A student visa application guidebook for studying in Australia

A wise man once said 'Education is like rowing upstream. To not advance is to drop back'. On the same lines, further education today has become a matter of paramount importance and learning abroad has profound value. The quality of international schools have increased by leaps and bounds every year and and there are so many countries that offer a rich variety of courses that cater to so many different fields of education. Ranked as some of the best places to study in, Australia have a surplus of established universities and schools that offer quality education. Yet, the common matter of concern for every individual is not the application to universities, but to gain a visa to go abroad. In the following article, one will gain all the valuable information necessary for obtaining a student visa to Study in Australia. Visas have a lot of tedious procedures and a lot of documentation required. If one is not a citizen of the country that one wishes to study in, it presents a plethora of problems from immigration to settling to financial concerns to so many others. Obtaining a Visa in general is already a huge process and the smallest of mistakes could lead to one not getting the Visa which nulls all the tiresome effort that we have put in. Therefore, the following article not only lists out the detailed procedure and what documentation one has to file, but also provides all the other basic necessities for student visa application. The following are the important topics covered. Qualifying/eligibility requirements for Student Visas Procedure of applying for Student Visas Required Documentation - A simple detailed Checklist with important information like questions which can be expected in the visa interview, expected time-line, fee details What are the Required Visa Fees The above topics will be discussed with all the valuable details to make your Visa application a much simpler process.

Student Visa in Australia

If you are not an Australian citizen, but want to take advantage of our quality education and training system, you may apply for a student visa. Visas are granted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC will only grant you a student visa if your course is registered, or is part of a registered course, on a full time basis. A registered course is one offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. Visit the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions or Overseas Students (CRICOS) website for more information. Only courses under three months duration can be undertaken 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.

Advantages to studying on a student visa include:

you will have access to Australias subsidised student health cover; you will be allowed to study for longer than three months; and you can apply for permission to work part time. You can apply for your student visa as soon as you receive a letter of offer or electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your full time course of study. However, it is recommended that you wait until you are advised by your local Australian Government office to enroll or obtain a CoE. Your local

Australian Government office can also give you information on applying and what documents you will need to attach to your application. You should contact your local Australian Government office overseas to find out: how to make your application; and what your document requirements will be.

Assessment Levels
If you are subject to Assessment Level 1, you can apply online. If you are subject to Assessment Level 3 or 4 you will need a letter of offer when you apply for your visa. Depending on your country of nationality and your principal course of study you may have to undergo a preliminary assessment before an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) is issued by your Australian education provider. visa sub-classes for each education sector You should apply under the visa sub-class for your principal course of study. assessment levels Each education sector in each country is ranked according to five assessment levels. evidentiary standards These visa requirements include English language proficiency and are increasingly stringent from assessment level 1 through to assessment level 5. electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) The only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. Generally, you will be issued with a multiple entry visa for the duration of your study course in Australia. This allows you to travel in and out of 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.

Qualifying/Eligibility Requirements for a Student Visa in Australia

To be granted a student visa you must satisfy the visa requirements and comply with a number of visa conditions for attendance and academic performance which come into effect after you have entered Australia. Your student visa will list the conditions that apply specifically to you. It is important to comply with your visa conditions to avoid visa cancellation. 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. Please note from 1 July 2004 there will be changes to some of these subclasses.

Student visa requirements

To be granted a student visa you must satisfy the visa requirements and comply with a number of visa conditions for attendance and academic performance which come into effect after you have entered Australia. Your student visa will list the conditions that apply specifically to you. It is important to comply with your visa conditions to avoid visa cancellation. Student visa information on this website is an outline only and subject to change. For more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on student visas and visa requirements please check the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website.

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. Please note from 1 July 2004 there will be changes to some of these subclasses.

