Visa Information

There are several classes of student visas for Australia – the one you need depends on the type of study (eg: English language course, graduate degree, vocational training, higher education, etc.) you are planning to undertake.

Student visa options

Below is the list of the student visas currently available

• Independent ELICOS (Subclass 570).
• Schools (Subclass 571).
• Vocational Education and Training (Subclass 572).
• Higher Education (Subclass 573).
• Postgraduate Research (Subclass 574).
• Non-award (Subclass 575).
• Foreign Affairs or Defence (Subclass 576).

Other visa options

For shorter periods of study, you can apply for a Visitor or Working Holiday Maker Visa. There is also a visa option specifically for student guardians.

Visitor Visa (Subclasses 600, 601, 651)

Below is the list of the student visas currently available.

• Maximum 3 months study.
• Intention to visit Australia is genuine.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Sufficient money to support yourself during stay in Australia.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

• Maximum 4 months study.
• Aged 18 to 30 years and hold an eligible passport.
• Principal purpose to holiday in Australia.
• Enter or remain in Australia as a genuine visitor.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Sufficient funds for airfares and personal support for stay in Australia.

Student Guardian (Subclass 580)

• Provides for certain persons to reside with a student in Australia, where the student requires a guardian, ie: the studnet is under 18 years of age.
• Study up to 3 months or study ELICOS for 20 hours per week for duration of visa.
• Meet Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.
• Sufficient funds for airfares and living costs.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Acceptable health insurance.

Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)

• This visa allows eligible international students who have completed an Australian education to stay in Australia to gain work experience.
• You can work in Australia for a period of 18 months and up to 4 years, depending on your qualification.
• This visa does not restrict the type of work you may do or the number of hours you may work.
• Applications for this visa must be made in Australia and you must hold an eligible student visa in the last 6 months.
• You must meet Australian study, English proficiency, health insurance, health and character requirements.
• You must meet the specific requirements of the stream in which you are applying for this visa.