Douglas Olsen
International students who wish to study in Australia must first be accepted by an Australian educational institution and then apply for a student visa. The visa application process requires proof of good health, financial capacity, and English proficiency. Students may also need to provide a police background check. Additionally, those under 18 must have adequate welfare arrangements in place. Australia has strict border controls and biosecurity laws, so it is important to be aware of what can and cannot be brought into the country. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week alongside their studies, and their family members accompanying them to Australia have the same work rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa application process | Apply online through ImmiAccount |
| Provide biometric identifiers | |
| Provide proof of good health | |
| Provide proof of character | |
| Provide proof of financial capacity | |
| Provide proof of proficiency in English | |
| Provide confirmation of enrollment | |
| Provide proof of travel insurance | |
| Provide proof of Australian currency | |
| Provide proof of accommodation address | |
| Visa rules and restrictions | Students must pursue a consistent study program approved by the Australian government |
| Students must fulfill all requirements of the study program | |
| Students must not work more than the allowed hours (20 hours per week) | |
| Family members of students cannot work more than 20 hours per week |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students intending to study in Australia must apply for a subclass 500 student visa. The visa application process is outlined on the Department of Home Affairs website, and applicants do not need an agent to lodge their application. However, if desired, applicants can seek assistance from a registered migration agent or a legal practitioner.
To meet the requirements for a student visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the costs and expenses associated with their course, such as travel, course fees, and rent. International student visa applicants must provide proof of at least $29,710 in savings. There are several ways to prove financial capacity, and more information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Additionally, applicants must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and may be required to undergo a health examination to meet the student visa health requirement. A travel insurance policy is also recommended to cover cancelled flights and some medical costs.
If the applicant is under 18 years of age, they must have adequate welfare arrangements in place before arrival. Applicants should also research their accommodation options in advance and be prepared for Australia's strict biosecurity laws and border controls.
Upon arrival in Australia, students must complete an incoming passenger card and go through immigration and customs. It is recommended that students have some Australian currency with them and be aware of the location of money exchange counters in international airports and cities. Additionally, students may consider opening an account with an Australian bank to facilitate easier withdrawals.
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Health and character requirements
To enter Australia as an international student, you must meet the country's health and character requirements. These requirements are assessed as part of your student visa application.
Health Requirements
To meet the health requirements for your student visa, you must be in good health. Depending on your age and health status, you may need to undergo a medical examination to determine your fitness to travel to and stay in Australia. This examination must be undertaken with an approved Panel Doctor, who will have the necessary forms available at their clinic. The results of this examination are usually valid for twelve months from the date of clearance, but this validity may be shorter depending on your health.
All international students in Australia must have health insurance for the duration of their stay. You will need to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members travelling with you. Students from Norway and Sweden are exempt from this requirement if they are covered by acceptable health insurance schemes from their home countries.
Character Requirements
To enter Australia, you must be of good character. As part of your visa application, you will need to complete a Character Declaration, which will be assessed to determine whether you meet the character requirements. Depending on your nationality and course of study, you may also need to undergo a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) before an Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE) is issued by your Australian education provider.
In some cases, you may need to provide additional evidence, such as a police clearance certificate or a police background check, to satisfy the character requirements.
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Work restrictions
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia. However, it is important to be aware of the restrictions placed upon international students.
Firstly, international students must have permission to work in Australia and hold a valid work visa. Students must understand the rules of their work visa, including the number of hours they are allowed to work each week. From 1 July 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time, with unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Prior to this date, international students could work up to 20 hours per week while school was in session and unlimited hours during recognised school vacations. It is important to note that hours worked for internship subjects that are undertaken as electives will count towards student visa work hour limits, whereas hours worked for internships that are a mandatory requirement of the course will not. Additionally, hours spent volunteering will not count towards work hour limits if the student's main purpose in Australia is to study, the work is genuinely voluntary, it is for a non-profit organisation, and no remuneration is received.
