How to get your Australian student visa: A comprehensive guide

Your journey starts with securing admissions to a CRICOS registered Australian institution. Once admitted, you’ll receive a confirmation of enrolment (COE). Alongside this, gather necessary documents including proof of financial capacity, english language proficiency, and overseas health insurance coverage.

As part of the student visa framework, you must prove that you are a genuine student with the intention to complete your studies in Australia. This involves providing details of your chosen institution and course, any relevant academic and professional background, and most importantly your economic ties to the home country and plans after returning to your home country upon completion of your studies in Australia.

Non-native English speaker must demonstrate their proficiency in the language. This can be done through standardized tests like IELTS, PTE or Cambridge English Advanced. The specific requirement may vary based on your institution and chosen course. Please refer to the summary of current scores accepted:

• IELTS: Minimum score of 5.5
• PTE: Minimum score of 4.2
• Cambridge English Advanced: Minimum score of 162

You need to undertake your English language test in the 2 years before you apply for your student visa!

Proof of financial stability is crucial. You need to provide proof of funds for the entire duration of your chosen course. Initially you will need to show that you can afford your course fees, living expenses and return travel for the first year of your studies. This can be in the form of bank statements, a letter from sponsor or scholarship details. For the rest of your time in Australia you can show your financial capacity through fixed assets.

Obtaining an overseas student health cover- OSHC is a non-negotiable requirement. You need to ensure that you obtain your OSHC for the duration of your entire course. It ensures you are covered for any healthcare needs during your stay in Australia.

All visa applications are submitted through the “ImmiAccount” on the Australian Home Affairs website. Accuracy in this step is vital, as any errors might result in the rejection of your visa application. Upon submission, you will receive a notification regarding the decision of your visa. Please note that the evaluation period can range from a few weeks to months, varying based on individual circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended to apply considerably ahead of your planned travel date to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Applying for an Australian student visa may seem simple, but it is important to understand that there are many complex steps involved. If you carefully follow the instructions and get your application ready, you will be on your way to starting a great learning experience in Australia. Once your application is successful, you will get your visa grant document including all the details of your visa.

Note: Understanding and complying with your visa conditions is paramount. This includes maintaining enrolment in a registered course, upholding satisfactory course progress, and notifying your institution and the Home Affairs department of any changes in your circumstances.