International students have a wide variety of choices when it comes to studying in Australia. Its quality of education, a variety of courses to choose from, and post-study work opportunities make it one of the most desirable destinations among Indian students. Australian universities are strong in research, excelling in areas such as arts and humanities, education, and sciences.

• A renowned destination for students from India
• Globally accredited qualifications
• Rights for overseas students
• Linguistic diversity
• Monetary aid from the Government
• Steadily growing economy offering good job prospects
• A degree that is valued across the world
• Amazing Climate & Outdoor Lifestyle

Australia has some of the world’s best-ranked universities. According to the QS World University Ranking report for 2020, the country has eight of the country’s 300 top-ranking universities in the world.

The country offers a wide range of courses in a variety of subjects. The tuition fees here are affordable compared to the UK and the US. Students in Australian universities are eligible for a post-study work permit valid for up to four years. This can act as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Australian universities are known for their high standards and quality of instruction. Their degrees are recognized all over the world. Another advantage of studying in Australia is the low cost of living compared to other countries. Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) when they are studying which will help them meet part of the tuition fees. They also have access to scholarships which can lower their costs of doing a course.

Many students opt to study in Australia because its growing economy promises good job opportunities once students complete their course.

Australia Study visa

Compared to other countries, it is easier to get a student visa for Australia. Students wanting to study in Australia must meet certain requirements to qualify for a visa. Once you are enrolled in a full-time study course you can apply for a visa under Subclass 500.

With the Student visa (Subclass 500) visa, the visa holder can:

• Enroll in a course participate in an eligible course of study
• Bring family members to Australia
• Apply for the visa online in or outside Australia
• Travel to and from the country
• Work for up to 40 hours every two weeks once your course starts

The duration of the via is for five years, you can apply for an extension.

Processing Time:

Before you submit your visa application ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. The processing time for your visa is usually four weeks. You can apply for the visa 124 days before the start of your course and you can travel to the country 90 days before the commencement of your course.

If you have any dependents, they can apply for the same Subclass 500 visa. Even if they may not come with you immediately, you must declare your dependents in your visa application. Otherwise, they may not be eligible for a dependent visa later.

Application Steps for Subclass 500 Visa:

Step 1: Before you even submit your application, you must first gather the required documents.

Step 2: The documents you must submit are proof of your identity, character, and other documents that prove that you have fulfilled the visa conditions.

Step 3: Apply for the visa online.

Step 4: You will be notified by the authorities that they have received your visa application.

Step 5:  You will be notified of the outcome of your visa application.

Decide how you want to apply

Australia provides multiple options when you want to apply for a university. The application can be made:

1. Directly by you through the university’s website
2. By a local university
3. By an external agent

You can decide how you want to apply by using the most suitable option.

Clear your English language exam

If English is not your native language, then you need to take an English language proficiency test. You need to take the IELTS test and keep the results of the tests ready when you are making your visa application.

Apply to the universities to get your CoE

Once you are selected for a course, you will receive an offer letter from the college. You will have to give a written confirmation accepting the offer and pay the tuition fees. Subsequent to this you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment or CoE. This document is required to process your visa application.

Apply for your visa

The next step is to apply for your visa. Your visa application must include the following documents.

1. Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
3. Financial Requirements that you can fund your studies (funds to cover your return airfare, tuition fees and a sum of AU$18,610 per year)
4. Your English Proficiency test results
5. Australian approved health insurance cover
6. Verification of your criminal records

Universities in Australia have diverse deadlines for application. However, the two general timelines are broadly applicable:

Intake 1: Semester 1 – It commences in February and is the major intake

Intake 2: Semester 2 – It commences in July intake is also available

Student Applicant:

• Students must be over 18 years of age
• International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week
• An exception is, working as an academic assistant. There is no limit to how many days academic assistants may work
• They are not allowed to be self-employed or work as freelancers

After graduation students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The visa will be granted based on the coursework and the category under which the student has applied.

• Issued an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate – this is to confirm your enrolment in an Australian University.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement – this is proof of your intention to come to Australia only to study and not to settle down here.
• Four recent passport-sized photographs
• Certified or notarized copies transcript/document of academic results
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approved by the Australian government, this health insurance provides basic medical and hospital cover. You can purchase this insurance through your university.
• Results of tests in the English language like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE if you are a non-native English speaker
• Evidence of monetary means for covering all expenses during the period of study
• If applicable, proof of civil status
• Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application
• Financial Requirements – to get your student visa you must prove that you have the funds to cover your course fees, travel, and living costs.
• Character Requirement – you must submit a certificate to prove you have no criminal record.
• Proof of visa fees payment – proof that you have paid the required visa fees.

If there any other additional requirements, the university you have been selected for will let you know about them. 

• If you completed a Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree, you may be eligible for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa
• Graduate Work stream: International students with an eligible qualification who graduated with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). A visa in this stream is granted for 18 months from the date of grant

Post-study work options:

Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa grants post-study work rights to international students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Masters, or Doctoral degree in Australia. They can work in the country for two to four years to gain international work experience.

Students can also work under the Graduate Work Stream. They are eligible for this stream if they have graduated with the skills and occupation that is related to an occupation which features in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa is valid for 18 months.