Student visa sub-classes

Independent ELICOS Schools Vocational education and Training (VET) sector Higher education Postgraduate Research Non-award. AusAID or Defence sponsored

General Requirements for applying for a Student Visa

you are of good character you are of sound health you have acceptable health insurance through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and members of your family unit accompanying you to Australia you have no outstanding debts to the Commonwealth of Australia, or have made arrangements acceptable to the Minister to repay such a debt where you are under 18 years of age, acceptable arrangements for your accommodation, support and general welfare are in place

Offer of a place in a course and confirmation of enrolment

If you are applying outside Australia and your visa application will be assessed at Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5, you should provide: an offer of a place in a course letter from your Australian education provider at the time you lodge your application; and an electronic confirmation of enrolment certificate issued by your education provider after you lodge your application if you are requested by the Australian overseas mission to do so. This process allows a preliminary or Pre-Visa Assessment to be made on your application to see if you are genuinely seeking to enter Australia for the purpose of study. If you are applying outside Australia in Assessment Level 1 or 2, or in Australia in any Assessment Level, an electronic confirmation of enrolment certificate (CoE) is required before you lodge your application and a copy is to be provided with your application. Note: A letter of offer is acceptable where a client lodges an application within Australia, but they must have a CoE for grant of a student visa application.

Assessment Levels
In the above points, there are a lot of references to 'Assessment levels' as such. What are these Assessment levels? Each student visa application is assessed according to an assessment level. The assessment level is determined by the passport held and visa subclass applied for. The assessment levels relate generally to how likely students are to comply with their visa conditions, based on previous students behaviour. Assessment level 1 represents the lowest assessment level and assessment level 5 the highest. The higher the assessment level, the more evidence you will need to

provide to demonstrate your financial capacity, understanding of the English language and other relevant matters. You can find out your assessment level by looking up your nationality and visa subclass applied for in 'Overseas Student Program - Assessment Levels' or by visiting the DIAC website. Important: if you have an assessment level 2, 3, 4 or 5, then you must make your first student visa application while you are outside Australia.

Preliminary Assessment
** A preliminary assessment will determine your eligibility for a student visa and is necessary if your country is at Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5. ** You will need to provide an Offer of a place in a course letter from your education provider to the visa processing office. ** This letter should indicate your proposed entry level, name of course, CRICOS course and provider codes, proposed start and end dates and the full tuition fees for the course. ** When your application is received, the visa processing office will undertake a preliminary assessment of your ability to meet the student visa requirements applicable to you. If the assessment is favourable, the office will issue you a letter to give to your education provider authorising them to issue you with an eCoE certificate. ** You will be also advised to pay the tuition fees and OSHC premium, and undergo medical tests. The student visa will be granted when the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) and all other requirements are satisfied. Apart from the Assessment levels, there are certain vital Evidentiary requirements one has to fulfil to obtain a Student Visa to Australia. They include your capacity to cover the cost of air fares, course fees and living costs for the duration of your stay in Australia your capacity to cover the costs of air fares, living costs and school tuition costs for your family unit members for the duration of your stay in Australia. your level of English Language Proficiency in relation to that required for your assessment level and education sector of study the situation in your home country e.g. personal or financial commitments that may prompt you to return to your home country your academic record and history in the context of the course you intend to study your immigration history e.g. previous compliance with immigration laws and whether you have previously applied for entry to Australia whether your proposed course of study is what you might reasonably have chosen given your circumstances whether your proposed course is consistent with, and appropriate to, your current level of education The Australian Government proposes a list of Student Visa conditions that need to be adhered for a Visa application. They are discussed in brief below. you must satisfy attendance and course requirements and maintain a valid enrolment for your course you must not work unless you have been granted permission to do so you must maintain your Overseas Student Health (OSHC) cover while in Australia you must leave Australia before your visa expires you must remain with the education provider you originally enrolled with for the first six months of your course or, if the course is less than six months, for the duration of your course you must advise your education provider of your residential address within seven days of your arrival in Australia and must advise any changes of address within seven days

if you change education provider you must inform your current education provider within seven days of issue of an eCoE if you are an unaccompanied student applicant under 18 years of age you must obtain written approval of your education provider before you change your address, support and welfare arrangements in Australia.

Now that we have seen all the eligibility and requirement details for a Student Visa in Australia, let us see the procedure one has to follow to obtain the same.

