Australia Study and training visas

Australia is known for its quality education and training opportunities, attracting students from all over the world. If you are interested in pursuing higher education or vocational training in Australia, you may be eligible for a study and training visa. This visa allows you to enroll in an eligible course of study and travel to and from Australia for the duration of your visa.

With a study and training visa, you are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks once your course has started. This means you can supplement your living expenses and gain valuable work experience while studying. However, it is important to note that your primary purpose for being in Australia should be to study and not to work.

To be eligible for a study and training visa, you must first be accepted into a registered course of study or training in Australia. The course should be provided by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian government, and it should be listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). You must also meet certain health and character requirements, as well as have adequate health insurance coverage during your stay in Australia.

Once you have been accepted into an eligible course of study, you can apply for a study and training visa. The application process typically involves submitting a range of documents, such as proof of enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, evidence of financial capacity to support yourself while studying in Australia, and evidence of health insurance coverage.

A study and training visa is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain a high-quality education or vocational training in Australia. It allows you to work part-time while studying and travel to and from Australia as needed. However, it is important to ensure that your primary purpose for being in Australia is to study and not to work. If you are interested in applying for a study and training visa, it is recommended that you seek advice from a registered migration agent or visit the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Eligibility criteria for study and training visas in Australia

To be eligible for a study and training visa in Australia, you must meet certain requirements set by the Australian government. These requirements include:

Enrolment in a registered course: You must be enrolled in an eligible course of study or training in Australia. The course should be provided by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian government and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Financial capacity: You must have adequate financial capacity to support yourself while studying in Australia. This includes covering the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. You may be required to provide evidence of financial support, such as bank statements or a financial guarantee from your sponsor.

Health requirements: You must meet certain health requirements to ensure that you do not pose a threat to public health in Australia. This may include undergoing a health examination or providing evidence of health insurance coverage.

Character requirements: You must meet certain character requirements, which involve providing a police clearance certificate from your home country or any other country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

English language proficiency: Depending on your course of study, you may be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English through an approved English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Genuine temporary entrant requirement: You must demonstrate that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of studying and that you have a genuine intention to return to your home country once your studies are completed.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for a study and training visa may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the specific course of study you wish to undertake. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek advice from a registered migration agent or visit the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Types of study and training visas available in Australia

Here are the types of study and training visas available in Australia:

  • Student visa (subclass 500)
  • Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
  • Training visa (subclass 407)

Student visa (subclass 500)

The Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study in Australia for up to 5 years. However, the duration of stay depends on the type and length of the course. Children enrolled in primary school years 1-4 are granted a student visa for a maximum of 3 years. If a student wants to continue studying beyond their visa's expiration date, they must apply for a new student visa. If a student's visa expires before graduation, they may be eligible for a visitor visa (subclass 600) and must provide a letter from their educational provider. Family members may be included in the student visa application, but they must be registered, even if they do not plan to travel to Australia. Additionally, students under 18 years old cannot sponsor their own child's student visa. Finally, if a school student wishes to apply for this visa, they must be at least 6 years of age.

Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)

The Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is a temporary visa that allows you to travel to Australia to provide support and care for a student who is under 18 years old or older due to exceptional circumstances. With this visa, you can also care for more than one student, study ELICOS for less than 20 hours per week, or engage in any other study or training for less than 3 months. The length of your visa depends on the age and residency status of the student visa holder. You must remain in Australia until the date specified on your visa grant letter, which is usually determined based on the length of stay of the student or when they turn 18. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an additional Student Guardian Visa. Family members can also be included in the visa application, but children under 6 years old may be denied a visa unless there are compelling and compassionate reasons. Children over 6 years old must apply for their own student visa and have health insurance for their stay in Australia. The Guardian must provide housing, welfare, and support for the student(s) under their care.

Training visa (subclass 407)

The Training Visa (subclass 407) is a temporary visa that allows you to come to Australia for up to 2 years to participate in an on-the-job training program or a professional development training program to enhance your skills in your current career, tertiary studies, or area of expertise. You cannot extend your stay in Australia beyond 2 years with this visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the health and character requirements, and acknowledge the Australian Values Statement, which demonstrates that you will respect the Australian lifestyle and obey Australian laws. You must also be a genuine visitor to Australia. However, you may not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa canceled or refused while in Australia. To check if the cancelation of a visa affects your eligibility, you can visit the Australian government's website.

Where to Apply for Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) Application?

If you are looking to study in Australia as an international student, you can apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500) either online or through an Australian embassy or consulate in your home country. The process for applying for the visa is fairly straightforward and can be completed entirely online, making it convenient for students who may be living far away from an Australian embassy or consulate.

To apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500), you will need to create an account on the official Australian government website and complete the online application form. You will also need to provide supporting documents such as your passport, proof of enrollment in an Australian educational institution, evidence of financial support, and health insurance coverage.

Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, it will be reviewed by the Australian government and you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information if necessary. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification and will be able to travel to Australia to begin your studies.

Overall, the process for applying for a Student Visa (subclass 500) is designed to be straightforward and accessible, making it an excellent option for international students who are looking to study in Australia.

