- Home
- About us
- Visas and migration
- Travelling to Australia
- Services for Australians
- Doing business with Australia
- Study in Australia
- Media
- About Australia
- Australia's International Relations
- Events
Student visas
Detailed information about student visas is available from the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) website.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm
For general information about studying in Australia,
see: http://www.study-in-australia.org
Who is this visa for?
A student visa allows you to study in Australia, including English language courses, school courses, vocational education or university courses. You should apply for the type of student visa which matches your main course of study.
If you are planning on doing a short course of study, ie for less than 3 months, you can do this with a tourist visa.
See: Tourist Visas
News: permission to work for student visa holders
Since 26 April 2008, all student visas are granted with permission to work. This means most student visa holders no longer need to apply separately in Australia for work rights (the permitted hours of work have not changed). For more information, please visit the DIAC website.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/whats_new.htm
How to apply
Some student visa applications can be made via the internet, other applications need to be lodged at our office.
Please go to the DIAC website: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/chooser/index.htm From this webpage, select the type of student visa required for your course, then select your country of nationality and follow the instructions for completing an application (checklists of documents are included). You will be advised during this process whether you are eligible to apply for your visa via the internet (eVisa).
For more help with internet (online) visa applications, see: Online visa applications
Please note that if you are applying for a student visa to undertake a secondary school exchange program, you will need to lodge an application at our office.
Applying at the Embassy
If you are instructed to make your visa application to the Australian Embassy, you can send us the application by mail or courier, or deliver it in person with a lodgement appointment.
See: Contact us.
Please note that if you choose to apply in person, we may not be able to make a decision on your application the same day.
For information about fee payment for applications made to the Embassy, see: Fees
Medical examination
Please note that medical examinations are required for all applicants. If you are lodging your visa application at our office and are Assessment Level 1 or 2*, please arrange your medical examination before lodging the application by contacting one of our panel doctors.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/panel-doctors/index.htm
*To check your Assessment Level, see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1219i.pdf
The doctor will send the results of your medical examination directly to our office. (Please note that the examination fee is not refundable if your visa application is not approved.)
Additional documents/interview
In some cases, after we have examined your application, we will contact you to request additional documents (eg additional evidence relating to the funding of your studies, police clearance certificate) or to conduct an interview, before making a decision on your application.
Processing times
For service standards for student visa processing,
see: http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/2.0.htm
Depending on individual circumstances, applications may take shorter or longer than the indicated standard processing times. For example, where a visa applicant has previously breached Australian visa conditions, processing times are likely to be longer than average. You are encouraged to apply well before the start date of your course in Australia.
Student Guardian Visas
A Student Guardian Visa is available for parents or other relatives who wish to look after a school-aged child who holds a student visa during their stay in Australia. For information about Student Guardian visas, see: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/student_guardians/index.htm