Study Abroad
Read on for information on student visa details, visa tips for international students and the visa requirements for students going for education in Australia, in this article.

Student Visa Details For Australia

Unlike other countries, the student visa process in Australia is relatively stringent and requires an eye for detail. The procedure in Australia is quite different when compared to other countries and a detailed research is required to get through. To begin with, students must collect all necessary documents into a single folder. Then other sections of the visa process such as types of student visa, visa information form, application, regulations on the permit, changes with regard to the rules and other dos and don'ts must be attended to. Students could contact an educational consultant or the nearest Embassy for advice. A checklist preparation is required, to confirm that applicants haven't omitted any important documents. The sections below give a general outline about student visas in Australia and its requirements.

Visa Requirements For Students Going For Education In Australia
  • The candidate applying for a student visa must have sufficient proof of financial condition. In other words, they must be in a position to incur all expenses such as airfare, accommodation and tuition fee.
  • An English Language Proficiency test must be done. Scores depend on the assessment levels and the education sector at that point of time.
  • Evidence of a guaranteed return to your homeland for personal or financial reasons must be provided.
  • A detailed report of past academic records and selected course should be given.
  • If students have applied for immigration in Australia then they must produce evidence of complying with the laws.
  • Information regarding nature of the study program, details of the educational institution and the admission offer letter from the university etc. should be furnished.
  • Evidence of current education levels in accordance with the course is needed along with proof of a good character and sound health. Applied candidates have to show documents of a health insurance cover through the oSHC.
  • Students below the age of 18 must show proof of satisfactory arrangements for accommodation, support and general welfare.
Assessment Levels for Student Visa
An assessment level is a tool which determines the immigration risks pertaining to a particular country. These levels are a pivotal part of the process as it decides the necessary requirements for different groups of students from various countries. There are 5 levels of assessments, where level 1 is said to have the lowest risks and level 5 the highest risk.

Australia has different student visas for different stages of education such as primary and secondary, higher education, post graduation research and others. For each country, a specific assessment level is allotted based on the immigration risks faced by students from that country in a particular education quarter. For example, a student holding an Indian passport who plans to apply for a higher education study program in Australia will have an assessment level of 3. In such a case, the student would have to submit a high degree of verification to support his education there.

Visa Procedure
  • Countries that have an assessment level between 3 and 5 will have to go through a preliminary review for eligibility of a student visa. Applicants would have to provide the offer letter given by the education institution. This should contain details of the course, date of entry, end of the study program, program title and tuition fee.
  • The visa office undertakes a detailed assessment to ensure that students satisfy all the necessary requisites. After a satisfactory review, issue a letter to be submitted to the education institution. The letter sanctions the university to give an eCoE certificate.
  • Thereafter, the applicant will have to pay up the tuition fee for the first semester, oSHC premium and undergo a medical test. A student visa is then issued.
Applying for student visa for the first time can be overly confusing. It is important to contact the immigration officer for guidance. After acquiring the eCoE certificate, it must be produced to the immigration officer at the port of entry in Australia.