Australia boasts an exceptional higher education system. With over 22,000 courses offered by 1,100 institutions, the Australian education system is ranked 8th in the 2019 Universities U21 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems, surpassing countries such as France, Germany, Norway, and Japan. International students must possess a valid Student Visa to study at Australian educational institutions.
The advantages of an Australian Student Visa include:
- Permission to work up to 40 hours per fortnight throughout the course
- Upon completion of studies, you will obtain an Internationally Recognised Qualification and may qualify for a Post Graduate visa
- Ability to include your spouse or dependent children in your student visa application
- You can apply for the visa whether you are in or outside Australia
Primary Requirements:
The specific requirements for this visa will depend on the “migration risk” which is determined by the nationality of the applicant and rating of the education provider.
However, the general requirements for a Student Visa 500 are outlined below. An applicant must:
- have confirmation of enrollment in a registered full-time course at an Australian Education Institution;
- meet the English language requirement (may vary depending on the institution);
- meet the financial requirements for this visa;
- have overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia;
- meet the Australian health and character requirements;
- meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
Meeting the financial requirements means that the applicant, their family members, or their partner have enough money to cover:
- their travel expenses;
- 12 months of course fees (or pro rata fees, if the course is less than 12 months);
- 12 months of living costs (for students or guardians at least AUD 21,041).
Alternatively, evidence can be provided that the applicant’s family members or partner had a personal annual income of at least AUD 62,222 in
the 12 months immediately before applying. Combined income may be considered.
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is an integrity measure that applies to all applicants. It ensures that the student visa
program is used as intended and not as a means for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.
As part of any student visa application, the Department will assess whether the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily.
To qualify for a Post Graduate visa, the course of study should be at least two academic years (92 weeks of registered study) and CRICOS
registered.