Acquiring a student visa in Australia is highly in demand because it one of the most popular destinations for education. In fact, Australia ranks only behind the United States and the United Kingdom as the preferred country for international students. Six of Australia’s top universities are ranked among the best in the world:
- University of Melbourne – #40
- University of Sydney – #51
- University of Queensland Australia – #52
- Australia National University – #80
- Monash University – # 84
- University of New South Wales – # 90
Why do many international students want to get their education in Australia? Here are a few good reasons education in Australia is enticing for students around the world:
- Assured of Excellent Quality of Education.
In 1995, the Australian Qualifications Framework or AQF was introduced for the purpose of ensuring there is a uniformed and recognized progression of study. It covers secondary school, higher education, vocational education and select training course.
Also the Education Services for Overseas Students Act which was introduced in 2002 was implemented to protect the standards for international. A 2012 survey conducted by the Australian Government showed that 86% of international students were satisfied with the quality of education.
- Educational Contingencies
If you don’t qualify for any of Australia’s universities, there are institutions that offer foundation studies. These are one year preparatory courses which help provide the skills so you can eventually qualify for higher education in Australia.
Completing foundation studies is equivalent to finishing Australian high school education or Year12. If you have a difficult time with the English language, the institutions offer English tutoring.
- Benefits of a Student Visa Australia
Australia is a country that is very accommodating to its international students. It understands that not all foreign students have the means to fund their education and support their day to day needs.
The student visa will allow international students up to 40 hours per week of work and unlimited hours during vacations and other school breaks. Working on the side will help the international student fund his education and expand his network of contacts.
These are only three of the many benefits studying in Australia will have for the international student. There are other benefits that will make your decision to study in Australia the best one you’ll ever make.
But the question is how do you get a Student Visa in Australia?
The type of student visa you need will depend on the level of education you plan to take in Australia.
University or Tertiary Level
If you plan to take a graduate course at the university or tertiary level you need to apply for a Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573) or a Post Research Sector Visa (subclass 574).
Features and Requirements of Higher Education Sector Visa (subclass 573)
- Allows you to complete a full range course in Australia
- Enrolled as a student for
- Bachelor or Associate Degree
- Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate
- Master’s Degree by Course Work
- Higher Education Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Features and Requirements of Post Research Sector Visa (subclass 574)
- Allows you to take post – graduate research in Australia.
- Enrolled as a student for:
- Master’s Degree by Research
- Doctoral Degree
International students can also take the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students or ELCOS which is covered by the Independent ELICOS Sector Visa (Subclass 570). Students may also package their studies in one Visa subclass.
If you want to work in Australia and plan to work for a temporary period you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) or apply for a working visa.
Primary and Secondary School
For students that want to enroll in primary or secondary school or for those who are in school exchange programs, you should consider the School Sector visa (subclass 571). If the student is younger than the age of 18 and needs a guardian, the guardian can apply for the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 580) so he or she can stay with the student in Australia.
Features and Requirements of School Sector Visa (subclass 571)
- Allows you to stay in Australia and study a full – time school course.
- Available to those who are enrolled in a primary or secondary school.
- Participating in an international school exchange program.
Features and Requirements of Student Guardian Visa (subclass 580)
- Available if the international student is under 18 years of age
- Available to a parent or person who has legal custody of the student.
- The guardian must at least be 21 years of age
- Able to provide accommodation and other support for the international student.
- Unless otherwise certified and approved, no family below the age of 6 years is allowed.
Vocational Education
International students who are interested in taking up vocational education can apply for Vocation Education and Training Sector Visa (subclass 572).
Features and Requirements of Vocation Education and Training Sector Visa (subclass 572)
- Available if you’re enrolled as a student in a registered vocational educational and training course.
- Available if you’re enrolled as a student in a registered course for the award of an advanced diploma.
Other visas that international students interested in obtaining education in Australia are the following:
Features and Requirements of Training and Research Visa (subclass 402)
- Allows you to participate in structured, work place training to improve your skills, field of expertise or pursuit of a university degree.
- Available if you have been invited to participate in a professional development program.
- Available if you have been invited to participate in an Australian research project.
- Open to Occupational Trainees.
- Open to government officials or project managers.
Features and Requirements of Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector Visa (subclass 576)
- Allows you to study full – time in Australia.
- You must be sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or by the Department of Defence.
There are many options available for international students who are desirous of having an educational experience in Australia.
In addition to its high standard, quality and excellence in education, Australia is a diverse, multi – cultural society. Australia is home to immigrants from more than 200 countries. Australia is a country that warmly embraces the international community as one of its own.
