Australia Student Visa: Requirement, Application Process, Fees and More

Study Abroad
Dreaming of studying in Australia? Awesome! But before you pack your bags, you need an Australian student visa.
Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about getting your student visa.
At BFS Global, we have over a decade of experience in guiding our students with a seamless visa procedure aligning with all the visa requirements.
From the essential documents to the application process, we'll walk you through it step-by-step. We'll even spill the beans on visa fees and processing times.
So, whether you're a high school graduate or a seasoned professional looking to upskill, this guide is your golden ticket to Aussie student life. Let's get going!

Let's explore the types of student & related visas Australia offers

Types of Australian Student Visas

If you're planning to study in Australia, choosing the right visa is essential. Here's a simple breakdown of the most common student visas:

Subclass 500: Student Visa

Purpose: Primary visa for full-time study in Australia.
Eligibility: Enrolled in a registered course; valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Duration: Up to 5 years, aligned with the course length.
Work Rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term, unlimited hours during breaks.

Australia Student Visa Requirements

Now that you’ve decided to pursue your higher education in Australia, it’s time to learn the basic requirements before you move forward.

General Requirements for All Applicants

To apply for an Australian student visa, you must meet several basic conditions. Here are the general eligibility requirements you need for an Australian student visa:

Valid Passport: 

First, you'll need a valid passport. This is a no-brainer, but make sure it's valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): 

You must prove that you're a genuine student and intend to return to your home country after your studies.

Proof Of Enrollment: 

You'll also have to provide proof of enrollment in an Australian educational institution through a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Enroll in a course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Academic Eligibility Criteria

As an applicant, you must meet specific academic criteria for your Australian student visa. Here are the general ones:

Offer Letter:

You will need an offer letter from a recognized Australian educational institution (college or university) that you want to enroll in.

Academic Qualifications:

Generally, you should have completed the Year 12 or equivalent of Australian secondary education or hold a diploma/degree for higher studies.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

To study in Australia, you must demonstrate proficiency in English. Some applicants from English-speaking countries can skip this part.

Language Test:

Prove your English language skills by taking a recognized English language test like IELTS or PTE Academic.

Minimum Scores: 

The minimum scores required can vary depending on the university and course, but generally, you'll need to score between 6 on the IELTS.

Financial Requirements and Proof

Just like any other country, you have to fulfil some financial requirements and show proof to get a student visa in Australia.

Sufficient Funds: 

Prove you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare. This typically means providing bank statements or proof of financial support from a sponsor.

Cost of Living: 

Be prepared to show you have around AUD 29,710 in savings per year to cover your living costs. This estimate includes rent, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.

Health and Character Requirements

Australia requires student visa applicants to meet certain health and character standards. Here are the following:

Health Requirements:

Since you’re applying as an international student, you must have the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. OSHC is similar to health insurance.
Besides, you need to undergo a health examination to meet the visa requirements. You can use the Health Declaration service for this health examination.

Character Requirements:

There are specific standards of character requirements for Australia. Answer some questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you’ve to add a police clearance check also.

Additional Requirements for Bangladeshi Applicants

Bangladeshi students may face extra scrutiny during the visa application process. This could include more thorough health examinations and additional financial documents.
To decide whether an applicant fulfils this criterion, he or she may need to attend an interview at the Australian High Commission in Dhaka.

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Australia Visa Application Process

Upon receiving the admission offer letter from your chosen university, it is essential to begin preparing for the visa process as early as possible.
Securing the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) is a critical step for students planning to study in Australia.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Australian Student Visa

