If you are intending to study a formal course of study in Australia you will need to apply for a student visa through your nearest Australian High Commission. A student visa can only be granted to a student if you are enrolled in a registered, full-time course in Australia. All courses for international students, and the Australian education and training institutions that offer them, must be registered with the Australian Government.

To be granted a student visa you will need to:

• Complete the required application form and submit with:

• Supporting documentation

• The application fee

• Satisfy Visa requirements

In the case of students qualifying for a Level 1 visa classification (all students from Reunion Island and specific categories of students from Botswana, Mauritius and South Africa), visa applications can be made online: http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/students.htm. Applications for e-visas are usually processed within 5 to 10 working days.

The processing of the remaining student visa applications in this region (assessment Levels 2 and 3) takes on average 6 – 8 weeks.

Please note that sometimes delays with visa processing could be experienced, especially if immigration need to request for further documentation or if your medicals are delayed. It is a good idea to lodge your visa application at the earliest possible time to make sure you are able to start your course on time (as soon as you receive your letter of offer and have all your documents).

You can decide to lodge the application yourself or you can use a student agent for the paper-based visas. Your institution will be able to recommend an agent in your area who is familiar with the student visa regulations and can assist you with the process of obtaining a student visa. Find out where and how to lodge your application here.

Your application will be assessed according to your assessment level. The country of your nationality and the education sector for which you are seeking a student visa determines your assessment level.

Country Assessment level (CAL) is based on your nationality and ranges from 1-5.  You can find out your assessment level here. The supporting documentation you will need to submit with your application will differ depending on what course you will be studying and what CAL you are to be assessed under.

In general, if you are granted a student visa you will be issued with a multiple entry visa for the length of the course. This allows you to travel to and from Australia within the period for which it has been granted. It is also possible for members of your immediate family (spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age) to accompany you to Australia or join you during your study. Please contact your nearest DIAC office for advice, forms and requirements for student dependent applications. You can also download the application form and information from the DIAC website – www.immi.gov.au

If you want to stay in Australia after the completion of your qualification you will need to apply for another visa.  

STUDENT eVISA LODGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CERTAIN AFRICAN EDUCATION SECTORS

Please click here to view the updated information in this document (PDF)

You can view all the requirements by clicking on the items below ...