Required Documentation - A checklist

Forms, fees and charges
For a student visa application complete form 157A. If you are lodging an application for a further student visa in Australia you may apply online. The electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate(s) and/or letter of offer issued by your education provider for the course(s) you are undertaking. Visa application charge payable to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) by credit card, debit card, bank cheque or money order. Certified copies of passport or travel documents of all people included in the application. Passports must not have expired. If you are asked to attend a DIAC office you must bring your passport. If you are under 18 and are applying in Australia for a student visa you will need to show your evidence that appropriate arrangements are in place for your welfare at the time you lodge application. Please refer to the Welfare for Students Under 18 section of this checklist for information on what is considered acceptable evidence.

Personal documents
If you are applying from outside Australia, four recent passport sized photographs in Australia, (45mmx35mm) of you and any other person included in the application. If applying only one photograph of each person is required. These photographs should be of the head and shoulders only against a plain background. Print the name of the person on the back of each photograph. Evidence of the relationship between yourself and all members of your family unit. Example: certified copies or notarised copies of birth certificates (including those who are not joining you in Australia) marriage certificate. If you are living in a de facto relationship, independent evidence that you have been in the relationship for at least 12 months. Example: joint bank account statements billing accounts in joint names. If you or anyone included in the application has been permanently separated, divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the statutory declaration/separation certificate, divorce decree absolute or the death certificate of the deceased partner (as appropriate). If anyone in the application has changed his or her name, certified copies of documents verifying the name change. Example: marriage or deed poll certificate a certified copy of evidence of the name change. If any dependent child included in the application is adopted, certified copies of the adoption papers. Certified copies of documents to verify custody and access arrangements for children under 18 years of age. This is not required if both parents or legal custodians are included in the application.

If your family members have turned 5 years of age, but have not yet turned 18, and are remaining with you in Australia, you will need to provide evidence of enrolment in an Australian school, including payment of any required fee.

Health documents
If you are applying from outside Australia and are undertaking a pre-visa assessment, the office processing your application will advise you if you need to undertake a health examination. All other applicants may be required to provide one of the following: medical and x-ray examinations for yourself and any family unit member planning to remain with in you Australia evidence of a booking, or receipt, from Medibank Health Solutions for your medical and x -ray examinations.

Other health and character Documents

Evidence that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa.Your visa expiry date will be determined by the expiry date of your OSHC. You may be required to provide a penal clearance for any country you have lived in for 12 months, or longer, in the last ten years, since reaching 16 years of age. If you have served in the armed forces of any country, you may be required to provide certified copies of militaryservice records or discharge papers. The office processing your application will advise you if they require these documents.

Academic documents
If you must undertake an ELICOS (or other English language bridging course) before commencing your higher education course, provide a Confirmation of Enrolment or letter of offer in an ELICOS course of no more than 30 weeks duration. You must provide one of the following (a), (b), (c) or (d): a) Academic transcripts that show you completed schooling to at least the year 12 level (or its equivalent); or b) Academic transcripts that show you completed schooling to at least the year 11 level (or its equivalent) and have successfully completed or have a Confirmation of Enrolment or letter of offer for a Foundation Course in Australia; or c) Academic transcripts that show you have completed a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at Certificate Level IV level or higher conducted in Australia; or d) have a Confirmation of Enrolment or letter of offer for a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at Certificate Level IV level or higher which will be undertaken in Australia ahead of your higher education course.

English proficiency
You must provide one of the following: a) IELTS Certificate IELTS Test Score of: 6.0 or above for direct entry into a course; or 5.5 and a Confirmation of Enrolment or letter of offer in a Foundation Course; or 5.0 and a Confirmation of Enrolment or letter of offer in an ELICOS with a duration of no more than 30 weeks. Note: Tests older than two years are not acceptable. or b) Letter of sponsorship from one of the following: your home countrys government a multilateral agency (for example The World Bank)

 the Australian Government an Australian State or Territory government. or c) Academic transcripts that show you have in Australia and not more than 24 months prior to your visa application completed a senior secondary certificate of education. or d) Academic transcripts showing that you have successfully completed a substantial part of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at Certificate IV level or higher as the holder of a student visa not more than 2 years before your visa application. Note: This does not include foundation courses. or e) Academic transcripts that show you have in Australia and not more than 24 months prior to your visa application completed a foundation course. or f) Academic transcripts that show you have studied in English for 5 years or more in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa.

