List of Documents for Australian Student Visa

So, you have decided to study in Australia and even received your Confirmation of Enrolment. But, what next?

Well, getting into Australian colleges is only the first step to studying abroad and the visa process is one of the crucial ones that can either make or break your education plan for studying in Australia. Before you start your student visa application for Australia and know-how to apply for a student visa for Australia, you should have all the necessary Australian student visa documents in order to enter Australia and begin this life-altering journey of studying in the Land Down Under.

The Australian government also offers various scholarships to Indian students which again would require them to first secure a student visa for Australia. Australia's student visa requirements will vary depending on your field of study, age, and how long you would want to live in the country.

In this article, we are going to discuss the various student visa categories in Australia, How to apply for a student visa for Australia, the documents required, Australian Student Visa Checklist, and much more.

Categories for Student Visa Application for Australia

The sheer quantity of visa alternatives makes it difficult to understand at certain times what documents are required for an Australian student visa. Every category of visa has its own set of requirements, some of which could be mandatory for some and optional for others. The Australia student visa document checklist falls into the various categories provided below:

1. Independent ELICOS Sector Visa (subclass 570): This visa allows international students to stay in Australia and study English Language Intensive Courses. If the student has to take ELICOS in order to study another course, the student should apply under the relevant subclass.

2. Schools Sector Visa (subclass 571): This visa is for those students who want to study full-time in Australia. It can be used for students who want to study a secondary school course or a primary school course.

3. Vocational Education and Training Sector Visa (subclass 572): This visa is for those who want to stay in Australia and study full-time in the country. They can study various vocational courses such as Certificate I, II, III, and IV.

4. Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573): For international students, this visa can allow them to study full-time in Australia. They can pursue a bachelor's degree or a graduate diploma.

5. Postgraduate Research Sector Visa (subclass 574): For international students who want to do postgraduate research in Australia, this visa is for them.

6. Non-Award Sector Visa (subclass 575): This visa can be used for students who wish to stay in Australia and study either a foundation studies course or a full-time course that doesn't lead to an Australian award.

7. Foreign Affairs or Defense Sector Visa (subclass 576): Students who are sponsored by a government agency or institution can also study full-time in Australia.

8. Student Guardian Visa (subclass 580): The visa accommodates people who as the guardians of an international student, can stay in Australia and study without leaving their country.

Australia Student Visa Fee

For a student visa application for Australia, you must pay Australian student visa fees as per the below category you fall in:

List of Documents Required for Australia Student Visa

Now that you have a complete understanding of the type of visa you fit in, let us look at the list of Australian Student Visa Checklist.

1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE):

The confirmation of enrollment is a certificate that shows that the course has been approved by the institution and is officially recognized by the Commonwealth Register of Higher Education. This is also the document that confirms that the course you're applying for is approved and registered under the CICOS. If you're planning to take a course that's not approved by the institution, you need to provide an Independent CoE for each of the classes you plan to take.

2. Valid Passport:

Before you apply for a visa, you must have a valid passport that has at least 6 months of validity. For instance, if you're planning on applying for a visa for July 2015, you should have a valid passport that's been issued since July 1. At the time of your application, you should have a visa that's valid until January 1, 2016. After completing the online application for a visa, you can then update your details and obtain a new passport by sending an email to the embassy.

3. English Language Proficiency:

Indian students are required to provide proof of English proficiency in order to secure a visa to Australia. This is done through the presence of an official English Language Proficiency certificate, which you will receive after you have cleared one of the tests among the TOEFL, IELTS and PTE Academic.

4. Health Insurance:

You need to provide proof that you're in good physical health in order to get a student visa in Australia. The medical certificate and the health checkup are only provided by the doctors who'll be filling out the necessary forms. You can get in touch with them through the link below and provide the necessary details.

Although it's not required, a health check is also helpful if you're planning on getting a visa. Having it before the application process would speed up the processing of the visa. Aside from a medical check, you also need to provide an OSHC or an overseas student health cover. Depending on the duration of your stay in Australia, the cost of your health insurance will also determine the length of your visa.

