Australia, a land of beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities and word-class education beckons international students who are planning to seek an exceptional academic experience. If you are planning to embark upon your academic journey, visa application processes can be crucial. This blog will be your guide to Australian student visa requirements catering to the academic year 2024-25. You will not only learn about the requirements but also the latest student visa updates. So, whether you are a student aiming for a bachelor’s degree abroad or a seasoned professional aiming for a postgraduate degree, this blog equips you with knowledge that will embark you on your journey with confidence.
Note: Since there are various categorizations of student visas in Australia, this blog will mainly focus on Student Visa Subclass 500 (which allows you to stay in Australia for up-to 5 years with a purpose of full-time studying with an educational institution.)
Table of Contents
Eligibility criteria Checklist for Subclass 500 Visa
1. You must be 18 years or older
2. If you are 18 years of age, you must have adequate welfare arrangements in place while you are in Australia.
3. You must also provide a confirmation of enrollment (CoE) at a full-term course registered on Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS.
4. You must meet health and character requirements
5. You must have enough money for your stay
6. Required evidence of your English Language Skills.
Key Requirements for Australian Student Visa
1. Passport must be valid for a stay of a minimum of 6 months beyond your planned period.
2. Passport size photographs – must be of the size of 51 mm X 51 mm
3. Confirmation of Enrollment Form – proof of the certainty of your education in Australia
4. Proof of funds – you must show a minimum of AUD 20,290 annually to study
5. Proof of accommodation – you must have a valid proof of your arrangements for your stay.
6. Language requirement –
- IELTS: Min score – 5.5
- TOEFL: Min score – 46
- PTE: Min score – 42
7. Proof of payment – document stating that you paid the visa fee AUD 630
8. Subclass visa 500 application form – long stay application form for more than 90 days.
9. Departure tickets – required reservations catered to the date of departure
10. Registration letter from any Australian University to which you have applied for
11. Overseas health insurance receipt with Australian coverage receipt
12. Photocopies of all academic transcripts, certificates, credentials required for studying
13. A certificate of no criminal record from your home country
14. Application for a non-immigrant visa
New Regulations for Australian Student Visa in 2024
1. Must have access to AUD 29,710 to prove that you can cover the following for the duration of 12 months – airfare, course fees, living expenses.
2. Change in minimum proficiency levels, increased from IELTS equivalent to 5.5 to 6.0
3. Students who want to use their TOEFL iBT score for visa application must take the test in person at the test center. The Australian government does not accept results from any other English language tests taken online.
4. On March 23, 2024, Australia’s Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement where student visa applicants were required to explain why they wished to study in Australia in a 300 word essay was replaced by Genuine Student Requirement (GS). Now the process includes targeted questions which require shorter, evidence based written answers.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with the knowledge of Australia’s student visa requirements is the first step towards an enriching academic journey Down Under. Planning to study abroad? Don’t let the visa application process hold you back. SA Visa Central is here to help you navigate the complexities and ensure a smooth application experience. Best of luck with your studies.
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