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Australian visas: what you need to have
Does the lure of sunshine, surf and sandy beaches, not to mention top undergraduate education appeal? QS top universities looks at what you need for a student visa if you’re considering studying abroad in Australia.
Studying abroad for an undergraduate degree in Australia is growing in popularity and the country down under is making it increasingly easy for undergraduate students from all corners of the globe to do so. The Australian Government operates an Overseas Student Program (OSP) that allows people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents to study in Australia. It’s still important to get all of the right documentation when applying for your visa, so QS top universities has put together the following guide as a point of call for you to begin your visa application.
Do I need a student visa?
If you are not an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident then you need to obtain a visa to study in Australia, no matter what country you come from. You can only be granted a student visa if you are planning on studying a registered course or part of a registered course full time. The type of visa you will need is called a Temporary Visa (Subclass 573). This visa allows you to study towards a bachelor degree, associate degree, graduate certificate or diploma, or a masters degree.
This visa also allows you to work for up to 20 hours per week while you are studying and unlimited hours during university breaks. If you wish, an eligible dependant family member can live with you in Australia on this visa and they can also work up to 20 hours per week provided you have begun studying.
If your course is 10 months or less in length then your visa will be eligible for one month longer than the duration of your course. For example if you enrol in an eight month course, your visa will be for nine months. If your course is longer than 10 months, then your visa will be eligible for an extra two months after your completion date.
How much does a student visa cost?
The cost of a student visa to study abroad in Australia is AUS$450. However, fees may change so check before you apply.
What documentation do I need?
Before you can begin to apply for your student visa you must have been accepted into a registered program of study in Australia. There are also a number of financial, health and academic requirements you must meet.
· Financial requirements:
You must have enough money to pay for your travel, your study and your living expenses while studying abroad in Australia.
· Health requirements:
You must organise health insurance while you are studying abroad in Australia. You can do this through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
· Academic requirements:
You must have a good level of spoken English but this will also depend on the course you have enroled in so make sure you check with the university or institution that you wish to study with.
You will also need to provide your academic history but again, the university or institution you have chosen to study with will let you know what results they need.
If you are 18 or over you must declare that you will respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia. When you sign the application form it means you will also be signing the values statement.
All documents submitted as part of your application must be in English, so make sure you allow time – and money - for any translation that may be needed.
The Australian Government, Department of Immigration and Citizenship has a helpful checklist to ensure you have all the documents necessary before you submit your application. See the website below.
Study Abroad