About the Student Visa
The first quarter of 2016/17 has seen some significant changes in the temporary visa framework, starting with the major restructuring of the Student visa programme which took place on the first day of the new financial year.
Effective from 1st July 2016, the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) reduced the number of subclasses from 8 to 2. The purpose of the revamp was essentially to streamline and reduce complexities of the student visa processing system, and to ensure widespread accessibility to Australian education. Key features of the new framework include:
- A Subclass 500 to apply to all chosen forms of study.
- A Subclass 590 for student guardians.
- Introduction of an immigration risk framework for all international students.
- Financial and English language documentary requirements guided by a student’s country of citizenship + risk factor of the chosen education provider (EP).
- A move towards online visa applications.
Since the implementation of the SSVF, there has also been an increased emphasis on the need to prove the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) component, as an integrity measure to ensure that the programme is not used as an avenue of maintaining ongoing residency in Australia. The GTE component requires visa applicants to provide justification for undertaking the course, considering factors such as career progression, personal and financial circumstances, and even the education framework available in their country of citizenship, as compared to that of Australia.
While the intent of the SSVF is ultimately, to streamline and simplify the student visa programme, alike all new systems, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth. The complexities of the new system have resulted in, delays in the granting of visas and even a reported rise in the number of refusals.
As a student, it’s important that you start your career on the right path. Consult with an Education Agent & Registered Migration Agent on the study options which best align to your circumstances and work with a trusted advisor, to ensure that your study plans are on the right track.
Features of The Visa
Student Visas allow international students to travel to and from Australia and live in Australia while undertaking a full-time course of study. An international student may enrol in many different courses, and it is possible to apply for permission to work part-time while studying.
It allows you and your family to live and work (the Number of Hours you can work varies depending on the conditions attached to your approved visa) in Australia on a temporary visa.
To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must:
- Be a Genuine Temporary Entrant – that is, the main purpose of your stay in Australia is to study rather than seek permanent residence in Australia.
- I have been accepted into a full-time CRICOS registered with the Australian government as offered to international students. You must provide an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (ECoE) with your visa application.
- Have acceptable Overseas Student health insurance for yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Have adequate funds to support yourself during your studies (course fees, living costs, school costs and travel costs). Unless you are enrolled in an approved degree-level course, you must show that you can access funds for the first 18 months of your stay in Australia. This can be from one of the following sources:
- A Money deposit held by you or a person supporting you
- A loan from a financial institution or government in your home country
- A scholarship from your education provider, Australian or overseas government, a business or multilateral agency
- Note that this funding must have been in place for at least three consecutive months preceding your application.
- Before your application is approved, you may be required to take the IELTS test to determine your English language ability.
English Language Requirements
Australian universities and colleges accept IELTS and PTE scores as proof of English proficiency. The following IELTS/PTE score guideline is just an approximation; each University or institute will have its benchmark score for its respective courses.
| Programms | English Test Score |
|---|---|
| Diploma programs | IELTS – Overall band score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 PTE – Overall 45; no less than 36 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | IELTS – Overall band score of 6.0; no less than 5.5 PTE – Overall 50; no less than 45 |
| Graduate Diploma | IELTS – Overall band score of 6.5; no less than 6.0 PTE – Overall 6.5; no less than 50 |
| Master Programs | IELTS – Overall band score of 6.5; no less than 6.0 PTE – Overall 6.5; no less than 50 |
7. You will also have to meet Australian health and character requirements
8. You must not have any outstanding debts to the Commonwealth of Australia.
Country And Provider Risk Model
Risk ratings apply to different education providers and to different passport countries.
Depending on the combination of your passport country and the education provider, you will need to meet:
- Regular Evidentiary Requirements: in this case, you would need to provide evidence of English language ability and finances
- Streamlined Evidentiary Requirements: evidence of English language ability or finances not generally required
Duration And Conditions
- A student visa permits multiple entries to Australia and to remain in Australia for the duration of the course.
The following conditions will be imposed on the visa:
8202 You must maintain enrolment in a registered course and meet the course academic requirements.
8533 You must notify your education provider or your address in Australia of any change of address or education provider.
8105 Once you begin your course of study, you can work for up to 40 hours each fortnight during the semester. No work limits apply during recognised periods of vacation offered by your education provider.
8104 Members of your family unit can work 40 hours per fortnight throughout the year for the duration of their visa.
The following conditions may apply in some circumstances:
8534 This is a ‘no further stay’ condition. This means that you will not be entitled to any other visa after entering Australia. At the same time, you remain in Australia (apart from a Graduate-Skilled Visa or a protection visa). This condition is imposed in all cases for assessment level 3, where the course is for 10 months or less
8535 If you are sponsored by the Commonwealth of Australia or the government of your home country, you may be subject to a ‘no further stay’ condition. This means that you will not be entitled to any other visa after entering Australia. At the same time, you remain in Australia (apart from a further student visa with permission to work, a further student visa with the consent of your sponsor, or a protection visa.)
- Other conditions may be imposed on your visa. You must understand the conditions attached to your visa. If you do not comply with them, your visa may be cancelled.
Migration Hub’s Expertise
Migration Hub helps students from overseas enrol in courses that align with their past qualifications, experiences, and career goals. They also assist students in gaining admission to preferred colleges and universities based on their chosen pathways.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@migrationhub.com.au or +61 447 081 570 to obtain further details on applying for a student visa.