Australia is the third most popular destination for international students in the world, with five of its cities among the best student cities in the world. The facilities at Australian universities are also impressive.
There are plenty of reasons why Australia is considered a destination that has a world-class higher education. But before you can embark on your study trip to Australia, you should know more about what you need to do in order to get your student visa before your arrival.
1. Apply to an Australian university and get your acceptance letter
If you’re still not sure where you want to study in Australia, you will have to decide before you can start your visa application process. After being accepted at an Australian university, you’ll get an acceptance letter required for the student visa.
These are some of the most popular academic disciplines in Australia:
- Masters in Environmental Science in Australia
- Masters in Information Sciences in Australia
- Masters in Business in Australia
- Masters in Architecture in Australia
- Masters in Journalism in Australia
Consider some of the best universities in Australia:
- University of Queensland
- RMIT University
- University of Tasmania
- University of Adelaide
- Charles Darwin University
2. Check if you need a student visa for Australia
If you come from New Zealand, you will not need a student visa for Australia. For all the other international students, you will have to apply for one. But don't worry. If you have the funds, the right information, patience and the required paperwork you'll get your visa without problems.
The visa application process can vary a lot depending on your nationality; it's best to start the application process as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from the Australian university where you want to study.
3. Find out what type of visa you need to study in Australia
You will have to apply for the Australian student visa (subclass 500) by using the official online platform. Just follow the steps on the website. You can fill in your country of origin to get a list of requirements for your visa application.
You can also register for a medical exam before applying for a visa. After you apply, depending on your situation, you may be asked to:
- attend a visa interview
- provide evidence that you don't have any criminal records
- provide more information
- take a medical exam
It's likely you'll also have to provide biometrics during the visa application process, but some countries may be exempt. Your biometrics are an extra identification method (e.g. fingerprinting and pictures) that countries use for security purposes.
4. Language requirements for studying in Australia
When you apply for the Australian student visa, you are required to prove your English skills with the result from an accepted English language test:
5. Documents required for the student visa in Australia
- A complete application form
- Passport in original and copy
- Letter of acceptance from the university you applied to
- Evidence that you can financially afford your studies (62,222 AUD/year which includes tuition fees, travel costs and living costs)
- Australian accepted health insurance that covers your stay in the country
- English proficiency test results
- Criminal record verification results
Proof that you paid the 620 AUD visa fee (unless exempt)
Check out other aspects and documents that determine your eligibility for an Australian student visa.
6. Work as an international student in Australia
Most types of student visas allow you to work during your study up to 20 hours/week (part-time) during the semesters and full-time on holidays.
- The Graduate work stream is valid for three years and it requires a qualification from a defined set of disciplines.
- The Post-Study Stream gives you full rights for a maximum of four years, depending on your approved qualification level.
- The Working Holiday visa applies to students from certain countries, with ages between 18 and 30, and lasts for a maximum of one year.
