Why Study in Australia?
- High-Quality Education: Australia is home to some of the top universities globally, known for their rigorous academic standards and research opportunities.
- Work Opportunities: As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks.
- Pathway to Residency: After completing studies, many students apply for work visas like the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), opening doors to permanent residency options.
Types of Australian Student Visas
Australia primarily offers the Student Visa (Subclass 500) for international students, which covers various study levels and allows students to live, study, and work part-time during their course. However, there are also specific visas associated with different study and training programs in Australia:
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
This is the main visa for international students pursuing education in Australia. It allows students to study full-time in:
- Higher Education: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Vocational Education and Training (VET): Diplomas, trade certifications
- Primary and Secondary Schooling: For school-aged children and teenagers
- ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students): Language courses for non-native English speakers
- Postgraduate Research: For Master’s by research and doctoral degree students
- Non-Award Courses: Courses or exchange programs that do not result in an Australian award
With this visa, students can typically work up to 20 hours per week during study terms and full-time during vacations.
2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
For parents or guardians who need to accompany students under 18 studying in Australia. This visa allows guardians to stay in Australia while providing care and support to the student.
3. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Available to international students who have recently completed at least two years of study in Australia. This visa allows graduates to stay and work in Australia temporarily, usually:
- 18 months to 4 years (depending on qualification level and the graduate’s field of study)
This visa is popular for students aiming to gain Australian work experience post-study and potentially transition to permanent residency options.
4. Training Visa (Subclass 407)
This visa is for individuals seeking to undergo workplace-based occupational training or professional development in Australia. It is typically used by individuals who need work-based training for registration, a license, or professional development purposes in their field.
Requirements for an Australian Student Visa
To apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) from Pakistan, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Proof of enrollment in an Australian institution.
- English Language Proficiency: Test scores from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement: A statement explaining your intention to study and return to Pakistan post-study.
- Financial Proof: Demonstrate funds for tuition, living expenses, and return travel (minimum AUD $21,041 per year).
- Health Insurance: Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay in Australia.
- Character & Health Requirements: Background and health checks may be required.
Documents Required for Australian Student Visa
When applying for your student visa, prepare the following documents:
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form 157A)
- Passport (valid for the duration of your studies)
- CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
- English Language Test Results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Financial Statements (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
- OSHC Health Insurance Proof
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Police Clearance Certificate (if required)
How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa from Pakistan
- Secure Admission: Apply to an Australian institution and receive your CoE after acceptance.
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, including financial statements, English test scores, and health insurance.
- Apply Online: Submit your visa application through the Australian Immigration Website (ImmiAccount).
- Submit Biometrics: Attend a biometrics appointment at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Pakistan.
- Attend Visa Interview (if required): Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
- Wait for Approval: Once submitted, the application typically takes between 4-6 weeks to process.
Cost of Australian Student Visa
The visa application fee for Pakistani students is AUD $650, with additional costs for medical exams, biometrics, and English language testing.
Processing Time for Pakistani Applicants
The average processing time for an Australian Student Visa from Pakistan is 4-6 weeks, depending on the application’s completeness and any additional checks required.
Financial Requirements for Pakistani Students
To prove your financial capacity, you must show evidence of funds for:
- Living Expenses: AUD $21,041 per year
- Tuition Fees: Depending on your institution and program
- Return Airfare: Funds for a round-trip to Pakistan
Work Opportunities for Pakistani Students in Australia
On a Subclass 500 visa, Pakistani students can work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions
- Full-time during term breaks
This helps students gain work experience, manage expenses, and enjoy life in Australia.
What is the Age Limit for an Australian Study Visa?
For the Student Visa (Subclass 500), there is no specific upper age limit, meaning students of various ages can apply to study in Australia. However, certain requirements apply based on age and education level:
- Primary and Secondary School Students:
- Students must be at least 6 years old to apply.
For high school, the maximum age limits generally apply as follows:
- Year 9: Must be under 17 years of age.
- Year 10: Must be under 18 years of age.
- Year 11: Must be under 19 years of age.
- Year 12: Must be under 20 years of age.
- Higher Education and Vocational Education:
- For university (undergraduate and postgraduate) and vocational education courses, there is no upper age limit, but applicants over a certain age may need to provide additional information to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
- Postgraduate Research:
- There is no age limit, but applicants are assessed based on their academic background, research goals, and intentions for temporary residency.
For students over the age of 30 or those who have had extended gaps in their education, Australian immigration may require more information to ensure they meet the GTE requirement, as this is aimed at confirming that the individual intends to study temporarily in Australia.
What is the English Proficiency Requirement ?
1. Accepted English Language Tests
Australian immigration accepts several standardized English language tests, including:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-based Test)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- CAE (Cambridge Advanced English)
- OET (Occupational English Test) for healthcare professionals
2. Minimum Scores Required
Each course level and institution may have its own minimum English score requirements, but generally, these minimum scores are needed for visa eligibility:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 5.5 or above
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 46
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 42
- CAE: Minimum score of 162
- OET: Score of B in each section (for healthcare-related courses)
For higher education programs (such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs), a higher score may be required, typically:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0–6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Score of 60–79
- PTE Academic: Score of 50–58
3. Exceptions and Waivers
Some students may be exempt from English language testing if they:
- Have completed at least five years of study in English in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, or Ireland.
- Have recently completed certain English-medium education in specific countries, such as a senior secondary qualification or a certificate IV or higher in Australia.
- Are citizens of the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, where English is the primary language.
Getting Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
To receive your CoE, follow these steps:
- Apply to an Australian Institution: Complete the application process and provide necessary documents.
- Receive Your Acceptance Letter: After acceptance, pay the tuition fee deposit.
- Get Your CoE: Once the deposit is paid, the institution will issue your CoE, which is essential for your visa application.
How to Book a Fingerprint Appointment
- Submit Your Visa Application: Apply for your Student Visa (Subclass 500) on ImmiAccount. If biometrics are required, you’ll receive a notification from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Find a Biometrics Collection Centre: Locate your nearest Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC), typically found on the VFS Global website.
- Book Your Appointment:
- Go to VFS Global, select your country, and follow the prompts to book an appointment.
- Bring required documents (passport, biometrics request letter) to your scheduled appointment.
- Complete the Appointment:
- Attend on time, and keep your receipt for reference.
- Biometrics collection is usually quick, taking just a few minutes.
Can a Student Visa Be Extended in Australia?
Yes, a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can be extended in Australia, but the process involves applying for a new student visa rather than a simple extension. Here’s how it works:
- Apply for a New Student Visa: If you need more time to complete your course or wish to pursue a new course, you’ll need to submit a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) application before your current visa expires.
- Required Documents: For the new application, you’ll need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the additional study period, as well as other documents like proof of financial capacity, health insurance, and English proficiency (if needed).
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): If you’ve completed your studies, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay in Australia to work temporarily.
- Bridging Visa: If your current visa expires while your new application is processing, you’ll typically be granted a Bridging Visa to maintain lawful status in Australia.
