Student Visa
Australia’s simplified student visa framework (SSVF) came into effect on July 1st 2016. The following changes were introduced:
• International students will apply for a single Student visa (subclass 500), regardless of their chosen course of study
• Student guardians will apply for the new Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
• All students and student guardians will generally be required to lodge their visa application online by creating an account in ImmiAccount
• A new Student Document Checklist Tool on the DIBP website will allow students to check their financial and English language evidentiary requirements before applying for their visa.
Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement
The GTE requirement is used to make sure the student visa program is accessed as intended. The student visa program is not a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia. The GTE requirement helps identify applicants who are using the student visa program for motives other than gaining a quality education.
Be enrolled in a course of study and provide evidence
You must include evidence of enrolment in study with your student visa application, or your application will not be valid and cannot be processed.
Meet Financial and English language requirements
You must have enough money to pay for your stay in Australia, including cost of living, course and travel expenses. You might also need to provide evidence of your English language skills at the time you submit your visa application.
Meet Health and Character Requirements
You must be of good character to visit or live in Australia. This means you must pass the character test, and remain of good character. You and family members who apply for a visa with you might need to have health examinations to prove you meet the health requirement.
You and your family members must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia, and must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider, unless an ‘Exception’ applies.