So, you’re an Indian student who is ready to take the next step and head off to the land down under to further your studies.
First off, congratulations! We totally understand your reasons for wanting to venture to the land of Koalas, Kangaroos and all things laid-back. Afterall, with its status as one of the top destinations in the world for international students, Australia has always been a popular destination for aspiring scholars (such as yourself!). However, with some of the strictest immigration policies on the planet, it comes as no surprise that obtaining an Australian student visa can be pretty darn intimidating. The good news is we’re here to help.
In this handy dandy guide, we cover everything you need to know for a stress-free student visa application. From visa types and financial considerations, to character requirements and even how a PNG editor can come in handy for your application, we leave nothing out. So, grab a cuppa (or what they call a ‘cup of tea’ in Australia) and read on to find out more!
Ensure You’re A Genuine Temporary Entrant
One of, if not the most important things to understand when you’re applying for an Australian student visa is that you need to be a genuine temporary entrant. But what exactly does that mean? Well, think of it like this: the Australian government wants to make sure you’re not just trying to sneak in for an extended holiday disguised as a student, or to gain employment rather than study. Yes, students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week on a student visa to help supplement their lifestyle in Australia, but this must not be the sole purpose for entering the country. In other words, as long as you genuinely want to study, you’ll be good as gold.
Choosing The Right Course and Institution
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to choose the right course and institution. This can be pretty tricky, considering Australia is home to dozens of world class universities, so take your time and don’t feel the need to rush. It’s all about selecting the right course and institution that aligns with your academic and career goals. What are your passions and interests? What field of employment are you looking to get into after your studies? You’ll want to make sure the program you select is accredited, that its content aligns with your goals, and that it meets the eligibility criteria for a student visa.
Once you’ve decided upon the perfect course and have gone through the long application process, it’s time to make it official! This involves accepting your letter of offer, paying the required deposit and sorting your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Your institution will contact you about the acceptance payment, while CoE are issued once you have met the conditions outlined in your letter of offer, such as paying the deposit, or providing evidence for specific requirements.
Preparing For Your Visa Application
Now, you can’t rock up to the Department of Immigration and just ask for a student visa- if only! No, the process is a little more involved, so let’s break it up a little and make it more understandable:
- Financial Considerations
You need to have enough financial means to take an Australian student visa. According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, you should be able to cover tuition fees, living costs (such as rent, food, fuel, electricity) and travel. Bank statements or the equivalent, as well as proof that a loan has been approved, are the usual means by which you can show that you can meet this requirement.
- English Proficiency
You might also have to show proof of English proficiency for both university and visa authorities. Odds are, you’ll have to take one of these standardised tests to show this. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic are the most widely taken of these tests, and your score will often be used to see if you can: understand lectures; participate in discussions; and complete assignments in, yes, English.
- Health & Character
Student visa applicants must also meet certain health and character requirements before they can enter Australia. In most cases, students will be required to undergo a health examination to ensure that you meet the health standards set out by the Australian government. Additionally, a character assessment, which includes the requirement of obtaining a police clearance certificate, may be undertaken. It’s extremely important that you meet these requirements as your application for a student visa will depend on them.
Lodging Your Visa
After all your preparations, it’s finally time to apply for your student visa. Gather all your documentation — it’s key to a stress-free application process. You should also ensure that your documents are high quality; if they’re not, consider using a PNG editor to improve the quality. Thankfully, with eForms, and electronic identity verification measures, it’s a lot easier to process a visa application both for immigration departments as well as for applicants themselves. Even so, remember to take your time during the process. Of course, your move to Australia is a big one, so the application process should not be rushed.
Once everything is in order, you need to submit your application. This can all be done online through the Australian immigration portal, or by snail mail for those of you who prefer the good old-fashioned way. Pay special attention to the application fees, as they can vary from visa to visa and based on your particular circumstances. Before you ask, yes, you must also be ready for the processing time, which can also be dependent on a number of things, such as the volume of applicants to process and at what time of the year you apply.
Post-Application
To ensure that your application is successfully processed, be sure to look out for requests or any updates from the immigration authorities in your application via both email and the online portal mentioned earlier.
Prepare For Arrival
Assuming all goes to plan, you’ve just been approved for your student visa and have nothing left to do except get ready to party. Wrong again. Before you book that surf trip or hit the clubs, it’s important to prepare for your arrival. Do some research on the local culture and secure a place to live, whether it’s through student housing, hostels, or private rentals.
The most important advice for achieving success as an international student, perhaps, is to attend the orientation programs offered by your institution. It is there that you’re likely to get your best chance to familiarise yourself with Aussie culture and make the most of your time down under, not to mention form a few lifelong friendships with your fellow students.
In A Nutshell
So there you have it, everything you need to know for a smooth, successful and stress-free student visa application. With these details in your back pocket, you’ll be trading bustling Indian classrooms for laid-back Aussie lecture halls in no time at all!
We wish you all the success as you step into this exciting new chapter of life, whether you’re travelling just for your studies, to live and work, or perhaps even to lay down roots in the land down under. Here’s to new friendships, inspiring professors, and a collection of memories that will last a lifetime.
