financial requirement to be eligible for this visa increased to align with a proportion (75 percent) of the national minimum wage. This change helps ensure students have enough money for a basic standard of living while studying in Australia, considering they may not always be in session and could return home or work during those times.
International students who meet this new requirement can make better decisions about their future. They're less likely to face financial struggles, break visa conditions by working too many hours, or be at risk of exploitation.
Minimum required funds to meet financial capacity requirements
How much money you need for the visa:
At a minimum, you must have enough money to pay for:
your travel
12 months of your course fees (or pro rata fees, if your course is less than 12 months)
12 months of living costs for you and any family members who come with you to Australia (or pro rata fees, if you are staying less than 12 months)
school fees for any school-age children who accompany you (or pro rata fees, if the child will be at school for less than 12 months).
Note: To calculate pro rata costs, divide the annual cost by 365 and multiply the result by the number of days you intend to stay in Australia.
Travel costs:
As a guide, when you calculate how much money you need, include:
AUD2,500 for travel costs if you are applying from East or Southern Africa
AUD3,000 for travel costs if you are applying from West Africa
AUD2,000 for travel costs if you are applying from anywhere else outside Australia
AUD1,000 for travel costs if you are applying in Australia. If you will be returning to Africa include AUD1,500.
Evidence you are exempt from paying a Visa Application Charge (VAC):
The following student visa applicants are not required to pay a visa application charge (VAC):
Students awarded a scholarship funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia
Students and family members supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Student and family members supported by the Department of Defence
Secondary exchange students
Students affected by education provider default and lodge a new student visa application within 12 months of the provider default day
Family members of students enrolled in a postgraduate research course
Students affected by COVID-19.
Onshore visa hopping restrictions:
List of visa holders that are unable to apply for student visas onshore:
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
Subclass 600 (Visitor)
Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
Subclass 771 (Transit)
Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only
Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
Conclusion:
Applying for a Student visa in Australia presents an exceptional opportunity to access a world-renowned education system, immerse yourself in a dynamic and diverse cultural environment, and develop skills that are highly valued globally. By studying in Australia, you not only benefit from high-quality academic programs and innovative research opportunities but also gain international experience that can enhance your career prospects and personal development. The ability to work part-time while studying further supports your journey, providing practical experience and financial stability. Overall, a student visa in Australia is a gateway to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and professional growth, making it a strategic and enriching choice for your future.
Our Services:
XMBS (XM Migration and Business Solutions) provides thorough support for visa applicants at every step of the application process, aiming to enhance your chances of securing the most appropriate visa for your circumstances. Given the complexities of immigration laws and regulations, we guide you through each phase, from the initial consultation to the final visa approval.
For more information, contact our team and book a consult via xmbs@xmmigration.com.au
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