Student visas
The Australian education system is highly regarded globally for its quality and innovation. Australian universities consistently rank among the top in international rankings, offering a wide range of programs and research opportunities.
Every year, more than 500,000 foreign students come to Australia to study. Education in Australia is not cheap. On average, a year of study in a bachelor's or master's program for an international student costs AU$20,000-40,000. However, an undeniable advantage of choosing to get a qualification in Australia is the real prospect of securing a high-paying job and the subsequent possibility of permanent residence in this beautiful, sunny country. For a student who has graduated from an Australian university in a sought-after profession, incredible employment opportunities open up both in Australia and worldwide.
Students who are not ready to pursue a qualification or degree, or who simply want to improve their language skills, can enroll in English language and IELTS preparation courses under the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program. Upon completion of an ELICOS course, students may continue their studies to obtain vocational or tertiary education. Those who wish to remain in Australia have good prospects for achieving permanent residency through the professional migration pathway (see Skilled visas and Work visas).
A student visa allows the main applicant to bring immediate family members either simultaneously or sequentially. The student's spouse or partner is given the opportunity to work without restrictions (full-time), while the student themselves can work no more than 48 hours per fortnight (with some exceptions). Being a genuine student whose main goal is to study is one of the key eligibility criteria for the main applicant's student visa.
General eligibility criteria for a student visa applicant include:
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Enrollment in a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
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Demonstrated financial capacity to pay for tuition and living expenses for the entire period of study for the student and any family members included in the visa.
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Being a genuine student with the primary goal of completing the intended course, which should be of demonstrated value for the applicant's career and future.
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Ability to meet health and character requirements.
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Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of the stay.
Expert Advice
If your goal goes beyond obtaining an Australian diploma, and you consider a student visa as one of the migration pathways to Australia, it is important to familiarize yourself with the demands of the Australian labour market when choosing a course and specialization. A good starting point is the list of skilled occupations on the Department of Home Affairs website. A migration agent can help interpret this information and provide further insights into specific demands in different states and territories. They can also assist you in choosing the right course of study to match your interests, background, and future aspirations.
NB! Beware of the restrictions for onshore student visa applicants - check if your current visa allows you to lodge a valid student visa application.
We will assist you in selecting an educational institution and a field of study considering your capabilities and preferences versus the skills shortages in Australia. Our expertise will ensure your migration strategy will lead not only to a permanent residency but to your employability in Australia.
You can choose one of these visas to study in Australia:
Student visa (subclass 500)
This is a temporary visa granted for the intended study period, but no longer than 5 years. This visa allows immediate family members to come and stay with the student. The main applicant's working rights are limited to 48 hours per fortnight, while other family members have no restrictions. Student visa holders (subclass 500) cannot access government benefits for medical care, education, etc., meaning children can only attend school on a paid basis. The main visa holder and all family members must maintain health insurance during their entire stay in Australia. The requirements for English language proficiency depend on the course of study the student is applying for: - IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for vocational courses. - IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) for a vocational course after completing at least 10 weeks of an English language (ELICOS) course. - IELTS 4.5 (or equivalent) for a vocational course after completing at least 20 weeks of an English language (ELICOS) course. - No proficiency needs to be demonstrated for an English language (ELICOS) course exclusively.
Training visa (subclass 407)
This temporary visa, valid for up to two years, is designed for professional development activities. Applicants must be sponsored and nominated by an eligible organization operating in Australia and approved by the Department as a Temporary Activity Sponsor. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate functional English proficiency (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent). This visa is suitable for professional development activities such as: - Obtaining a professional license, registration, or membership. - Improving skills in an eligible occupation through workplace-based training (applicants must have worked in the occupation full-time for at least 12 months in the preceding 24 months). - Capacity building overseas for students of foreign educational institutions, employees of government agencies, and managerial and professional employees of overseas employers. This visa allows immediate family members to accompany the applicant. The working rights of the applicant and their family members are limited to 40 hours per fortnight. Holders of subclass 407 visas cannot access government benefits for medical care, education, etc., meaning children can only attend school on a paid basis. The main visa holder and all family members must maintain health insurance throughout their stay in Australia.
Information on all available visas to Australia can be obtained during a consultation with a migration agent.
Obtaining an education in Australia offers clear advantages for those considering permanent relocation. It is a well-established pathway for professional and employer-sponsored migration. Graduates of Australian vocational and higher educational institutions can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), allowing them to stay for at least 1.5 years with full working rights. Australian education and work experience add points for professional visas and significantly increase the chances of finding an employer who can sponsor a temporary or permanent visa.
You can read more about the Graduate visa on our website.
A student visa is suitable for:
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Obtaining a world-class education recognized globally.
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Subsequent migration to Australia through work or professional visas.
A student visa imposes the following limitations:
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The amount of time a student can work in Australia.
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The total duration a student can stay in Australia, which is restricted to the length of their course of study.