Australian Student Visa

There are many reputable colleges and universities in Australia. Likewise, there are many student visa types to choose from should you decide to pursue higher education.

Anyone who is not an Australian resident may apply to study in Australia under the Australian Government's overseas student program (OSP). In order to study under the OSP you must obtain a student visa before entering Australia, and in order to do this you must undertake a registered course, or part of a registered course on a full-time basis. The Department of Education, Science and Training can provide details of what these registered courses are.

Types of student visas

In all, there are 7 types of Australia student visa you can choose from depending on your circumstances. The study visa categories are listed below:

• Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Student Visa (Subclass 570)

This visa is for those students intending to study only the English language or subject.

• Schools Student Visa (Subclass 571)

This visa is for international students in a primary or secondary school, or traveling in Australia under a student exchange program.

• Vocation Education and Training Student Visa (Subclass 572)

This visa is fit for the ones who want to get hold of a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Certificate at a private college, or even a publicly funded Technical and Further Education (TAFE) College.

• Higher Education Student Visa (Subclass 573)

This visa suits those who are aiming for a tertiary qualification from universities (Bachelor degree, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate)

• Masters and Doctorate Student Visa (Subclass 574)

This visa is for those aiming for a postgraduate qualification (Masters or Doctorate degree)

• Non-Award Foundation Student Visa (Subclass 575)

This visa is for those students who just want to take a foundation course. These are the courses with no formal educational prerequisites and will not lead to having formal degree or diploma.

• AusAID or Defence Sponsored Student Visa (Subclass 576)

This visa is a highly specialized category, and it is for students who have the support of AusAID or Australian Defense.

• Guardian visa (Subclass 580)

The Guardian Visa is for a parent or other close family member to accompany a current student or students under Australian student visa, particularly to serve as guardian for students under 18 years old. This visa replaces the former Long Stay Visitor Visa (Subclass 686) which was also created for family members that serve as guardian.

Who are eligible?

One should have good character, satisfactory health insurance, and with no debts to the Commonwealth. Further requirements may apply to individuals under 18 years old.

When applying for a student visa, you should show the Australian embassy your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) sent by your selected school.

Advantages of Student visa

People with courses that are less than 3 months can just go for a Working Holiday Visa. But there are advantages of having a valid student visa in Australia. Students who are bearers of student visa are eligible for student health subsidy from the Australian government, can study in the country for more than 3 months, and are permitted to work while in Australia.