Applying for a Student Visa in Western Australia

Article by: Carol E
Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 00:00:00 CEST

Study in Australia - Applying for a student visa?. Look no further - outlined below is useful information which will help you understand the process. It will assist you in knowing where to obtain facts in relation to educational establishments, the diverse courses available, visa and admission applications and the recommended steps you could take if you wish to study in Australia.

Student/Work Visa - What you need to know!

Each year over 150,000 international students arrive in Australia. The Overseas Student Program (OSP) allows people who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to study in Australia. A person applying who would like to study under the OSP program needs to obtain a Student Visa before commencement of study.

Getting a student visa - below is a brief description of the recommended steps you could take if you want to study in Australia:

1. Study Planning - choose the the course that best suits your academic ability, needs and career goals. Choose and consider the field of study, level of qualification, course duration and where you want to study (e.g. University or smaller campus)

2. Course selection - search the Australian Government database or registered courses and institutions and select the ones that best match your study plan and preferred destination. The Australian government has an extensive network of Education and Training Counsellors, Australian Education Centres (AEC's) and education advisers around the world providing reliable and impartical advice on study opportunities in Australia. The network spans 30 countries throughout Asia, Europe, North America, Middle East & South America. Websites are also available in six Asian and 12 European languges. A useful starting point is www.studyinaustralia.gov.au and search 'Help in your country'.

3. Admission application - apply to the educational institution offering the course. You may be asked to proof your English proficiency and your previous acaedmic achievements

4. Visa application - to be granted a student visa you must complete an application form, pay the visa application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements (e.g. have adequate health insurance). Different Student Visa Types (Subclasses) and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted either on-line, in person or by mail. Visit the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA) at www.immi.gov.au/study/applying for more detailed information.

5. Pre-departure - in some countries you can attend a pre-departure seminar to familiarise yourself with studying, working and living in Australia (see point 2 above)

6. Arrival and reception - the institiution you have chosen to study at will be able to arrange to meet you at the airport on your arrival in Australia and will provide an orientation program and ongoing support (see Student Visa Forums below)

International students studying in Australia on a student work visa can apply for permission to work once they commence their course. A student work visa enables you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. In some cases family members can also apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week throughout the year. The application charge is currently A$60 but is subject to yearly review and the 157P 'Permission to Work' form needs to be completed. You can download this form from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) as highlighted above. Please note if you undertake volunteer or take part in unpaid work, you must still apply for permission to work - this type of work counts towards the limit of 20 hours per week! A Tax File Number (TFN) is also required and can be obtained through the Australian Tax Office. Contact them at www.ato.gov.au for further information.

Studying, living and working abroad can bring many new adventures but it can also sometimes feel daunting. There will be times when support and advice is required. Student Visa Forums exist to support and assist students for the duration of their studies in Australia. This can include student support services at the educational institute you have chosen supporting your personal and academic achievements with issues such as:language tuition; application and visa-processing assistance; on-arrival reception and orientation programmes, accommodation and employment services. Websites such as DIMIA also offer support and advice.

The information supplied on this website with regard to 'Applying for a Student Visa' is an outline only and subject to change.