Obtaining an Australian student visa is critical to begin your course at an Australian university on time. With the change in norms and processing time of Australian student visa amidst Covid-19, it is crucial to be informed of the updates. This is so that you begin working on and submit your visa application well in advance to go through extended processing timelines. Also, in case the Immigration office requires the submission of additional documents for verification, the processing time would be extended further. To get your Australian student visa on time to begin your course, this blog will be your guide and help you with the entire student visa process for Australia.
Australia Process For Student Visa
The Australia student visa application you need will depend on three things. Your age, the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you want to stay and study in Australia. As an international student, you most commonly require a student Subclass 500 visa, regardless of your field of study.
On the official portal, you can insert your country of origin to obtain a list of Australian visa requirements. You can also register yourself for a medical exam before you apply for a student visa to Australia to be on the safer side.
After you apply, depending on your situation, you may be asked to:
- Attend a visa interview
- Provide evidence that you don't have any criminal records
- Provide more information
- Take a medical exam
The entire Australia student visa application process can vary depending on your nationality. It is best to start the application process as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from one of the Australian universities where you wish to study.
Note: Visit the official website to learn more about the recent updates on Australian student visas.
Australia Study Visa Process Step By Step: Application Process
Australia study visa process step by step is explained in detail below. It is crucial to follow all the steps to ensure your visa application is processed in time and without hassle.
Step 1: Register and apply to an Australian educational institution
- Receive Unconditional offer letter
- Accept the letter & pay the tuition fees & acquire OSHC
- Receive eCOE letters
Step 2: Collection of all the required documents
- Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Police background check clearance certificate from home country
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Scorecard of English Language Test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Proof of Funds (financial documents)
- GTE Requirement ( writing a statement saying you’re coming to Australia to study and is one a temporary visit)
- Other documents specifically required for your application (consult the visa staff handling your application)
Step 3: File the Australia student visa application
- Complete Visa online application form (Mostly Subclass 500)
- Make sure that your credit card has the right amount in AUD
- Applications cannot be taken for approval without paying the compulsory Australia student visa application fee
Step 4: Post submission of the Australia student visa application
- Book a medical check-up
- The check-up must be done by an approved Australian Immigration panel physician (hospital/clinic).
- Schedule an appointment for biometrics (if required)
- Submit any additional documents via your Immigration login account (as and when needed/asked)
Step 5: Visa Application Results
Upon approval of your student Visa, it will be sent by Immigration via email or postal address
Australian student Visas are electronic. Hence, you will not get any visa grant stamps on your passport
Australia Study Visa Processing Time
The updated Australia study visa processing time currently is seven to 85 days. The updated Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) has optimized the Australia student visa period.
As per the official website, let us find out the student visa for Australia from India processing time:
|
Stream |
75% Processing |
90% Processing |
|
Foreign affairs or defence sector |
45 days |
85 days |
|
Postgraduate research sector |
85 days |
8 months |
|
Independent ELICOS sector |
44 days |
78 days |
|
Vocational education and training sector |
7 months |
12 months |
|
Higher education sector |
57 days |
7 months |
Suggested: Australia student visa success rate
Process For Student Visa In Australia: Where To Apply?
The Australia process for student visa can be completed on the official website of Australian Immigration Authority. Before you start your Australia student visa process step by step, you must create an account at the above-given website. You will be asked to submit your name, phone number, and email address.
- Likely, you'll also have to provide biometrics during the student visa process for Australia from India. Your biometrics are a different identification method (e.g. fingerprinting and pictures) that Australia uses for security purposes.
- You can also apply via offline mode. Download or fill up the Australian student visa application form from the DICA online.
- Attach all supporting legal documents to your visa application and sign all necessary spaces that require your signature. Also, include a copy of your passport and the appropriate visa fee to complete your Australia study visa process.
- Please remember to fill up the visa application forms completely and adequately so that your visa application will be completed on time due to incomplete data.
- After completing the above-given steps, you can schedule an appointment with the Australian High Commission. And continue submitting additional documents in the study visa Australia processing time.
Suggested: Australia visa requirements
Process For Student Visa In Australia: When To Apply?
This section will give you details on the Australia student visa time period. You are required to appear for English eligibility tests per the university policy and have the required documents to apply for a student visa in Australia. Hence, you are always advised to apply 3-4 months in advance to avoid any last-minute rush in your Australia study visa processing time.
If you seek financial aid, scholarships, and education loans, you should add another couple of extra months to the process as these applications take more time.
Suggested: Student visa interview tips
|
It is highly suggested that you file the Australia student visa application at least 12 weeks before the day of orientation at your designated educational institution in Australia. |
Australia Student Visa Time: Working As A Student
When you move to Australia to study under a student visa (Subclass 500), you are eligible to work in any sector throughout the duration of the study. During your term at the university, you can work upto 40 hours in a period of two weeks. When your university declares study breaks during your course, you can work for unlimited hours during the study break. In case you land in Australia for your course earlier than the start date of your course, you can begin working even before you start studying at your university.
Australia Study Visa Cost
Answering the last but the most prominent question-” How much is the student visa fee for Australia?”
Irrespective of the Subclass 500 Student Visa you have opted for, the Australia study visa cost is the same. As an international student, you must pay a student visa Australia cost of AUD 650. However, an additional fee for applicant charges needs to be paid.
The acceptable credit cards are MasterCard, VISA, and American Express. You might have to incur banking and currency conversion fees when paying by credit card in Australian dollars. And the fluctuations in currency might affect the total fee.
Wrapping up
Utilizing all the information in this blog will help you throughout your Australian student visa application process. To keep up with the visa processing timeline, ensure you submit your complete application as early as possible. Finalizing the course and university you want to study at is the first step. If you need any help with deciding on the right course and Australian university for you, feel free to reach out to our Yocket counsellors anytime. We are here to help you.