International students should also be aware of their basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. It is acceptable for employers to pay employees in cash as long as tax has been taken from the earnings and sent to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Generally, employees should also be receiving superannuation, and it is important to check payslips to ensure this is being done. If students believe they are not being treated fairly, they can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help without fear of their visa being cancelled.
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Travel preparation
International students can travel to Australia to study full-time at a recognised educational institution. Once you have your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and student visa, you can start planning your travels. Here are some essential travel preparation tips for international students coming to Australia:
Travel Documents
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before your arrival in Australia. Make a copy of your passport and leave it with a family member in case of emergencies. Keep the original safe and easily accessible, as you will need it upon arrival at the airport. Also, ensure you have a valid visa for entering and studying in Australia, and have all your visa documentation, including your CoE, with you on your flight.
Health Insurance
All student visa holders are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during their stay in Australia. You can purchase this from insurance providers or, alternatively, your educational institution may be able to arrange this for you.
Travel Insurance
Consider getting travel insurance to cover cancelled flights and some medical costs. Talk to your education or travel agent for advice on the best policy for you.
Currency
It is recommended to carry some Australian currency with you when you land. There are money exchange counters in most international airports and cities. Check with your bank if you can withdraw money from ATMs in Australia, and if there are any associated fees. You may also wish to open an Australian bank account to save on fees, and some banks allow you to apply before you arrive.
Transport
Research how to get to your accommodation from the airport or train/bus station. Sydney, for example, has an extensive public transport system, including metros, trains, trams, buses, and ferries. You can plan your trip using Google Maps or a similar app.
Accommodation
Research and secure your accommodation before arriving in Australia. Check-in procedures may vary, especially if you arrive late at night or early in the morning.
Packing
Research the average temperatures in your location in Australia and pack clothes accordingly. Pack a travel adapter that fits Australian power points. Check your airline's luggage allowance and pack essential items in your carry-on, such as a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
Border Control
Australia has strict border controls, so be aware of what you can and cannot bring into the country. You will need to complete an incoming passenger card, usually provided on your flight, and declare any restricted or prohibited goods. Your luggage may be inspected by a Customs Officer.
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$10
Arrival procedures
Before you travel to Australia, make sure you have the following in place:
- A student visa.
- Adequate welfare arrangements (if you are under 18).
- Travel insurance, in addition to your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Australian currency, which you can obtain from money exchange counters in most international airports and cities.
- A plan for getting to your accommodation from the airport or train/bus station, including checking-in procedures.
- A change of clothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant in case of delays with your main luggage.
- A travel adaptor that connects to Australian power points.
- A copy of your airline's luggage allowance and, if necessary, purchase additional baggage online before your flight.
Upon arrival at an Australian airport, you will need to:
- Go through immigration and customs.
- Present your passport, passenger card (usually given to you on the flight), and student visa evidence to the Australian Immigration authorities.
- Complete an incoming passenger card, which is usually given to you on board your flight.
- Retrieve your checked bags from baggage claim.
- Telephone your parents to advise them of your safe arrival.
After you've settled into your new home, you can begin your studies in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
International students must be accepted into an Australian educational institute and supply a confirmation of enrollment as part of their visa application. Students must also prove they have enough savings to cover costs and expenses, and they may need to undergo a health examination. Students will also need to meet character requirements and, in some cases, provide a police background check.
International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week alongside their studies. This can help students earn extra money and gain cultural experience. Family members accompanying students have the same work rights, but they may not exceed 20 hours per week.
It is recommended that you research how to get to your accommodation from the airport and how to check in, especially if you arrive outside of business hours. You should also research the average temperatures in Australia to know what clothes to pack. It is also a good idea to pack a travel adapter and check your airline's luggage allowance.
You will need to go through immigration and customs and complete an incoming passenger card. You will also need to declare any biosecurity goods at the Australian border.
