Student visa
application

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?

1. Course and Institution Application

There are several things you need to consider once you have selected a course and your preferred institution. Tuition fees, duration of the course, and whether you are qualified for acceptance into the course as an international student. Make sure you know which level of qualification you wish to apply for, as they do vary between institutions. To check whether a course is eligible for international enrolment, you should visit the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). If you’re still searching for your ideal course in Australia for international students, you can find courses and institutions using Edugate’s course search. Our education consultants can also help you through your decision-making process so feel free to contact us now! Just fill in your name and email at the top of the page to get a free consultation!

2. Accept a Letter of Offer

Once you apply for your chosen course, your chosen institution will assess your student visa application. This can be a lengthy process, sometimes lasting several months. Once reviewed, your institution will send you a Letter of Offer. You must read this carefully and ensure you can comply with all of the requirements listed within. This letter outlines your course, the conditions of your enrolment, any fees that are applicable to your course, and the refund policy should you not complete your studies. It is essentially a contract between you and the institution.

3. Receive an ECOE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)

The third step in the process is the ECOE. Your institution will send you an ECOE once you confirm your enrolment and make any applicable payment for the course. This means that you, the student, will need to make a payment to their account at their enrolled university or institution. The payment amount will be stated in your offer letter. You will need to sign the acceptance of the offer and your institution will then issue you with an ECOE. This forms the basis for your student visa application in Australia. The ECOE outlines all details regarding the course in which you are enrolled, such as start date, fees, and course duration.

4. Obtain Cost-Effective OSHC

All applications also require you to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and this must be provided at the time of your application. You can compare OSHC and choose the one that is best for you by clicking here.

5. Preparation of GTE

Edugate will assist you through the process of preparing the GTE (Genuine temporary entrant requirement). All applicants for a student visa must show they are coming to Australia temporarily to gain a quality education. The GTE requires international students to write a personal statement addressing the requirements as listed on the website.

6. Apply for the Student Visa

All student visa applications in Australia are submitted online. See below for further information regarding the required documentation.

What Documentation Will Be Required
for my Student Visa Application?

You may be required to submit the following pieces of Documentary Evidence as listed on the Immigration and Citizenship website.

• Iden​tity​
• Evidence of intended study
• Welfare arrangements for under 18-year-old students​
• Parental​l consent
• Health insurance​
• Evidence of financial ​capacity
• Evidence of English language ability​ (This must be evidence that you have either obtained a satisfactory test score in an English language test that has been approved by us or if you fall into an exemption category).
• Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement​
• Change of name​e
• Relationship – spouse, de facto partner​​​
• Employment​​ent​ his​​tory
• Migration agent – Form 956​ Advice by a migration agent/exempt person
• Appointment or withdrawal of​​​ an authorized recipient – Form 956A
• Evidence of school enrolment for dependants
• Research Students

Check the Document Checklist tool to find out which specific documents need to be attached to your individual application. Please note that not all students will be required to provide all pieces of evidence as listed above. Some students will require more or less, depending on their country of origin and enrolled educational institution. In some instances, even when all required documents have been submitted, Home Affairs may ask for additional clarification prior to issuing the visa.

You may be required to submit further information or undergo a medical examination if deemed necessary by your assigned Immigration Case Officer. Each student is issued a unique TRN (Transaction Reference Number) by the Australian Government. You can then find out about the status of your application online.

Can I Obtain Assistance in the Student
Visa Application Process?

The education consultants at Edugate will assist you with your student visa application and paperwork. This is a complimentary service to all students who are enrolled via Edugate’s services. Apply now and get a free consultation!

How Do I ensure My Student Visa
Remains Valid?

The following information regarding visa compliance is stated on the Australian Government Study in Australia website.
Once you have received your visa, there are several requirements you must meet in order for it to remain valid, including:
✓ You must remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance.
✓ If you wish to change your qualification level, then you may need to apply for a new student visa in Australia (this applies to a downgrading of qualification level).
✓ Provide your Australian address to your educational institution so they can contact you. Ensure you notify them of any changes to your address throughout the duration of your enrolment.
✓ You must continue to be able to support yourself financially while you are living in Australia.
✓ Do not breach the working conditions applicable to your student visa.
✓ Comply with all conditions on your student visa.

Can I Stay in Australia?

If your student visa is due to expire prior to the completion of your studies, then you will have to request an extension on your student visa in Australia. There are also other visa types that may apply to you which you could apply for.

View the full list of Australian student visas
Explore visa options for working in Australia
Explore visa options for staying in Australia

While Australia is the main destination, our consultants have recently begun assisting with international destinations as we have recently engaged with global providers.