Internet Student Visa Applications outside Australia

Who can apply?

You can apply for a student visa over the Internet if you

• are a Swedish or Norwegian citizen; or

• a US citizen, seeking a stay in Australia of less than 12 months*; and

• you are applying for a subclass 573 (Higher Education) student visa; and

• are enrolled to study at an Australian university; and

• your course commences in less than 90 days; and

• you are aged at least 18 years; and

• you are not including any family members in your application.

* Your period of stay will be calculated from the date of application to one month after the date your course finishes.

What courses can I apply for on-line?

Only students who wish to study at an Australian university as a study abroad student, or study a course leading to the award of a bachelor degree, associate bachelor degree, postgraduate certificate or post graduate diploma can apply for a student eVisa.

You cannot apply more than 90 days before the date your course commences.

You cannot apply for an eVisa to study a Masters or Doctorate course. To apply to study a Masters or Doctorate course, you must download form 157A Application for a student (temporary) visa and apply at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate for a student visa (Masters and Doctorate sector).

How long can I stay in Australia?

If you are a US citizen, you can only apply over the internet if your proposed period of stay is for less than 12 months. This period is calculated from your date of application, to one month after the date your course finishes. You will not be able to apply electronically if your period of stay exceeds 12 months. If your period of stay will be more than 12 months, you should download form 157A Application for a student (temporary) visa and apply at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If you are a Norwegian or Swedish student, you will be granted a visa permitting you to stay in Australia until one month after the date your course finishes.

How long will it take for my application to be processed on-line?

Your application will usually be finalised within 24 hours, provided that you supply an e-mail address. If you choose regular mail as a preferred means of communication, this will delay processing.

Isn't it better for me to apply at the Embassy and get a visa label?

No. Processing time at an embassy may take much longer and status checks are not offered. Obtaining your student visa on-line will allow your application to be finalised within 24 hours and you will be issued an official e-mailed confirmation that your visa has been issued.

What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?

This is an official form issued by the university in Australia showing that you have enrolled in a course and have paid enrolment fees. This form is not the initial letter of offer provided by the University. You must have your confirmation of enrolment before you can be granted a visa to study in Australia. The confirmation of enrolment contains an official course registration code as well as course start and end dates.

Is it safe to provide my credit card details on-line?

Yes, this function on the immigration website is secure and your credit card details will only be used for your student visa fee.

What happens if I am instructed to contact my nearest Australian embassy or consulate?

Although the on-line system is highly reliable, you may, in some instances, be instructed to submit an application to your nearest Australian embassy or consulate. This may occur, for example, if you are applying more than 90 days before your course commences, or, if you are a US student, if your total period of stay (calculated from date of application to one month after the date your courses finishes) exceeds 12 months.

This message does not mean your application for a student visa has been refused.

If you are referred to an Australian embassy or consulate, please download form 157A Application for a student (temporary) visa to make your application. If you are a US citizen, you will need to undertake health examinations if your proposed stay exceeds 12 months. To obtain relevant forms, please fax a request to the Australian consulate on (202) 797 3100. Be sure to write your name and address clearly.

Can family members accompany me?

You can not apply electronically for members of your family unit to accompany you to Australia. However family members may apply to join you by applying on Form 157A Application for a student (temporary) visa.

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