Student VISA

The Australian Government allows people to study in Australia who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents. Anyone who is not an Australian resident may apply to study in Australia . You must obtain a student visa before you can commence a course of study in Australia .

You can be granted a student visa only if you wish to undertake a registered course or part of a registered course on a full-time basis. A registered course is an education or training course offered by an Australian education provider who is registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students.

You may undertake any course of study for less than three months on a visitor visa or working holiday visa. If you intend to study for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa.

Students wanting to study in Australia can apply for a student visa after they have received a letter of offer or electronic confirmation of enrolment (ECOE) in relation to one or more full-time courses of study. However, it is recommended that you do not enroll in your course or obtain an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (ECOE) until you have been advised to do so by your local Australian Government office.

Generally, an international student is issued with a multiple entry visa for the duration of their study course in Australia . This allows you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which it has been granted. Members of your immediate family (spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age) may accompany you to Australia and will be considered in the same visa class as yourself. If you wish to extend your stay in Australia for further study you will need to lodge an application for a further visa.

The student visa has seven separate sub-classes for each education sector. You should apply under the Visa Sub-class for your principal course of study.