Study In Australia: Everything About Australia Student Visa

Apart from picking a university and course, your study abroad adventure depends on timely application, good competitive exam scores, university acceptance letters, etc. One step is getting a study visa. Studying in Australia requires a SUBCLASS 500 visa, generally known as the Australia Student Visa. Here is a blog that covers Australian student visa eligibility, application, essential documents, and more!

What is the Subclass 500 Visa?

International students must hold an Australian student visa in order to enroll in a long-term degree program or a short-term diploma program. Candidates must apply for Subclass 500 Visas out of all Visa kinds in order to pursue higher education. The categories of study covered by the visa are as follows:

• Vocational Education and Training
• Higher Education
• Primary and Secondary Schools
• Postgraduate Research
• Independent English Language Intensive Courses for overseas students
• Non-awards Courses

Australia Student Visa Requirements

There are some common requirements that you must meet if you want to apply for an Australian student visa. If you do not meet these requirements, you may be unable to pursue further education in the country. Let us now examine the Australia Study Visa requirements:

• The candidates must be 6 years of age or above.
• You must be enrolled in a course of study in a recognized institution. You will be required to state evidence for the same.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
• You must qualify for the English Proficiency tests like IELTS etc.
• Must be able to fund your education (Financial requirements).
• Health and character requirements
• Have adequate health insurance.
• The minimum Student Visa Australia age limit is 18 years. Candidates must state the adequacy of welfare if they are under 18 years of age (not required for applicants above 18 years of age).
• Must not hold any other type of visa.
• You must be a temporary entrant and intend to return back after completing the program.
• Must meet the health requirements.
• Criminal record check results

Australia Student Visa Process

The application process for an Australian Student Visa from India must begin at least 6 weeks before the start of the course. Make sure you apply on time, as the process may take some time to complete. Refer to the stages outlined below to help you navigate the Australia Study Visa application process.

STEP 1: Visit the official website and create your account.

STEP 2: Fill up the application form corresponding to the Subclass 500.

STEP 3: Once you have filled in the details, you will be required to upload necessary documents like a copy of the passport, etc.

STEP 4: You will receive a unique transaction number for your application through which you can check the status of your application.

Documents Required for Australia Student Visa

Enlisted are some of the important documents which have to submit by those who wish to secure an Australian Student Visa:

• A valid passport
• Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
• Proof for enrollment into a university or college
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• Academic and professional transcripts
• Scorecard of your English language test
• Details of health insurance policy
• Passport size pictures
• Evidence stating the availability of funds for paying the tuition fee, living expenses, etc.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, introduced in November 2011, requires that a visa application show a genuine intention to reside temporarily in Australia for study or to attend a dependent student (i.e. a spouse or child) or a guardian. Decision-makers at the Department of Home Affairs will evaluate the following factors:

• Circumstances in your nation of origin.
• For you in Australia, potential scenarios.
• Value for the future of your selected course.
• Your history of immigration.

You may be requested to attend an interview at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to establish if you fit the GTE criteria. Some candidates will just be required to complete a visa application form.

Australia Student Visa Fees

The cost of the Student visa 500 for the primary applicant is around AUD$620. Each family member who applies for a visa will be charged. As an international student, you must pay the Student Visa Australia cost according to the categories listed below.

Visa Subclass, Base Application Charge, Additional Applicant Charges (if 18 Years or Above), Additional Applicant Charges (if Less than 18 Years), The Subsequent Temporary Application Charge respectively:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500),  AUD $630 (INR 34,311), AUD $460 (INR 25,052),  AUD $150 (INR 8,169), AUD $700 (INR 38,123)
• Student Visa (Subclass 500) (Subsequent Entrant), AUD $620 (INR 33,766), AUD $460 (INR 25,052), AUD $150 (INR 8,169), AUD $700 (INR 38,123)
• Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Postgraduate Research Sector, AUD $620 (INR 33,766), nil, nil, nil

Australia Student Processing Time

Processing timeframes can vary depending on the industry you’re applying for, and they can range from:

• 75% of applications in 29 days; 90% of applications in 42 days for the Higher Education Sector.
• 75% of applications in 43 days; 90% of applications in 77 days for the Vocational Education and Training Sector.

Validity of Australia Student Visa

The applicants will be free to move in and out of the country once they have obtained the Australian Student Visa. This is a temporary visa that allows candidates to stay in the country for approximately 5 years. Furthermore, the real duration will be determined by the curriculum chosen. Furthermore, once the course begins, visa holders will be permitted to work for 40 hours every two weeks.

Scope of your Subclass 500 visa

• You can enroll in the university and study program of your choice
• Family members may go with you to Australia.
• Dependents may apply for a dependent visa to join the primary applicant on a trip.
• The visa process is straightforward and uniform for all students.
• Through an online gateway, you can apply from within or outside of Australia.

Basic Checks Before You Apply For an Australian Student Visa

• In Australia, you should be registered in your selected academic program.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for the duration of your programme.
• You must be at least 6 years old to participate.
• Evidence of a welfare agreement made in Australia (if you are under the age of 18)

Working Rights on Australia Study Visa

You can work up to 20 hours per week or 40 hours every two weeks with the Student Visa 500. You will be able to start working part-time once the training begins. International students enrolled in ACT public schools, on the other hand, are allowed to work a maximum of 10 hours per week throughout the school year.

