Students today are looking at Australia as a viable option to pursue their higher education. There are a wide variety of courses available to students and they can pursue these courses in the best cities in the world. Australian universities also offer strong research programs, with multiple post-study work opportunities. The tuition fees are also affordable as compared to other options such as The USA or The UK. Australian government also offers scholarships to students which help them make their education a lot more affordable.
As per the new guidelines initiated on 1st July 2016, students need to apply via the Simplified Student Visa Framework. Under this framework, students need to apply under subclass 500. Continue reading this article to know more about how to apply for a student visa for Australia.
Australia Student Visa Process
It is easier for students to receive a student visa here as compared to other countries. Once you enrol in a full-time course then only can you apply for a Subclass 500 visa. The duration of this is 5 years and you can apply for an extension once it expires. Once you receive a Subclass 500 visa then you can perform any of the below-given activities:
#You can enrol yourself in a course to pursue higher education
#You can bring your family to Australia
#You can apply for it either via online mode while staying inside or outside of Australia
#You can travel to and from Australia to any other country.
#You can work for up to 40 hours every two weeks once the course begins.
The Step – by – Step Application Process
1.You need to collect all the required documents before you submit your application for the Subclass 500 Visa.
2.The documents submitted by you are proof of your character, identity, or other documents that prove that you have fulfilled all the requirements.
3.You must apply for it online.
4.You will be notified by the authorities once your visa has been received by them and the outcome of your application as well.
Documents Required to Apply for an Australian Student Visa
While applying for an Australian Student Visa, the individual must ensure that all the documents must be in order before you start the application process. If all your documents are not in proper order then your request might be declared null and void. Given below are the list of documents required while applying for an Australian Student Visa under Subclass 500:
#Proof of Enrollment, which will be an electronic confirmation by the university selected by you.
#Copy of your valid passport
#The application fee.
#Your GTE or Genuine Temporary Entrant Statement
#Documents of Work Experience, if any.
#Valid IELTS score or any other evidence of English proficiency
#Evidence that you can financially support yourself
#Details of your Overseas Student Health Cover or Health Insurance Policy
#Statement of Purposes as required by the Universities
#Multiple Passport – Size Photographs
#If the applicant is below the age of 18, then they will also require to submit additional documents and consent from the parent or local guardian.
Also Read: Australia Work Visa: Everything to Know about Australia Immigration Process
Australian Student Visa Fe
Students applying for the Australian Student Visa often wonder what is the fee they need to submit to begin their application process. Below listed are the various categories you can apply to and the Australian Student Visa fee in Indian Rupees.
Categories | Basic Application Charge | Additional Application Charges If The Candidate is 18 years or Above | Additional applicant Charges If Candidate less than 18 years | The Temporary Application Charge |
Student visa (subclass 500) | AUD 620 Or INR 35,300 (approx.) | AUD 460 Or INR 26,000 (approx.) | AUD 150 Or INR 8,500(approx.) | AUD 700 Or INR 40,000 (approx.) |
(Subclass 500) (subsequent entrant) | AUD 620 Or INR 35,300 (approx.) | AUD 460 Or INR 26,000 (approx.) | AUD 150 Or INR 8,500 (approx.) | AUD700 Or INR 40,000 (approx.) |
(Subclass 500) – If The Candidate Belong To Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
(Subclass 500) – If The Candidate Is Applying To the Postgraduate Research sector | AUD620 Or INR 35,300 (approx.) | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
Australia Student Visa Processing Time
Before you submit your application for a Subclass 500 visa you must meet all the eligibility requirements as asked by the Australian Government. Your visa is processed in under 4 weeks. You need to apply 124 days before your course begins and you can visit Australia 90 days before the course begins. If you have dependents then they can apply via the same subclass 500 visas. They don’t need to travel with you immediately but you must declare your dependents in your application, otherwise, they will not be eligible to apply for a dependent visa later.
What are the Minimum IELTS Band Requirement to Apply for an Australian Student Visa?
A lot of students wonder about the minimum band requirements in the IELTS exam while applying for an Australian Student Visa. There is no need to have a minimum band requirement while applying for a Subclass 500 visa. The band requirement is something that is required by the university, hence it does not affect your application.
The candidates need to have a minimum band score of 6.5 with a section-wise score above 6 for postgraduate degrees and a section-wise score of 6.5 while applying for an undergraduate degree. Your IELTS score can change from university to university and is not indicative.
Also Read: Band Requirement for Australia Study Visa: Learn about Australia Study Visa Requirements
What are the Basic Eligibility Requirements to Apply for an Australian Student Visa?
Students enrolled in full-time courses at a University recognized by the Australian government are only eligible to apply for a Student Visa under Subclass 500. Part-time courses and distance learning courses do not qualify for a Subclass 500 visa. There are some basic requirements that a student must meet to be eligible to apply for a Subclass 500 visa. The requirements are listed below:
1 – Character Proof
Students need to submit proof or a letter of good character, which showcases that you don’t have any cases registered against you or you have never been deported from Australia before. A simple declaration is often accepted as proof.
2 – Health Insurance and Checkup
You need to provide proof that you are in good health. The certificate should be verified by a doctor. Medical facilities are available in India and you should update your requirements regularly. Students from India should also provide a Chest X-Ray which proves that they do not suffer from Tuberculosis. You can apply for a health checkup before or after you begin your application. Other than providing a health checkup you also need health insurance or an overseas students health cover. You should have OSHC for the complete duration of your visa.
3 – Proof of Genuine Temporary Entrant
While applying, students need to prove that they are Genuine Temporary Entrant. It means that you should be able to convince the authorities that you only plan to travel to Australia for studies and would return to your country after a few years of experience. Your applications are assessed on the factors mentioned below:
#Value of course chosen to your future
#Your immigration history
#Potential opportunities for you in Australia
#Circumstances in your home country include the economic circumstances of your country as well.
Also Read: Australia Student Visa Requirements 2021: Criteria to Know When Applying for a Visa in 2021
Scholarships for Studying In Australia
If you wish to study in Australia then you can apply for multiple scholarships offered by the universities. There are different conditions to attain a scholarship, and a candidate must go through the university’s website to check the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
Over the years Australia has become a hotspot for students to pursue their higher education. Students from all over the globe are choosing to study in Australia rather than the United States Of America and the United Kingdom. The new rules for Australian student visas have made it extremely easy for students to pursue the dream of higher education.
Students who wish to read more about the visa requirements to different countries or want to know more about the application process can visit the IELTS Ninja website. You will get to read various articles on IELTS preparation and various other topics.
Thank you for providing the requirements and tips for band score, can you also provide for requirements for immigration to Canada?