Student visas: Australia

Anyone enrolling as an international student on a course of study lasting three months or more in Australia must apply for a student visa. 

Please note that in order to apply for a student visa for Australia, you must have an unconditional offer of place at a university, have accepted that place in writing and paid the required tuition fee deposit. It is therefore one of the last parts of the process to organise.

What type of visa Will I need?

If you are a citizen of the UK or Ireland, you are classed as Assessment Level One for an Australian student visa. For higher education studies, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees by coursework you will be applying for a subclass 573 student visa. For postgraduate programmes by research, a subclass 574 student visa is required.

When should I apply?

You can only apply for your student visa once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen university in Australia. In order to obtain a CoE, you must have been given a formal offer of place, accepted it in writing and paid a deposit toward your tuition fees. You can only apply for your student visa up to 124 days before your course starts. 

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit on a student visa for Australia (unlike the Working Holiday Visa scheme).  

Can I still get a student visa if I’ve already used my working holiday visa?

Yes, your working holiday visa status has no impact on your student visa – the two are completely separate.  

How soon can I arrive in Australia?

You can arrive in Australia up to 90 days before your course starts. 

Can I work on this visa?

You will be able to work up to 20 hours per week during term, and full time in the holidays. Your visa will automatically be issued with a ‘permission to work’ component, although please note that you are not permitted to begin working until your course has started. Work that is a formal registered part of your course is not included in the limit of 20 hours per week. If you are doing unpaid or voluntary work you must still apply for permission to work. This is included in the limit of 20 hours.  

How much does it cost?

The student visa application fee is currently A$540 (£315) which will need to be paid when you submit your visa application. 

How long does it last?

Your student visa will last for the duration of your studies (including holiday periods) and will allow you some time to remain in Australia at the end of your course. The latter ranges from one to three months, depending on the length of your course and the month in which it ends. If your course ends in November or December, your visa will usually cease on March 15 of the following year.  

How long does a student visa take to get?

Visa processing times vary but you should allow at least four weeks.  

What do I need to apply?

You will need a completed student visa application form (or have completed the form online), your Confirmation of Enrolment, the visa application charge, four recent passport sized photos and evidence that you have paid your Overseas Health Cover. You will also need to provide certain health documents for your application, but should only do so when asked to by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.