How to apply for a study or training visa in Australia

To apply for a study or training visa in Australia, follow these steps:

Choose your course and educational institution: You will need to decide which course you want to study and where you want to study in Australia.

Check the visa requirements: Visit the official Australian government website to check the visa requirements for your chosen course and educational institution.

Create an ImmiAccount: Go to the official Australian government website and create an ImmiAccount, which will allow you to apply for your visa online.

Complete the application form: Fill in the online application form with accurate information and attach all required supporting documents, including proof of enrolment, health insurance, and financial statements.

Pay the application fee: The visa application fee must be paid online using a credit card or debit card.

Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and paid the fee, submit your application through your ImmiAccount.

Attend a biometric appointment: Depending on your country of residence, you may be required to attend a biometric appointment at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.

Wait for the outcome: The processing time for a study or training visa application can vary, but you can check the progress of your application online using your ImmiAccount.

Receive your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification and will be able to travel to Australia to begin your studies.

It is important to note that the visa application process may differ depending on your country of residence.

Required documents for a study or training visa application in Australia

To apply for a study or training visa in Australia, you will need to provide several documents, including:

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): This document shows that you have been accepted into an eligible course of study or training program in Australia.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement: This statement explains your intention to study or train in Australia temporarily and return to your home country after the completion of your course or program.

Passport: You will need a valid passport to apply for a visa.

English language proficiency: You may need to demonstrate your English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Financial capacity: You will need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to cover your living and study expenses in Australia, such as bank statements, scholarship documents, or financial guarantees from your sponsor.

Health and character requirements: You may need to undergo health examinations and provide police certificates to show that you meet the health and character requirements.

Visa application fee: You will need to pay a visa application fee when submitting your application.

Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances, such as family member information, previous study or employment records, or travel history.

Processing time for study and training visa applications in Australia

The processing time for study and training visa applications in Australia can vary depending on various factors, including the individual circumstances of the applicant and the volume of applications being processed at the time.

As of March 2023, the Department of Home Affairs provides estimated processing times for study and training visa applications on their website. The current estimated processing time for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) is around 47 to 75 days for 75% of applications and 60 to 98 days for 90% of applications.

The estimated processing time for the Training Visa (Subclass 407) is around 53 to 86 days for 75% of applications and 64 to 98 days for 90% of applications.

It is important to note that these processing times are only indicative and subject to change. Additionally, the processing time for individual applications may be longer if more information or assessment is required.

To ensure a timely visa application, it is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date and to provide all necessary documents and information accurately and completely.

Working while studying in Australia on a study or training visa

International students who hold a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) or Training Visa (Subclass 407) are generally allowed to work in Australia while studying or training.

Under the Student Visa, students are permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during their course and unlimited hours during course breaks, such as holidays or when the course is not in session. However, students must ensure that their primary purpose in Australia is to study and not work.

Under the Training Visa, the visa holder may work for their sponsor in Australia as part of their training program. However, they cannot work for another employer or engage in other paid work outside of their training program.

It is important to note that work restrictions may apply to some types of courses or programs, such as English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) or non-award courses. Students should check their visa conditions and consult their educational institution for more information on any work limitations.

Additionally, all workers in Australia, including international students, are entitled to receive the minimum wage and have workplace rights and protections. Employers who hire international students must also comply with Australian workplace laws and regulations.

Extending your study or training visa in Australia

If you are currently in Australia on a study or training visa and wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a new visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Here are the steps to extend your study or training visa in Australia:

Apply before your current visa expires: You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires to avoid being in Australia unlawfully.

Meet the eligibility requirements: You must meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa subclass you are applying for.

Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa. These documents may include proof of enrolment in a course, financial support, health insurance coverage, and evidence of your current visa.

Apply online: You can apply for a new visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website using your ImmiAccount. Make sure to pay the application fee and submit all required documents.

Wait for the outcome: The processing time for a visa extension application can vary, but you can check the progress of your application online using your ImmiAccount.

Receive your new visa: If your visa extension application is approved, you will receive a new visa grant notification and can continue your studies in Australia.

It is important to note that some visa subclasses may have specific requirements for extending your stay in Australia.

Frequently Asked questions

A Study and Training visa is a type of visa that allows international students to study or undertake training in Australia. The most common subclass of this visa is the Student Visa (subclass 500).

To be eligible for a Study and Training visa, you must be enrolled in a registered course or training program in Australia, meet the English language proficiency requirements, have adequate health insurance coverage, and meet the financial requirements to support your stay in Australia.

You can apply for a Study and Training visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website or through an Australian embassy or consulate in your home country.

The processing time for a Study and Training visa application can vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. You can check the estimated processing time on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Yes, students on a Study and Training visa are generally allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (two-week period) while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

Yes, you may be able to bring your family members, such as a spouse or children, with you to Australia on a Study and Training visa. You will need to provide evidence of their relationship to you and meet certain requirements.

Yes, you may be able to extend your Study and Training visa in Australia if you meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa subclass you are applying for. You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires.

 

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