Applying for an Australian student visa? Here’s help

The Australian Government provides an opportunity to all Sri Lankan students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age, the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you want to stay in Australia. As an international student, you would most commonly require a student (subclass 500) visa, regardless of your field of study.

Student visa (subclass 500)

Coming into effect since July 1, 2016, a student subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is mostly up to five years and in line with your enrolment date. For a smooth stay, you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and you abide by the conditions as mentioned on your student visa. You can read up in detail about this kind of visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Scope of your subclass 500 visa

  • You can participate in your desired study program

  • You can be accompanied by your family members to Australia

  • You can apply in or outside Australia through online portal

Basic checks before you apply

  • You should be enrolled in your desired study program in Australia

  • You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or either fall in any of the exemption categories

  • You must be equal to or more than 6 years

  • You need to prove that you have a welfare arrangement (in case you are less than 18 years of age)

When applying for your student visa for Australia, you will generally need:

  • Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment)

  • A valid passport

  • Your visa application fee

  • Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

  • Academic and work experience documents

  • Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)

  • Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)

  • Details of your health insurance policy

    (Overseas Student Health Cover)

  • Statement of purpose

  • Passport-sized photographs

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

Applying for your visa online

You will need to create an account using Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)’s online application system – ImmiAccount - to complete and submit your student visa application. You can also track the status of your visa through ImmiAccount once you have submitted it. You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks.

How can IDP help in your visa application?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Australia, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we also help to certify, translate and courier your documents.

Visa fee

As an international student you must pay visa fees as per the below category you fall in:

Visa subclass

Base application charge

Additional applicant charges if
18 years or above

Additional applicant charges if less than 18 years

The subsequent temporary application charge

Student visa (subclass 500)

AUD 620

AUD 460

AUD 150

AUD 700

Student visa (subclass 500) (subsequent entrant)

AUD 620

AUD 460

AUD 150

AUD 700

Student visa (subclass 500) – Foreign Affairs or Defence sector

nil

nil

nil

nil

Student visa (subclass 500) – Postgraduate research sector

AUD 620

nil

nil

nil

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing/study; all figures are in Australian dollar (AUD)

English language requirements

To gain your Australia student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

The minimum score required in your IELTS for an Australian student visa is 5.5 band in each of the four modules.

(Know more about IELTS)

Making sure your visa remains valid

Once you get your visa, there are several things you need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:

  • Remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance

  • Provide your Australian address to your university or college so they can contact you (don’t forget to let them know if you move)

  • Continue to be able to financially support yourself while in Australia

  • Don’t breach the working conditions that apply to your visa

If you want to change your qualification level, you will need to apply for a new student visa.

You can always contact us for a free counselling session, and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.