New to the application procedures for the Australian student visa? Let’s take you forward with a step-by-step guide!
1. Choose Your Course and Institution: Before you choose the preferred course, check if the course is registered under CRICOS.
2. Offer Letter: Once you've selected a course, apply to the institution. If accepted, you'll receive an offer letter. This letter is crucial for your visa application.
3. GS Clearance: If you're from a country that requires General Skilled Migration (GSM) clearance, you'll need to obtain it before applying for your student visa.
4. Tuition Fee: Pay the tuition fees for your chosen course. Proof of payment is essential for your visa application.
5. Receive Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): After acceptance, you'll get a CoE from the institution. This is essential for your visa application.
6. Create an ImmiAccount: An ImmiAccount is your online portal for all immigration matters. Register on the Department of Home Affairs website and create your account.
7. Complete the Online Visa Application: Fill out the student visa (subclass 500) application form.
8. Pay the Visa Application Fee: The cost is approximately AUD$1,600, though it may vary from time to time.
9. Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents like passport, Offer letter, Proof of funds, English test results, Health insurance, GTE statement
10. Undergo Biometric & Health Examination: Based on your nationality, you may need to undergo biometric (fingerprint and photo) collection and a health examination.
11. Wait for Decision: Processing times vary, but it usually takes several weeks. Track your application status online with the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system.

Required Documents and How to Prepare Them

We have covered the required documents above. For your convenience, let’s repeat the requirements, and how you can prepare them.
• All the academic documents: Include transcripts, certificates, and any diplomas related to your previous education. These prove your academic qualifications for the course you're applying to.
• Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for your study duration.
• CoE from Your Institution: Proof of enrollment in an approved course.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement: Justify your intent to stay temporarily.
• English Proficiency Test Results: Submit IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores.
• Proof of Financial Capacity: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
• Health Insurance (OSHC): Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover for the length of your stay.
• Health and Character Certificates: Depending on your circumstances, you may need medical and police clearances.

How to Apply for a Student Visa from Bangladesh

Want to apply for your Australian student visa from Bangladesh? No worries! Here are the basic steps in a brief:
• Apply Online: Start your visa application on the ImmiAccount portal.
• Upload Documents: Submit all required documents digitally.
• Submit Biometrics: You may be asked to provide biometrics at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Bangladesh.
• Attend Medical Exam: Schedule your health check as per the visa requirements.
• Pay Visa Fee: Make the payment online.
• Await Visa Outcome: Once all steps are complete, wait for the decision, which typically takes around 4-6 weeks.

Common Challenges and Tips for a Successful Application

It’s always better to be careful with your application procedure. Any small mistake will make you pay more.
• Incomplete Documents: Double-check your paperwork. Missing documents can cause delays.
• GTE Statement: Be clear about your temporary stay intent and future plans.
• Financial Proof: Make sure your financial statements meet the visa requirements.
• Processing Time: Apply early to avoid delays in starting your studies.
• Seek Help: If you're unsure, consult with an education agent for guidance.
Ditch these common challenges, recheck your documents twice, and follow the above tips for a smooth application.

Australian Student Visa Cost or, Fees

As you prepare yourself for the Australian student visa, you must get enough idea about the visa cost or other fees.

Base Application Fee:

This is the core cost of your student visa application. The exact amount can vary, but it's usually around AUD 1600.

Biometric Fee: 

If you're required to give your fingerprints and photo, you'll need to pay a biometric fee. This is usually around AUD 27

Specific Fees for Bangladeshi Applicants:

For Bangladeshi applicants, there are no additional specific visa fees. However, ensure that you meet all the requirements.
If you do not provide the required documents or information, then your application could be delayed and you may incur extra charges if you need to resubmit it.

Other Associated Costs:

With all the major costs, you have to consider some additional costs before you pack your bag prior to flying to Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): 

All international students must have OSHC. The cost typically ranges from AUD 600 to AUD 700 per year, depending on the provider.

Medical Exams & Health Insurance: 

While not a visa fee, you'll need to have health insurance that meets Australian standards. The cost will depend on the insurance provider and your coverage.
For your fundamental medical exams and other health checkups, the cost can vary between AUD 300 to AUD 500.

Processing Fees: 

Some visa processing services may charge additional fees, such as courier fees or translation fees. It depends on your application needs or if you use an agent.

Living Expenses: 

Remember to factor in your living costs in Australia. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.

