Student Visa Process

Process to obtain Australian Student Visa for international students. Any person who intends to undertake full-time study in a registered course in Australia needs to obtain a Australian Student Visa. A Student Visa permits the holder to travel to, enter and remain in Australia for the duration of the registered course of study. Overseas students cannot undertake part-time study in Australia and must leave Australia on completion of their course of study.

Application

Students wishing to study in Australia should apply using form 157A and pay the current visa application charge.

Documentation to submit with your application:

• Four recent passport-sized photographs for each applicant.
• Completed 'details of relatives' form
• IELTS test results

Changes to the student visa regulations require varying evidence of funds dependent on the subclass of student visa applied for. Applicants should show funds and (income that support these funds) enough to cover, course fee, and living costs in Australia (AUD 12,000 pa) as well as amounts covering other family members. For details relating to the specific financial evidentiary requirements for each subclass www.immi.gov.au/students

• All original education documents including all mark sheets for degrees
• Affidavit of support from the person providing financial support
• For applicants below 18 years of age, details of arranged guardianship in Australia plus an affidavit from the student's parents agreeing to the guardianship arrangement
• Education loan (HECS) or bank statement from the person(s) providing support outlining transactions for the past 6 months

Processing Times

Student applicants should lodge applications no more than 3 months and at least 4 weeks before course commencement dates. Some applications take longer to process. Students may be asked to undertake further medicals and some delays may be experienced due to the need to verify bank or education documents. Nepalese applicants need to take into account the time taken for documents and letters to be sent and received by the Visa Office.