Australian Study visa

Foreign students are actively encouraged to study in Australia by the Australian Government. There are a number of categories of student visa, most of which require a confirmed offer from an educational institution. Visas are given by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC will only grant you a student visa if your course is registered, or is part of a registered course, on a full time basis. A registered course is one offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. Visit the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS) website for more information.

Courses under three months duration can be undertaken on a visitor visa or working holiday visa. If you want to study for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa in Australia. You can apply for your student visa as soon as you receive a letter of offer or electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your full time course of study in Australia.

You should contact your local Australian Government office overseas to find out:

• How to file your visa application
• What documents you require.

Visa subclass/education sectors

There are a number of different types of student visas. The following subclasses are based on the education sector of your main course of study:

• 570 Independent ELICOS
• 571 Schools
• 572 Vocational Education and Training
• 573 Higher Education
• 574 Postgraduate Research
• 575 Non-Award
• 576 AusAID or Defence

Assessment Level

• For Australian study visa there are different assessment levels. Levels which decide what formalities you have to complete. For example for level 1 formality are less and you can apply online. The assessment level is determined by the passport held and visa subclass applied for.
• The assessment levels relate generally to how likely students are to comply with their visa conditions, based on previous students’ behavior. Assessment level 1 represents the lowest assessment level and assessment level 5 the highest.
• he higher the assessment level, the more evidence you will need to provide to demonstrate your financial capacity, understanding of the English language and other relevant matters.

Assesment level for indian students

Other Important points

• your capacity to cover the cost of air fares, course fees and living costs for the duration of your stay in Australia
• your level of English Language Proficiency in relation to that required for your assessment level and education sector of study
• the situation in your home country e.g. personal or financial commitments that may prompt you to return to your home country
• your academic record and history in the context of the course you intend to study
• your immigration history e.g. previous compliance with immigration laws and whether you have previously applied for entry to Australia