Australia Student Visa Processing Time

The average processing time for the most common Australian student visa (subclass 500) is between 4 to 6 weeks.
However, some visas are processed faster, within 2 weeks. While others may take up to 3 months. It depends on various factors.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Several factors can influence how long your visa takes to process. These include:
• The completeness of your application and required documents.
• The complexity of your personal circumstances.
• How quickly you respond to requests for additional information.
• High volumes of applications during peak periods.
We recommend you apply early and ensure all documentation is accurate. This will help you avoid any visa processing delays.

Processing Time for Applicants from Bangladesh

For Bangladeshi students, there are no specific data available for processing times. Generally, the visa processing times fall within the global average of 4 to 6 weeks.
During busy periods or if extra health and character checks are required, it might take longer. It’s wise to apply at least 3 months before your intended start date to allow for any delays.

Australia Visa Success Ratio for Bangladeshi Students

The visa success rate for Bangladeshi students applying to study in Australia varies each year. It has seen a steady rise, with around 96.7% of applicants successfully receiving approvals.
However, for those applying in the vocational sector, the approval rate stands lower at 58.5%. It depends on individual applications and factors like documentation and course choice.

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Factors Influencing Success Rates for Bangladeshi Applicants

Visa success rate can fluctuate based on several factors. Here are some of the common factors that influence visa success rates:
• Strong Academic Background: Applicants with solid academic records have a better chance of success.
• English Proficiency: Meeting or exceeding the English language requirements improves your application.
• Clear Financial Proof: It's important to have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Demonstrate that your primary purpose for coming to Australia is to study.
• Health and Character Requirements: A clean criminal history and health insurance is generally a requirement. Fulfilling these obligations also plays a key role.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

The whole application process, preparation of all documents, and getting approval is not an easy task. Follow these tips to improve your chances of approval:
• Prepare Early: Gather all necessary documents and meet all requirements before applying.
• Financial Proof: Ensure your bank statements clearly show you can cover tuition and living costs.
• GTE Statement: Write a clear, honest statement outlining your study goals and intention to return home.
• Meet Health Requirements: Schedule health checks early to avoid delays.
• Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting an education consultant familiar with Australian visa applications to guide you.
With all these, consider seeking assistance from a professional immigration consultant like BFS Global for guidance and support.

Post-Visa Approval: What’s Next?

Once your visa is approved, start preparing for your journey. Book your flights early to get better deals. Check your luggage for any restrictions.
Ensure your passport, visa grant letter, and other essential documents are packed securely. Don’t forget to arrange your accommodation.
Go for accommodation on-campus, in a homestay, or private rentals. Make sure to take care of any medical requirements like vaccinations or health insurance.

Understanding Visa Conditions and Restrictions

Your student visa comes with conditions. You must maintain full-time enrollment, meet course progress requirements, and keep your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) active.
You’re also allowed to work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight) while studying. Always stay informed of your visa restrictions to avoid issues.

Tips for a Smooth Transition to Life in Australia

Australia is a different country with a diverse climate. So, it’s a tough task to adapt to the new lifestyles for a smooth transition.
• Research Local Culture: Learn about Australian customs and etiquette to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Join Student Clubs: Connect with other students and make new friends by joining clubs and societies.
• Explore the Country: Take advantage of your time in Australia to explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities.
• Stay Healthy: Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Eat well, exercise regularly, and seek help if needed.
Embrace the culture, make new friends, and enjoy the incredible opportunities that studying in Australia has to offer!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Getting an Australian student visa might seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and preparation, it's achievable.
Remember to gather all the required documents, submit your application well in advance, and be prepared for any additional requirements.
Once you have your visa in hand, the exciting adventure of studying in Australia awaits! The Land Down Under offers a unique and enriching experience.
Need more guidance? BFS Global is here to help! Our experienced team can provide personalized assistance throughout the process for a smooth and stress-free experience.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your study abroad dreams in Australia.