Australia offers different types of student visas depending on the type of study you wish to pursue. Here are the main types of Australian student visas:
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Overview: This is the most common student visa and allows you to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.
Eligibility: Available for students enrolled in courses ranging from English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) to higher education degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), vocational education and training (VET), and primary or secondary school.
Duration: The visa length is generally the duration of your course plus a short period afterward (e.g., 2 months).
Work Rights: Allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during breaks.
2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Overview: This visa allows a parent, legal guardian, or relative to stay in Australia as the guardian of an international student under 18 years of age who is studying in Australia on a student visa.
Eligibility: You must be the student’s parent, legal guardian, or relative, and you must be able to provide for the student’s accommodation, welfare, and other support needs.
Duration: Generally, the same length as the student visa holder’s course or until the student turns 18.
Work Rights: This visa does not provide work rights.
3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Overview: This visa is for those who want to come to Australia to undertake workplace-based training or professional development.
Eligibility: You must be invited, nominated, or sponsored by an Australian organization or government agency.
Duration: This visa is usually granted for up to 2 years.
Work Rights: You can work only in the training position specified in your visa application.
4. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Overview: This visa allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after they have finished their studies.
Graduate Work Stream: For international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. Visa duration is up to 18 months (or longer for certain nationalities).
Post-Study Work Stream: For international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. Visa duration is between 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification.
Work Rights: Full work rights for the duration of the visa.
5. Student Dependent Visa
Overview: Family members (spouse, de facto partner, or children under 18) of the primary student visa holder can apply for a dependent visa.
Eligibility: The primary visa holder must be studying in a course that leads to a qualification at the level of a master’s degree or higher.
Duration: The same as the primary visa holder’s student visa.
Work Rights: The spouse or partner can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight if the student is studying a course below a master’s level. If the student is studying at a master’s or doctoral level, the spouse or partner can work unlimited hours.
6. Student Exchange Visa (Subclass 500)
Overview: This is a specific stream under the Student Visa (Subclass 500) for students participating in a formal exchange program.
Eligibility: You must be participating in a registered student exchange program.
Duration: The same as the duration of the exchange program.
Work Rights: You may be able to work part-time during your stay, similar to other Subclass 500 visa holders.
Key Points:
English Proficiency: Most student visas require proof of English language proficiency, except in some cases where exceptions apply.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Most student visa applicants must have OSHC for the duration of their stay.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: You must show that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of study.
