If you’re hoping to study in Australia, you’ll need one very important tool: a valid visa! Australia’s only full-time student visa is called the Student (subclass 500) visa, so this is most likely the one you’ll need.
Although applying for a student visa can be a long process. From English language requirements to personal statements, there’s a lot to learn. But don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through it.
For the most updated information, remember to always check the Department of Home Affairs. In the meantime, let’s walk you through the basics of applying for a student visa in Australia.
Getting familiar with the ImmiAccount platform
The simplest and most common way to apply for an Australian student visa is online. The first step is to create an ImmiAccount for yourself. From here, you can begin your application (or get an education agent to help you with it).
We recommend spending a bit of time on the ImmiAccount platform to get familiar with it. With a little practice, you’ll ensure you know how to use it when it’s time to apply.
The Department of Home Affairs website has plenty of helpful information about the ImmiAccount and how to use it.
Taking an English language test
Depending on where you’re from, you may need to provide evidence of your English language skills as part of your visa application. This can be done by completing one of the many English tests recognised in Australia, such as the International English Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
In general, you’ll need to receive a minimum score in a recognised English language test to get a student visa.
When it comes to scores, there are a few important things to remember. Firstly, some university courses may require a higher level of English language proficiency and therefore a higher score. Be sure to visit your university’s website to double-check any course-specific conditions.
Secondly, even if you don’t meet the minimum score requirement, this doesn’t mean your international study dream is over! There are English pathway programs you can pursue to improve your language skills before beginning your course. Check out Curtin English to explore the English pathway courses available at Curtin, and even package your English language course with your university course.
Don’t forget that some citizens of some countries are exempt from English language testing. Read the full list of eligibility requirements under the Meet the English language requirements tab to see if this condition applies to you.
Providing proof of funds
When applying for a student visa, you may need to prove you have enough money in your bank account to support yourself and any dependents you may be bringing, such as a spouse or child.
You’ll need to prove that you have enough money for the following:
- 12 months of course fees
- 12 months of living costs for you and any dependents
- Your travel to Australia
- School fees for any school-age children you are bringing with you.
We know what you might be thinking: exactly how much is all of this? The short answer: it depends on your unique circumstances. The Australian Government provides guidance on how to calculate these expenses here under the Gather your documents tab.
You must be as accurate as possible, so take your time in calculating these costs.
Writing a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
A GTE statement is a short letter (roughly 300 words in total) that you’ll write to confirm to the Australian Government that you are interested in studying in Australia on a temporary basis.
The GTE statement serves two main purposes:
- To affirm that you are genuinely coming to Australia to study, and
- To affirm that you won’t try to stay in Australia after your visa has expired.
The Australian Government assesses GTE statements using certain criteria. It is important to provide information about your motivation for studying in Australia. You also need to show that you have strong ties to your home country. This might include your family and friends or an employment opportunity.
Paying the application fee
To submit your application, you will need to pay a fee. As of September 2023, the fee is A$710, which can be paid via the ImmiAccount portal.
You will also need to pay a fee for your partner or children if you decide to bring them with you. You can use the Australian Government’s official visa pricing estimator to work out how much your visa will cost.
Monitoring the status of your application
Once you’ve submitted your application, you may find yourself wondering if or when you’ll be approved. Fortunately, you can keep track of your application status via the ImmiAccount platform.
Keep an eye on it and make sure to reply to any requests for more information as soon as possible.
If it feels like your visa is taking a while to come in, check the global processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. Using this interactive tool, you can enter your visa subclass and the date you submitted your application. It will then tell you if your application is still in the normal processing time range.
Where to find visa support
Keen to get started but need a bit of help? It might be worth seeking the help of a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). These experts can help with your visa application process from beginning to end, giving you advice and updating you on the progress of your application. This is often a paid service but can be free if you meet certain criteria.
To learn more about student visa requirements, visit our website. For any questions about applying to Curtin University – get in touch with our friendly enquiries team. Good luck with your application!
