The Australian Government operates an overseas student program that allows people to come and study in Australia.

Applicants may come to Australia and study:

1. English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) – for applicants who would like to come to Australia to learn English as a stand-alone course, not leading to an Australian Award;

2. School – for applicants who would like to come to Australia to study at a primary school or secondary school level (Kindergarten through to year 12). Applicants must show that their age is appropriate for entry into the grade/year that they have nominated. If the applicant is under the age of 18, they must show evidence that appropriate arrangements have been made with regards to their welfare by way of legal guardianship or home stay care;

3. Vocational and Education Training (VET) – for applicants who would like to come to Australia and undertake study and training that would lead to a vocational qualification. Applicants will complete either a Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma, Advanced or Associate Diploma;

4. Higher Education – for applicants who would like to come to Australia and undertake study at a tertiary level. Applicants will complete either a Bachelors Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Associate Degree or a Masters by Coursework;

5. Masters and Doctorate – for applicants who would like to come to Australia and complete postgraduate studies. Applicants will either complete a Masters Degree (by research) or a Doctoral Degree.

Applicants must study full-time in a course that is registered with the Australian Government.

In order to be granted a student visa, the applicant is required to submit evidence to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to prove that they are a genuine student, that they respect the laws of Australia and will not contravene the conditions of their student visa. To do this, applicants are required to show DIAC that they:

- Have the financial means to support themselves whilst studying in Australia;
- Meet English language ability requirements; and
- Other matters, such as, they have the academic ability to complete their nominated course.

The amount of evidence required depends on the applicant’s study program and country of citizenship. At present there is a 5-tier assessment level regime. Students are given an assessment level based on statistical evidence held by DIAC, of visa compliance from previous Student Visa holders from that country. The higher the applicant’s assessment level, the more stringent the student visa application process. In other words, to be granted a student visa, an applicant must prove to DIAC that they are a genuine student. To do this, they must provide DIAC with the evidence required of them from their assigned assessment level.

In addition to all this, the applicant must meet:

- All Public Interest Criteria’s subject to their application; and
- All health and character requirements. The applicant must also purchase the relevant Overseas Student Health Cover.

Once granted a student visa, the applicant can:

- Come to Australia and study their nominated course;
- Once their course commences, they may work up to 20 hours per week whilst the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks; and
- Bring eligible family members (that were declared in the student’s original application) to Australia. Family members that accompany students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week once the student’s course commences. The visa issued to eligible family members will generally expire the same time that the student’s visa expire.

After the student has completed their course of study, they may be eligible to apply for a skills visa or other temporary work visas.

As noted in the skill visa section of this webpage, a skills visa is an avenue that applicants may pursue to be eligible for Permanent Residency. If your intention is to use the qualifications gained from your student visa as an avenue for a temporary work visa or another type of skills visa, you should contact our office for further information as not all Australian qualifications entitle you to such a visa.