To embark on your academic journey in Australia, securing an Australian student visa is essential. The Department of Home Affairs sets forth specific requirements for obtaining this visa, including:
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
- Financial prerequisites
- English proficiency standards
- Health and character criteria
Additionally, you’ll need to fill out the Australian student visa application form, pay the associated fee, and possibly undergo an interview. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to navigate this process smoothly.
About “Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)”
Introduced in November 2011, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a crucial aspect of Australian visa applications. It mandates that applicants demonstrate a genuine intention to temporarily stay in Australia for study purposes, or as a dependent or guardian accompanying a student. The Department of Home Affairs evaluates several factors to gauge GTE compliance, including:
- Circumstances in the applicant’s home country
- Prospective situations in Australia
- Relevance of the chosen course to the applicant’s future
- Immigration history
To ascertain GTE compliance, applicants may be required to attend an interview at the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. Alternatively, some applicants may only need to complete a visa application form.
Submitting the application form for an Australian student visa
All international students are required to apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), a universal visa application processed online.
Prior to initiating the visa application process, you must secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer indicating acceptance into a course accredited under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). The COE is issued as an online code, which you’ll input in the appropriate section of the online visa application. Additionally, you may need to make a tuition fee deposit.
If you decide to change courses in Australia, whether to a similar or higher academic level, a new visa application is necessary. However, transitioning to a lower level course on the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) or a non-AQF level program mandates a fresh visa application, unless it involves progressing from a PhD to a master’s degree. Furthermore, students have the option to pursue multiple courses under their Student Visa (Subclass 500), provided there is clear academic progression from one course to another.
Requirements For Obtaining an Australian Student Visa
When completing your online visa application form, you’ll need to furnish evidence for the following Australian student visa requisites:
- Financial Requirements: Demonstrating adequate funds to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses is imperative. As of February 2018, the living cost requirement stands at AU$21,041 (~US$14,185) per year, separate from tuition and travel expenses. If you have dependents, evidence of their living costs, including school fees, is essential. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your spouse or parents’ willingness to support you, with a minimum annual income of AU$62,222 (~US$41,949).
- English Proficiency Requirement: Non-English-speaking applicants (without five years of study in an English-speaking country) must prove their proficiency in English. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and CAE, with required scores varying based on the degree level or English course.
- Health Requirements: Some students may undergo medical or radiological examinations to confirm their good health, especially those pursuing medical professions. If instructed, attending an appointment with an approved doctor is mandatory.
- Health Insurance: Except for students from Sweden, Belgium, or Norway, purchasing Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory. You can buy this insurance through your university or from one of the five approved providers, with costs varying based on the provider and coverage duration.
- Character Requirements: Australian student visa mandates good character, verified through a criminal record check. Acquiring a penal clearance certificate or police statement may also be necessary, along with completing a Character Statutory Declaration Form.