Working After Graduation in Australia

International personnel are still in high demand in Australia, and students who have finished a degree in Australia are eligible for a special work visa. Additional visa categories are available to international students, and Australia has a very easy points-based system for acquiring permanent residency. If you intend to stay in the United States and work after graduation, you must apply for and be granted a work visa. Here are a few of the visa options accessible in Australia.

Visa Type And Their Description

• 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa – After graduation, this visa is the most popular option for international students. If you have just completed at least two years of education in Australia, you can stay in Australia for 18 months to gain work experience with a 485 visa. Students can work for two to four years in the country to get international job experience.
• 402 Training and Research Visa –  Another alternative for overseas students is the 442 visa, which allows students to enhance their job skills while being sponsored by an employer for up to two years.
• 487 Regional Sponsored Visa – This allows the candidate to work for three years in a specialist regional area and provides a road to permanent immigration.
• 887 Skilled Regional Residence Visa – The 887 visa provides permanent residency, which allows applicants to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Candidates must have lived in Australia for at least two years, have at least one year of work experience, and a minimum number of points.
• 885 Skilled Independent Residence Visa – The 885 visa enables you to live and work as a permanent resident without being sponsored.
• 886 Skilled Sponsor Resident Visa – The 886 visa permits an international student to seek permanent residency and work in Australia while being sponsored by an employer.

Spouses generally have the same rights as the spouse who is already in Australia. As a result, if the spouse in Australia may work, so can the spouse who comes to join him or her. It should be emphasized, however, that dependant visas are only available to work permit holders.

Popular Intakes in Australia

Candidates interested in studying in Australia can choose from two major intakes offered by Australian universities in February and July. The February intake is critical for Australian universities because most programs are offered and the bulk of international students apply at this time. Other intakes, such as September and November, give students the opportunity to select and enroll in vocational courses.

Intake and when the Applications Begins

• February intake – October-November
• July intake – April-May
• Other intakes for VET Courses September & November

Cost of Studying and Living in Australia

Because Australia is consistently ranked as one of the safest study abroad destinations in the world, it is an excellent alternative for any international student seeking a higher education. Furthermore, before applying for an Australian student visa, applicants must be well aware of the current cost of living and education in Australia. The cost of studying in Australia is broken down below.

Categories and Average Tuition Fees in AUD$ (for 1st year)

• Undergraduate – Bachelor’s Degree $20,000 to $45,000
• Postgraduate Master’s Degree $20,000 to $55,000
• Vocational Training $4,000 to $22,000
• Hostels/Guest House $90-$150
• Shared Apartments $95-$220
• Other Living Expenses $270-$540

Top Universities in Australia (BONUS)

Universities and their  Global Ranking [QS 2023 Rankings]

• Australian National University 30
• The University of Melbourne 33
• The University of Sydney 41
• University of New South Wales 45
• The University of Queensland =50
• Monash University 57
• The University of Western Australia 90
• The University of Adelaide 109
• University of Technology Sydney 137
• The University of Newcastle 192
• University of Wollongong =185
• Queensland University of Technology =222
• Curtin University 193
• Macquarie University =195
• RMIT University =190
• Deakin University =266
• University of South Australia =363
• University of Tasmania =293
• Griffith University =290
• James Cook University =461

FAQs

Is an Australian student visa easy to get?

• In comparison to other countries, obtaining a student visa in Australia is less difficult. Students who want to study in \Australia must meet certain requirements in order to receive a visa. After enrolling in a full-time study program, you can apply for a visa under Subclass 500.

According to the Australian Student Visa new rules, how much funds is a student required to have?

• Financial requirements: Proof of adequate money to pay tuition, travel, and living expenses. From February 2018, the amount you must show for living expenses (apart from tuition and travel) is set at AU$20,290 (INR 11,44,051) each year.

How much does a student visa cost in Australia? Also mention the Australia student visa fees in Indian rupees.

• The current charge for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AU$575 (INR 32421). As part of your visa application, you must arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any accompanying family members, which must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?

• Most student visas allow you to bring family members as dependants to Australia (student dependent visa Australia, student spouse visa Australia). Family members include your spouse, as well as your and your spouse’s dependent children. You must show that you can financially support your spouse or children before you may bring them to Australia.

Can I apply for PR in Australia while studying?

• After completing courses in education and teaching, international students can seek permanent residency. Also, if you intend to study in Australia, make sure you get Overseas Student Health Cover since the Department of Home Affairs has made it obligatory for students to carry Overseas Health Insurance.

How many PTE score required for Australian student visa?

• For an Australia study visa, a minimum of 42 PTE scores are required to be eligible for the same.

Can I get an Australia study visa without IELTS exam?

• No, you can’t get an Australia study visa (subclass 500) without giving IELTS exam. Before you can apply to any university in Australia, you must qualify for an English Proficiency Test and one of the most sought-after language tests is IELTS.