Australia Student Visa

Apart from choosing a university and course, your study abroad journey relies on various important steps like timely completion of the application process, good scores in competitive exams, acceptance letter from the university, etc. Obtaining a study Visa is one such step. When it comes to studying in Australia, you need to apply for a SUBCLASS 500 visa or what is also referred to as the Australia Student Visa. To give you a comprehensive overview, here is a blog that will shed light on the eligibility, application process, important documents, etc for obtaining this visa!

Learn All About the Upcoming November Intake in Australia!

Australia Student Visa News and Latest Updates 

1. As part of a temporary government initiative to help employees during lockdowns, international students in Australia will be able to obtain an emergency payout.
2. International students studying in Australia may be eligible for short-term financial support in Victoria. On Thursday (June 3), Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the government will provide up to $500 in compensation to workers who had been negatively impacted by the state’s lengthy lockdown. According to Morrison, persons who work more than 20 hours per week will be eligible for a A$500 payout, while those who work fewer hours would be eligible for a A$325 payout.
3. According to local media reports, a new proposal to allow overseas students to return to South Australia has been approved by SA Health and is now being reviewed by the federal government.
4. In Australia, all temporary visa holders, including elderly parents on tourist visas and overseas students, are eligible for free COVID-19 vaccinations. This protection is also accessible to refugees, asylum seekers, detainees, and migrants whose visas have been terminated. Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are being given to people in the country after being evaluated by the government’s medication and treatment regulatory organization.
5. Australia’s Home Affairs department affirmed that its skilled streams had not changed. In 2021-2022 the Program for Migration will retain a maximum of 160,000 for the 2021-22 Program for Migration. This comprises 79,600 skilled stream seats and 77,300 family stream seats.
6. The government stated that “visa holders who have been sponsored by an Australian firm in a PMSOL (Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List ) vocation would be subject to quarantine measures at their own expense.” “Existing skilled lists will remain operational and visas continue processed, but those in PMSOL jobs will have precedence.”
7. Last Friday, on July 2, 2021, the National Cabinet decided to a four-phase strategy to reopen the country, which would be contingent on Australians getting vaccinated. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated that the new plan to reopen the country has called into question the state’s long-term plans for returning overseas students.
8. The Covid-ravaged university industry has welcomed the news that overseas students may be able to return to Australia as early as December 2021 if New South Wales and Victoria approve experimental schemes to bring them back. However, some students who are still studying abroad are anxious about the cost of returning, as well as the possibility that degrees such as medical and engineering would be prioritised over others. Each state will have its own quarantine system. While it will be free for students in New South Wales, institutions in Victoria will determine who pays the $5,000 fee.
9. By the end of 2021, international students from India will be able to return to Australia. Australia has approved the Covishield vaccination produced in India for overseas visitors. According to official statistics, over 130,000 international students are now stuck abroad. In response to the news, Mr Tehan told Indian media that students from the South Asian country will be able to return to Australia in time for the next intake in 2022.

Australia Relaxes Visa Norms for International Students

What is the Subclass 500 Visa?

Whether you want to enrol in a long-term degree course or a short-term diploma, it is essential for international students to have an Australia student visa. Out of all the types of Visas, candidates have to apply for Subclass 500 in order to pursue higher education. Listed below are the types of study that are included in the visa:

• Vocational Education and Training 
• Higher Education 
• Primary and Secondary Schools 
• Postgraduate Research 
• Independent English Language Intensive Courses for overseas students 
• Non-awards Courses 

Australia Student Visa Requirements

If you are looking forward to applying for the Australia student visa, there are certain general requisites that you need to fulfil. Failing these, you may lose your chance of pursuing higher education from the country. Let us have a look at the Australia Study Visa requirements:

• The candidates must be 6 years of age or above.  
• You must be enrolled in a course of study in a recognized institution. You will be required to state evidence for the same.  
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
• You must qualify the English Proficiency tests like IELTS etc.
• Must be able to fund your education (Financial requirements).
• Health and character requirements
• Have adequate health insurance.   
• The minimum Student Visa Australia age limit is 18 years. Candidates must state the adequacy of welfare if they are under 18 years of age (not required for applicants above 18 years of age).
• Must not hold any other type of visa.
• You must be a temporary entrant and intend to return back after completing the program. 
• Must meet the health requirements. 
• Criminal record check results

How to Apply for a Visa for Different Countries?

