Student Visa

Overview

Once granted, the visa permits the holder to enter and remain in Australia. While in Australia, you will be permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight whilst your course is in session once your course has commenced. Different work provisions apply to higher education research Masters and Doctoral level courses.



If you are considering study in Australia on a student visa, we can assist you with your visa application.

About this Visa

You must be enrolled in a Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registered course. Students must also obtain Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) prior to the date you are to arrive in Australia and for the duration of your intended stay in Australia.

Genuine Temporary Entrant Criteria

Often, a student visa can lead to permanent residency. The Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria however, means that to be eligible for a student visa, you must evidence your intention to remain in Australia temporarily. There are a number of factors the department considers when determining whether an application intends to come to Australia temporarily which include (but are not limited to):

• your personal circumstances in your home country
• your potential circumstances in Australia
• why you have chosen to study in Australia and not your home country
• your immigration history
• any other matter that is relevant to your intention to remain in Australia temporarily

Financial capacity

You will need to provide evidence that you have genuine access to ‘sufficient funds’. Legislation sets out the amount of funds that you require, and the types of evidence that you can provide to demonstrate evidence of your financial capacity. These costs will need to cover your course fees, airfares and living costs.

English proficiency

You may need to show evidence of proficient English language ability. This can be done by way of a declaration if you are from a certain country of origin. of an English test conducted within the last 2 years from an approved provider.

Exemptions to undertaking an English test may apply depending on your course, country of origin and study conducted in specified countries. 

Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) 

If you have a child who is an international student younger than 18 years of age studying in Australia on a student visa, you may be eligible for a Student Guardian Visa. This visa enables the holder to remain in Australia whilst their child undertakes their study.

You must be a parent or person who has custody of the student, or a relative who is 21 years or older and has been nominated in writing by a parent or someone who has custody of the student.

Holders of a Student Guardian Visa are generally not able to bring family members who are younger than 6 years of age with them.

We Are Here To Help

Meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria is often the most significant hurdle applicants face in trying to obtain a student visa.

Addressing this criteria and being able to show sufficient financial evidence requires a carefully prepared application.

A Registered Migration Agent will be able to work with you to ensure your application is strong, giving you the best chances of kickstarting your education in Australia.