Australia is one of the most developed countries in the world and boasts of excellent educational infrastructure. It is home to some of the finest universities in the world that enjoy an excellent reputation in the academic community and as such attract thousands of students from all over the world. Studying at a reputed Australian University or TAFE could be a life-changing decision that could alter the direction of your life and take your career prospects to new heights. In order to pursue your educational dreams in Australia, you need to obtain an Australian Student Visa from the Australian Embassy/Consulate.
In this article, we will discuss the various aspects related to Student Visa to Australia for Indian students.
Who needs a student visa?
A Student Visa is required to enter Australia to pursue your educational course as a full-time student. It is only granted for pursuing a full-time course as an International student; you can not pursue the course as a part-time or local student. Indian students need to apply for a student visa if they wish to pursue any of the following educational programs in any of the recognised educational institutions in Australia: -
- Primary and secondary schools
- Secondary school exchange programs
- Non-Award Courses
- Independent ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
- Higher Education
- Graduate and Post Graduate Coursework
- Postgraduate Research
- Vocational Education and Training
- International students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs or Defence
Pre-requisites for an Australian Student Visa
There are some Australia visa requirements that you must fulfill before you start the process of applying for an Australia Student Visa. Following are the various pre-requisites that you must comply with, before initiating your application for Australia visa for Indian students: -
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): - Getting a confirmation of enrollment is the most critical requirement for Australia visa for Indian students. After you have applied for admission in a course at a University or recognised education provider, if your application is found in order, the University issues a Letter of confirmation. This letter is a confirmation from the University that you have been accepted as a student along with other relevant details related to the course. You need this letter before applying for a Student visa.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): - It is necessary for you to have insurance coverage to cover any medical expenses that may be incurred while you are studying in Australia. It is a base level cover only and ensures that you receive same medical treatment as an Australian student. OSHC has been made compulsory by the Australian Government, and you must get the policy before submitting your visa application.
- Valid Passport: - Your passport should be valid for the whole duration of your stay in Australia. As it would be tough to get your passport renewed when you are in a foreign country.
- Proof of Temporary Stay: - You also need evidence to establish the fact that your stay in Australia is meant for pursuing the course only and once it is completed you will return back to your home country.
What are the documents needed?
In addition to the documents mentioned above, there are various other documents that you would require to be submitted with your application for Australia visa for Indian students. You would need to upload these documents with your visa application, so you must have scanned copies for the same on your computer when you are filling out your application form.
- In order to establish your necessary eligibility criteria for pursuing the course, you need to submit the certified copies of your IELTS score, GMAT Score, TOEFL score or other relevant test results.
- You need to furnish your bank statements, financial documents to establish your ability to pay for your University fees and living expenses.
- To establish your experience credentials, you need to provide copies of your appointment letters, salary slip, salary certificates etc.
- Certified copies of your latest educational results, character certificates, recommendation letters, and other relevant documents. You can follow this link to access the complete list of documents required: -
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/500-
Procedure for a student visa
As a student, you need to apply for a Visa subclass 500. You can file an application for a Student visa for Australia 124 days before the commencement of your course. You need to follow this link https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/500 and then follow the below-mentioned process while applying for Australia visa for Indian students: -
- On the first page, you will be required to enter information related to your nationality and CoE codes. You also need to choose your education sector according to the course you are going to pursue.
- Now you will be required to fill out all your personal details, family details, work experience details, educational qualifications, health records and any criminal records. You just need to follow the on-screen prompts and enter the information in relevant fields. You can save your application if you want to continue filling it later. Double check the information before submitting the application as any wrong information can lead to cancellation of your application.
- Once you have filled out the application form, you must pay the visa fees. You can pay the visa fees using your credit card. For more information regarding the acceptable modes of payment, follow this link.
After you have successfully made the payment, you will receive the receipt with a TRN-Number (Transaction Reference Number). Keep this receipt safely, as you would require it later also.
- You will be required to undergo a health check-up at an approved medical centre. You must book your appointment for a health check-up only after you have filled the application form and paid the visa fees as you require the TRN Number for the same. You will receive instructions regarding the details of your medical test along with a list of approved doctors.
- Depending on the number of applications, the decision on your visa application can take up to two weeks.
- You will receive an email from the Australian Immigration Authorities after a decision regarding your visa has been taken. The student visa is e-visa, so if you want physical proof, you can take a print out of the grant letter which you will receive online.
Things to keep in Mind
Following are some of the essential things that you should keep in mind while applying for Australia visa for Indian students: -
- After you have received your visa, you can enter Australia up to 90 days before your course commences.
- You can book your accommodation through your coursework provider. If you choose to book your accommodation yourself, you must intimate the address to your school within 7 days of your arrival in Australia.
- You must follow the date limits mentioned on your visa i.e. the maximum number of days for which you can stay in Australia, after completing your course.
- Your visa has clearly mentioned allowable working hours, please make sure that you do not cross that limit.
- If you change your coursework provider or the course that you were supposed to pursue, you must inform the immigration department at the earliest.
- Always keep a copy of all your documents and certificates with you. In case you lose your baggage, or it gets stolen, these copies would come in handy.
Reasons for rejection
Following are some of the reasons that could lead to rejection of your application for an Australia visa for Indian students: -
- You have filled in incorrect or wrong information in your Application form.
- The copies of documents uploaded are unclear and are not legible.
- Your supporting documents did not satisfy the Immigration department.
- Your financials are not enough to meet the requirements of your living expenses when in Australia.
- You failed the medical examination.
- You were not able to provide additional documents to the immigration department on time.
- Some discrepancies in your police clearance certificate.
Australia offers immense opportunities to students to study in some of the best universities in the world and take their skill set to the next level. You just need to keep in mind the above information and the whole process for Australia visa for Indian students would be a comfortable exercise. This information is for your knowledge purpose only, we do not provide any services for student visa to Australia.