Australia Student Visa Process 

The application process for the Student Visa for Australia from India must be started at least 6 weeks before the commencement of the course. Make sure you timely apply for it as the process may take time to be completed. Refer to the below-mentioned steps which will guide you about the Australia Study Visa process-

STEP 1: Visit the official website and create your account.

STEP 2: Fill up the application form corresponding to the Subclass 500.

STEP 3: Once you have filled in the details, you will be required to upload necessary documents like a copy of the passport, etc. 

STEP 4: You will receive a unique transaction number for your application through which you can check the status of your application.

Documents Required for Australia Student Visa

Enlisted are some of the important documents which have to submit by those who wish to secure an Australian Student Visa:

• A valid passport
• Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
• Proof for enrollment into a university or college 
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement 
• Academic and professional transcripts 
• Scorecard of your English language test
• Details of health insurance policy 
• Passport size pictures 
• Evidence stating the availability of funds for paying the tuition fee, living expenses, etc. 

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) condition, introduced in November 2011, stipulates that a visa application should be in a position to establish a real intention of residing temporarily for study or to attend a dependent student (i.e. a spouse or kid) or a guardian in Australia. The following elements will be considered by decision-makers in the Department of Home Affairs:

• Circumstances in your nation of origin.
• For you in Australia, potential scenarios.
• Value for the future of your selected course.
• Your history of immigration.

You may be requested to attend an interview at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to establish if you fit the GTE criteria. Some candidates will just be required to complete a visa application form.

Sample SOP for Australian Student Visa

Australia Student Visa Fees

The cost of the Student visa 500 for the primary applicant is around AUD$620. Each family member who applies for a visa will be charged. As an international student, you must pay the Student Visa Australia cost according to the categories listed below:

Australia Student Processing Time 

Processing timeframes can vary depending on the industry you’re applying for, and they can range from:

• 75% of applications in 29 days; 90% of applications in 42 days for the Higher Education Sector.
• 75% of applications in 43 days; 90% of applications in 77 days for Vocational Education and Training Sector.

Validity of Australia Student Visa

Once the applicants obtain the Australia Student Visa, they will be able to move in and out of the country. This is a temporary visa and the candidates will be allowed to stay in the country for around 5 years. Moreover, the actual duration will depend on the chosen program. Furthermore, the visa holders will be allowed to work for 40 hours every 2 week period once the course starts.

Working Rights on Australia Study Visa

The student visa 500 enables you to work up to 20 hours per week or 40 hours every two weeks. Once the training begins, you will be able to begin your part-time employment. International students enrolled in ACT public schools, on the other hand, are permitted to work a maximum of 10 hours per week throughout the academic school year.

Working After Graduation in Australia 

Australia continues to have a high need for international employees, and students who have completed a degree in Australia are eligible for a special work visa. There are numerous additional visa categories available to overseas students, and Australia offers a relatively simple points-based system for obtaining permanent residency. If you plan to stay and work in the United States after graduation, you must apply for and receive a work visa. Here are a handful of the visa types that are available in Australia 

Note: Spouses are generally granted the same privileges as the spouse who is already in Australia. As a result, if the spouse in Australia has the right to work, so will the spouse who arrives to join him or her. It should be noted, however, that only work permit holders are eligible to apply for dependent visas.

Why Study in Australia?

Popular Intakes in Australia

Candidates who are interested in studying in Australia can choose between the two major intakes provided by Australian universities in February and July. The February intake is the key intake for Australian universities because most programs are offered in this intake and the majority of overseas students apply during this period. Other intakes, such as September and November, allow students to choose and opt for vocational courses.

Cost of Studying and Living in Australia

Being regularly regarded as one of the safest study abroad destinations in the world, it becomes an ideal choice for any international student to choose Australia for their higher education.  Furthermore, the students must be well aware of the current cost of living and cost of study in Australia before opting for Australia student visa. Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying in Australia.

Top Universities in Australia (BONUS)

FAQs

Hopefully, this blog on Australia student visa has helped you gain an overview of the application process. A Visa application is a tedious task that also requires expert guidance. Get in touch with the Leverage Edu experts who will provide assistance in completing the visa process without any hassles!

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