Australia is one of the most in-demand countries for international students to study in Australia. For its world-class education system and diverse culture and lively cities, Australia is offering an abundance of opportunities for any student looking for higher studies. Whether it is at the university, college, or vocational institution level, the student visa for Australia suits your educational pursuits. However, before packing your bags and heading to this very beautiful country, know which subclass visa you require to study in Australia.
The right type of visa will ensure that you may not only study but also live in Australia during the duration of your course. In this blog, we will take you through the various types of student visas, their requirements, and exactly which to consider for your specific needs.
Understanding Australia’s Subclass Visas
Australian offers several student visa subclasses for international students for their different educational programs. Most international students opt for Subclass 500 – Student Visa. However, your age, course type, or education level can vary, and there could be more options available for you. Let’s discuss more of those.
Subclass 500 – Student Visa
The most used visa among international students who want to study in Australia is the Subclass 500. It enables you to stay in the country up to when your course would have been completed-it could be at the primary level, secondary school level, vocational education and training course, or a higher education degree. To apply for this visa, you must be enrolled in a registered course at an Australian institution, and you’ll need to provide evidence of your enrollment, proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, and meet health and character requirements.
The Subclass 500 visa allows students to enjoy several benefits, including the right to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their studies and full-time work during scheduled breaks. This is an excellent way to support your studies while gaining valuable work experience in Australia. In case you are planning to study in Australia for a long period, the Subclass 500 is your go-to visa option.
Subclass 590 – Student Guardian Visa
You could be under 18 years and want to study in Australia, therefore you may need a subclass 590 – student guardian visa. This visa allows you to accompany your child during their study period. This parent or legal guardian must be a responsible adult who is able to provide support and care to the student when they are in Australia.
Meanwhile, on this visa, a guardian is allowed to live in Australia; however, they are prohibited from working. The visa is more appropriate for international students who are minors or whose parents would like to accompany them as they pursue their studies.
Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa
It is a visa issued to international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. This visa enables you to live and work in Australia temporarily if you have completed a course that meets the criteria. The duration of this visa varies with the level of your qualification and the region in which you studied. This visa is mostly used by international students who wish to gain practical experience in their field of study after graduation.
Although it’s not for students on the brink of starting their study courses, Subclass 485 visa knowledge can be helpful as one possible route for those planning a long-term education and career in Australia. Thus, one may find this to be a stepping stone into permanent residency.
Subclass 574 – Higher Education Sector Visa
This is a subclass 574 visa, specifically for students taking higher education courses such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate. If you plan to study in Australia in a university or other equivalent institution offering these courses, this subclass 574 visa is appropriate for you.
It can stay with you throughout your course, and you can also work during your study period. In essence, just like any other type of student visa, you need to prove that you’re enrolled, have sufficient funds, and fulfill health and character requirements.
Subclass 572 – VET Sector Visa
For training through vocational education and training or VET in Australia, this student will require the Subclass 572 visa. They get it if they’re placed within a course like diploma certificate qualifications among other related studies. Australia is synonymous with high-quality vocational training programs, and the Subclass 572 visa ensures that international students can access these, with all rights of a student visa holder, including the opportunity for part-time work while studying.
Subclass 573 – Postgraduate Research Sector Visa
For those interested in doing postgraduate research, a Subclass 573 visa is the correct option. It is the kind of visa intended for those who are doing higher degrees by research. It means undertaking a master’s or doctorate program through research. This allows a student on this visa to engage in part-time work and can have health insurance among others. The eligibility is for those enrolled for a research-based course.
Other Important Requirements and Conditions
Regardless of the subclass visa you choose to study in Australia, there are some important requirements that you need to meet. First, you must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to come to Australia for the purpose of study. This can be evidenced by proof of enrollment in a registered course and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while you are studying in Australia.
The student also has to meet health and character requirements. This could involve a health check-up and a police clearance certificate. Depending on your country of origin, you might have to undergo an English language proficiency test, IELTS or TOEFL.
How to Apply for Your Student Visa
Applying for a student visa to pursue studies in Australia is relatively easy. After all, one needs to possess an admission offer from any recognized institution of learning, after which one can now apply for the visa when one possesses the Confirmation of Enrollment. The application procedure can be done online.
You will also require several documents including your passport, proof of financial capacity, evidence of enrollment, and health insurance, known as Overseas Student Health Cover. An application fee applies depending on the type of student visa you are applying for, and you can verify current fees before submitting your application.
Selection of a student visa to pursue studies in Australia ensures a very successful and smooth academic journey. The Subclass 500 – Student Visa is the most sought-after visa for international students, but depending on your age, course type, or post-study plans, there may be other visa subclasses better suited to your needs. Be sure to read requirements of each type and choose the best fit for your study plans in Australia. With the right visa, you will be all set for experiencing everything that Australia can offer, academically and culturally.
