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Student Visas

You need a student visa if you wish to study in Australia for over 3 months.

If your intended stay in Australia is 3 months or less you may apply for a short stay visa.

For periods of study greater than 3 months a Student (Temporary) Visa is required by non-Australian residents and is granted only if you enrol in a registered, full-time course in Australia.

All courses for international students, and the Australian education and training institutions that offer them, must be registered with the Australian Government.

Applications for student visa’s are made to the:

Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).


Student Visa sub-classes

Australia’s Student visa programme has seven subclasses, mostly linked to the education sector.

The following list will help you identify which visa subclass you can apply for.

Subclass 570

Independent ELICOS sector for international students undertaking ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) as a stand-alone course, and not as a prerequisite to commencing another course (for example, a degree course)

Subclass 571

Schools sector for international students undertaking a course of study at a primary school or a secondary school, including both junior and senior secondary school.

Subclass 572

Vocational education and training (VET) sector covers Certificate I, II, III and IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.

Subclass 573

Higher education sector covers a Bachelor degree, Graduate certificate, and Graduate diploma.

Subclass 574

Masters and doctorate sector covers a Masters degree by coursework or by research, and a Doctoral degree.

Subclass 575

Non-award foundation studies/other sector covers foundation, bridging or other courses that do not lead to the award of a degree, diploma or other formal award.

Subclass 576

AusAID or Defence sponsored sector covers full-time study undertaken by AusAID or Defence-sponsored students for the whole or part of an education or training course offered by an Australian education provider.

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Assessment levels

The criteria by which you are assessed when applying for a particular visa class are dependent on the country of issue of your passport.

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.

To determine which assessment level you are depending on which country you are from and which course you are intending to apply for, please refer to DIAC form 1219i.

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Basic requirements

Whatever your course of study or country of citizenship, you will need to meet the following basic requirements:

  • obtain overseas student health cover insurance (OSHC)
  • no debts to the Commonwealth
  • good character, and
  • if you are under 18 years of age - additional requirements
  • evidence of sound health
  • have sufficient funds
  • evidence of English language ability (IELTS test results)

For further information with respect to the health requirements please refer to DIAC form 1163i

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Applying for a visa

Detailed instructions for applying for a student visa can be found in DIAC form 1160i.

To apply for a student visa you should complete a visa application form 157A and submit to DIAC with all required documentation, the application fee, and a copy of your letter of offer or Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) which is provided by Kingston International College.

Note that when enrolling on a course with Kingston International College you should advise as to what qualifications you currently have as credit may be given for prior learning.

This may affect the duration of any courses you enroll in and the visa issued by the immigration department.

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The Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment

The eCoE is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. Depending on your country of nationality and your principal course of study you may have to undergo a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) before you are issued with an eCoE.

A copy of your eCoE must be submitted to your local DIAC office before a student visa can be issued.


Pre-Visa Assessment

A Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) determines a student's eligibility for a student visa and is necessary if your country is at Assessment Level 3 or 4.

This involves obtaining a letter of offer from Kingston International College and submitting your visa application with all supporting documentation to your local DIAC office for assessment.

If the assessment is favourable, you will be issued with a PVA approval letter to give to Kingston International College authorising them to issue you with an eCoE.

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.


Visa conditions

Students must comply with their visa conditions in order to retain their visa.

You may be reported to DIAC and your visa may be cancelled for:

  • not meeting course requirements
  • failure to provide Kingston International College with your address/change of address details within seven days of arrival or address change
  • studying less than a full-time load (except in the finishing stage of course or when repeating failed units)
  • working without permission, or above the maximim number of hours permitted on a student visa
  • taking leave of absence without approval
  • not maintaining your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

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Visa extensions

If you need to extend your visa in order to complete your course or to study other courses in Australia, you must submit your application to DIAC before your visa expires.


Working while studying

Working while you are studying in Australia is allowed and many students do a limited amount of paid work. As an international student, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week while the course is in session, and full-time in vacations.

You will need to apply to DIAC for a visa with 'permission to work' (condition 8105) after you commence study.


Dependents

You may include in your student visa application your immediate dependants - usually spouse and children.


Work Rights For Your Spouse

If you have a spouse (eg husband or wife) who is joining you in Australia and wishes to work, the spouse will also have to obtain a Visa with 'permission to work'.

The work conditions for spouses vary depending on the course that the student is undertaking.

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Schooling for children

You are welcome to bring your children with you to Australia.

If they will be attending school, you will be required to pay school fees for them.

Students receiving an Australian Government Scholarship (IPRS or AusAID) may be eligible for an exemption from their children's school fees.


Health Insurance

As an international student it will be compulsory for you to obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while you are in Australia.

This rule also applies to any members of your immediate family who join you here.

The health insurance fee must be paid before your visa can be issued, and you will be required to renew the health cover annually.

You should contact an Australian health insurance provider for a quote e.g. Mondial, HBF.

Links

Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

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