Financial documents
Provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover yourself and your family members for the first 36 months of your stay in Australia for: living costs tuition costs school costs for any school-age children. Declare on your student visa application that you have access to sufficient funds to cover the same costs for the remainder of your stay. The departmental officer assessing your application will need to be satisfied that the funds you are relying on will genuinely be available to you during your stay in Australia. Provide evidence that you have access to funds to cover travel costs to and from Australia. Financial support can be provided by eligible family members. These include: the applicant the applicants partner the applicants parents the applicants grandparents the applicants brothers and sisters; an uncle or aunt of the applicant who is: - an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen; and - usually resident in Australia

Evidence of funds
Please provide at least one of the following: a) Money deposit from: A financial institution - in your name or the name of another individual - funds in a money deposit must be held for at least 6 months immediately prior to the lodgement of your visa application. Note: The 6 months saving history requirement does not apply if you are applying for a further student visa to finish a course of study, and you have successfully completed at least 75% of that course. b) Loan from: a financial Insitution - in your name or any individual members name the government of your home country.

c) Scholarship from your Australian Education Provider. d) Scholarship or Financial Support from: The government of your home country The government of a foreign country Employer Multilateral agency Gazetted organisation (Rotary International, Ford Foundation, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) Australian Government Australian State or Territory Government Acceptable non-profit organisation.

Evidence of income
Please provide at least one of the following: a) Tax Statement. b) Income Statement. c) Business Statement. d) Loan documents. e) Bank account statement(s). f) Savings history or other evidence of regular income.

Welfare for students under 18

If you are under 18 years of age you must provide evidence that every person with a legal right to decide where you live consents to your proposed studies in Australia If you are under 18 years of age you must provide evidence of either (a), (b) or (c): a) If you intend to reside in Australia with a parent, or a person who has custody of you, you must provide evidence of the relationship, and that they have the right to remain in Australia for the period of your stay, or until you turn 18 years, whichever is the lesser period. or b) If you intend to reside in Australia with a relative nominated by a parent or a person who has custody of you, you must provide evidence of the relationship, evidence that the relative is at least 21 years old, police clearance/s, and evidence that the relative has the right to remain in Australia for the period of your stay, or until you turn 18, whichever is the lesser period. Police clearances do not need to be submitted at the time you lodge your application but will need to be submitted before your visa can be granted. or c) If you will not be residing in Australia with one of the above mentioned persons, you must provide a signed statement from your education provider confirming that appropriate arrangements have been made for your accommodation, support and general welfare during your stay in Australia. Once we are finalized with all the documentation, and we are sure we have obtained all the necessary documentation, the next important thing is the procedure for applying for the Student Visa.

Procedure of applying for Student Visas

First and foremost, one has to check completely whether all the requirements mentioned above are met. If any of them fail, it Results in automatic failure of obtaining the student visa because the Australian Government mentions them as mandates for Visa application in Australia.

Complete applications
When you lodge your application, it is important that you include all the required documents with your application. Lodging a complete application assists case officers to quickly process your application.

If you cannot provide all the supporting documentation when you lodge your visa application, tell the department which documents are missing and when you expect to be able to provide them. Incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused.

Passport details
Your visa will be linked to the passport number you used in your application. You must use the same passport to travel to and from Australia. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the time you lodge the application. Important: To avoid significant delays at your departure point for Australia, you must advise the department of new passport details before you travel to Australia.

Application charge Other costs

You must pay a non-refundable charge when you lodge your application. There may also be other costs associated with the application, such as translating documents into English. You will also need to pay for any medical examinations. If required, you may also need to provide a police check. Charges for obtaining police checks vary in each country. When required to obtain your own police checks, you are personally responsible for all arrangements and charges.