5. Proof of Funds:

Like many other countries, you would need to prove that you have enough funds to live comfortably while in Australia. This would be done by providing a letter from the bank that confirms your financial capacity. It would also be required if you apply for a student loan.

6. Penal Clearance:

Students also need to provide a police clearance or a penalty clearance to confirm their character and to study in Australia. This process would be carried out by the regional passport office of Australia. It would be completed in writing and signed by the student.

7. Academic Transcripts and Certificates:

Applicants will be required to submit their academic transcripts officially notarised by the university admissions office.

8. Passport-size photographs:

To avoid getting rejected, you should submit 4 passport-sized photos. They should be on the shoulders and head against a plain background and your name should be printed at the back of each picture.

9. Credit Card/Debit Card:

In addition, students also need to have a debit or credit card to pay the visa fee. The current fee for Student Visa is only AUD 535. This is subject to change and should be checked before applying.

You can enter Australia on a student visa for up to 90 days before the course starts. Once you're in Australia, you must inform your education provider of your address. You can work up to 40 hours per week during term time and full-time in the holiday season. However, you should not rely on work in Australia to support yourself and your family.

If you are studying for a master's degree or a PhD in Australia, then you do not have to abide by work restrictions and if you are working for a non-profit organization, you're not required to work 40 hours a week. Upon entering Australia, you have certain obligations to fulfil. This includes attending classes regularly and keeping up with the OSHC health insurance. You and your family also have to comply with certain visa conditions.

Guidelines for Documents Required for Australia Student Visa

All your Australia student visa documents required for the application process must be in English. If they are not, you must have the documents translated by a reputable translator; however, you must also provide the original copy of the document along with the translation.

If you are a resident of Australia, the National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) requires that the documents be translated by accredited translators. The translator you hire must include their full name, address, contact information, and educational background if you reside outside of Australia.

Unless otherwise requested, you must only provide copies of the documents in the original format. Your Australia student visa documents can be submitted as coloured scans. The only records that may be original copies are police clearances.

When and How to Apply for Student Visa for Australia

Applicants may apply for an Australian student visa up to 124 days before the start of their term. Under the new SSVF Guidelines, you can also visit Australia up to 90 days before the commencement of your study. Australian Student Visa applications must be submitted online only. There are four steps to follow:

Step 1: To begin an online application, you must first create an 'ImmiAccount' and fill in your login credentials.

Step 2: Applicants must complete the visa application form for the visa subclass in which they are qualified to apply. (Student e-Visa applications can be lodged on behalf of students by education agencies and Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) headquartered in India who are registered to utilise the student online lodgement option.)

Step 3: To track your application, you will need to log back into your ImmiAccount. (You may use your account to upload documents, modify passport information, change your email address, and track the status of your application.)

Step 4: Each online application is issued a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which is a unique number. (You will need it to keep track of and manage your application, figure out when you need to contact the visa centre and double-check your visa eligibility.)

Dependents

Dependents must additionally apply and pay an extra charge under SubClass 500. You must list all family members on your visa application at the time of submission, even if they don't intend to move/visit Australia.

If you fail to do this, your family members will not be eligible for dependent visas to join you in Australia afterwards. The student's partner receives a Dependent Visa as well as a valid work visa for the same period as the main application. However, this is only applicable to the Master's degree application.

Is there a Minimum IELTS Score Required for an Australian Student Visa?

No, there is no minimum IELTS score required for a student visa to Australia. Aspirants for study abroad should be aware that your IELTS score has no impact on your Australia Student Visa because it is a university requirement.

For admission to Australian Universities, aspirants must have an overall band score of 6.5 bands with no component band score below 6 bands for graduate programmes. For postgraduate programmes, aspirants must have an overall band score of 6.5 bands with no component band score below 6. Some programmes, such as law, laboratory, and nursing, have higher IELTS band requirements. However, your IELTS score has no relevance to your eligibility for a student visa to Australia.

For more doubts related to Australian student visa documents or Student Visa Application for Australia write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.and we will help you with almost everything about making your study in Australia easier.