Student Visas

What is meant by a registered course?

A registered course is an education or training course offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. The Department of Education, Science and Training website provides more information about registered courses.

Can family members accompany me?

Generally, family unit members who intend to accompany you to Australia may be included in your application for a student visa and be processed for visa entry at the same time. They must undergo a medical examination and hold health cover insurance amongst other things. If your family unit members decide to come to Australia after you have arrived, they will have to apply separately. They may also require you to nominate them for entry.

Form 1160i - Applying for a Student Visa

Can I work in Australia?

All initial student visas granted do not provide for the holder to be granted permission to work in Australia. Students and their dependants will only be able to apply for a student visa with work rights after they arrive in Australia and the student has commenced their course of study. The charge is $50.

Generally, students and their dependents are limited to 20 hours work per week while the student's course of study or training is in session. Students may work full-time during holiday periods. Dependents of Subclass 574 Masters and Doctorate students have unlimited work rights after the principal student visa holder has commenced his or her course in Australia.

From 1 November 2000, a student visa is subject to mandatory cancellation if a student works in excess of their entitlements. For more information:

Form 157P - Application for a Student Visa with Permission to Work
Form 1105i - Supporting Yourself in Australia - Arabic | Indonesian | Persian | Portuguese |Spanish | Turkish | Vietnamese |
Form 990i - Charges

Can my family visit me in Australia?

Your spouse and dependent children may be included in your application for a student visa. Your parents and other family members wishing to visit you in Australia must obtain a tourist visa.

For more information:

Form 48 - Application to Visit Australia for tourism or other recreational purposes
Form 48R - Application to Visit Australia for tourism or other recreational purposes
Form 983i - Visiting Australia - general requirements
Form 990i - Charges

Can I change education providers?

You must remain with the education provider of your preliminary and principal courses for the first 12 months (or the duration of the course/s if they are for less than 12 months). This means that, if you are granted a student visa for example, for a package consisting of 6 months prerequisite English language studies followed by 3 years for a degree, you are required to remain with your provider/s for a total of 18 months, unless you successfully apply with DIMIA to change provider.

You must inform your current education provider if you intend to change to another provider. If you apply to change education providers within the same education sector as the student visa you currently hold, you must complete a form 157C. You will be subject to a visa application charge of $125, except where you have to change because the education provider is no longer able to provide the course.

If at any time after your arrival in Australia you wish to study a new principal course which is in a different education sector to your current principal course, then you must apply for a new visa using form 157A and will be subject to a visa application charge of $290.

Form 157A - Application for a Student (Temporary) Visa
Form 157C - Application for a Student Visa with permission to change education provider
Form 1160i - Applying for a Student Visa
Fact Sheet 50 - Overseas Students in Australia

Can I change my course?

You may change your course but if your course is in a different education sector to your current principal course, then you must apply for a new visa.

Form 157A - Application for a Student (Temporary) Visa
Form 1160i - Applying for a Student Visa

Can I extend my stay in Australia? If so, how?

You may apply for a further student visa while in Australia, provided your current visa is not subject to a 'No Further Stay' condition. You will have to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires.

Form 157A - Application for a Student (Temporary) Visa
Form 1160i - Applying for a Student Visa

Can I leave Australia and re-enter?

Your student visa has been granted allowing for multiple entry. This means that you can depart Australia and re-enter using this visa whilst your visa remains valid. If you leave Australia without a valid visa you will need to re-apply overseas, pay the application charge and meet the visa requirements that are current at that time.

Form 1160i - Applying for a Student Visa

Can I remain permanently in Australia?

Certain overseas students in Australia who recently completed a diploma or degree after at least one year of full time study in Australia may be able to apply for:

• Skilled Independent Overseas Student (Migrant) (Class DD), subclass 880, or

• Skilled Australian Sponsored Overseas Student (Migrant) (Class DE), subclasses 881 or 882.

How long will it take to process my application?

Processing times vary between offices for a variety of reasons. The office processing your application will provide you with information on the average processing times. Application processing is slowed down by lodging an incomplete application or by failure to comply with any requests made of you by DIMIA in the time specified. Any adverse health findings may also affect the time taken to decide your application.

What if my application is not successful?

If you have applied from outside Australia, the decision not to grant you a visa cannot be reviewed by the Migration Review Tribunal. If you have applied in Australia, you may apply to the Migration Review Tribunal for review of the decision not to grant a visa.

Form 1160i - Applying for a Student Visa

See Also:

Temporary Entry Overseas Students Booklets: (PDF files)

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