How to apply
You can apply by mail or in person. The following lists the methods. Outside Australia To apply for your first student visa: you and your family members can apply by post or in person you and your family members can apply online through a migration agent if you are a citizen of: India Indonesia Thailand The Peoples Republic of China. To renew your or your family members current student visa: You can apply online, by post or in person You cannot apply to renew online more than 124 days (4 months) before your course starts A family member cannot apply online separately from the student. They can apply separately by post or in person.

In Australia
To apply for your first student visa: you must have exceptional reasons why the visa should be granted To renew your or your family members' current student visa: You can apply online, by post or in person You cannot apply to renew online more than 93 days (3 months) before your course starts There are no time restrictions for students applying for a further Student visa in Australia by post or in person, however applications made more than 93 days in advance of the course commencement date will be carefully assessed and may be refused if a decision-maker considers the applicant is unlikely to be a genuine student A family member cannot apply online separately from the student. They can apply separately by post or in person.

Students under 18 years applying in Australia

You can only apply online for a student visa in Australia if your education provider has undertaken to approve your welfare arrangements. If your parent, legal custodian or suitable relative is providing welfare arrangements you will need to lodge a paper application with the department.

After you lodge your application

Your application will be assessed and you will be advised of any other steps that may need to be completed prior to consideration of the visa decision. Important: Processing of your application will not continue until all outstanding documentation has been received.

Providing additional information

Additional information can be provided in writing at any time until a decision is made on your application. All relevant information is taken into account.

Invitation to comment
If you are invited to comment on or give additional information, you will be given a date by which to do so. After that date, the department can continue processing your application whether you provide the information or not. You cannot delay a decision by saying that you might give more information later.

Interviews

If you are invited to attend an interview, you must attend on the date and time agreed with the department. If you do not, the department can make a decision based on the information you have already provided in your application.

Change in circumstances
If your circumstances change, such that an answer in your application or information given to the department is no longer correct, you must inform the department as soon as possible. Important: Your visa may be cancelled if you give incorrect information or fail to advise the department that some information is no longer correct. Examples of a change in circumstances include: change of education providers new passport new member of your family discovery of incorrect information in your application change of address or contact details. You can advise the department by submitting a completed form relevant to your change of circumstances.

Adding family members to your application

If your child is born after you lodge your application but before a decision has been made, you must inform the department in writing of the details of the newborn child. You must include a certified copy of the child's full birth certificate. If you get married or enter a de facto relationship, you must inform the department in writing of your partners details. Any family members added to your application must also meet the eligibility requirements.

Withdrawing your application

You can withdraw your application by advising the department in writing at any time before a decision is made. Any charges paid at the time of application are usually not refunded.

Abiding by your visa conditions

If you are in Australia while your application is being processed you must continue to meet the conditions of your current visa or it may be cancelled. If you do not meet the conditions of your current visa, this may also affect the outcome of your application.

Visa decision
A decision on your application will be made based on the information you provide, your circumstances at the time the application is made, and the legal requirements which apply at that time. The application may be decided solely on the basis of information provided in this application. If approved the department will send a Notification of Grant letter to your nominated postal or email address. It is recommended that you print this letter and keep it with you when you travel to and from Australia. This letter contains: your Visa Grant Number the validity date of your visa the visa conditions. If not approved the department will send you a notification letter advising you of: the reasons for the refusal your review rights time limit for lodging an appeal. Your rights for a review of the decision differ: if you lodged in Australia, the refusal letter advises you of your review rights and the time limit for lodging an appeal if you lodged outside Australia, you have no right for a review of the merits of the decision

Passport details

Your visa will be linked to the passport number you used in your application. You must use the same passport to travel to Australia. This passport should be valid for at least six months from the time of lodging the application. Important: To avoid significant delays at your departure point for Australia, you must advise the department of new passport details before you travel to Australia.

Visa label
You will not have a visa label inserted in your passport if you lodged your application online. A visa label is not required, however if you want a visa label inserted in your passport, you can go to any departmental office to have your visa label printed.

Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)

If you apply online and your visa is granted, the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service will allow you to check the following: visa details visa entitlements visa grant number visa conditions. Note: You must provide a password for VEVO in your online application to access the VEVO service.