Australian Study VISA 2024 – Types, Eligibility, Process, Financial Requirements

As universities across Australia conclude their admissions for Semester 2, students from around the globe are now embarking on the next critical phase of their journey to study Down Under—applying for their Australian study visas. This period marks a significant uptick in activity at Australian embassies worldwide, as prospective students finalize their preparations for their upcoming educational endeavors.

The months of May and June 2024 are particularly busy, aligning with the aftermath of the Semester 2 admissions process. During this time, students are actively involved in submitting their visa applications to ensure they can arrange their travel and accommodation in time for the start of classes in July. This surge in applications is a seasonal trend, reflecting the global appeal of Australian education and the detailed planning that international studies require.

This background sets the stage for discussing the intricacies of Australian study visas, shedding light on the types, processes, and requirements involved in securing a visa. As students navigate through these administrative procedures, understanding the nuances of each visa type and the timing of applications is crucial for a smooth transition to studying in Australia.

Which Australian Study VISA Types if Good Fit for you?

There are four types of Australian student visa types available for application submission in 2024 and we will discuss the purpose and eligibility criteria of each of these here:

1# Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Most Common

• Purpose: Allows international students to engage in full-time study in registered courses in Australia.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be enrolled in a full-time study course at an Australian institution.
  • Fulfill the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement to demonstrate the intention to stay in Australia temporarily.
  • Provide evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Maintain adequate health insurance cover (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC).

2# Training Visa (Subclass 407)

• Purpose: Designed for people who need to undertake workplace-based training in Australia; this can include professional development training programs.
• Eligibility:
  • Must have an occupation that qualifies for training and a sponsor who has been approved to provide the training.
  • The training must enhance skills in an eligible occupation.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Provide evidence of financial capacity to support oneself during the stay.

3# Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

• Purpose: Allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to temporarily live, work, and study in Australia.
• Eligibility:
  • Must have completed a qualification that meets the Australian Study Requirement within the past six months.
  • Be under 50 years old.
  • Meet the English language requirements.
  • Hold or have held a Student Visa in the last six months.
  • Provide evidence of adequate health insurance.
  • Meet health and character requirements.

4# Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

• Purpose: For parents or guardians who need to stay in Australia as the guardian of an international student who is studying in Australia on a student visa.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a parent or person who has legal custody of the student, or a relative who is nominated by a parent or custodian.
  • The student must be under 18, or over 18 if they need special support for a condition.
  • Provide evidence of financial capacity to support oneself and any dependents.
  • Meet health and character requirements.

Financial Bank Statement Requirements to Apply for Australian VISA

If you are a self As of May 10, 2024, students applying for the Subclass 500 visa must show access to at least AUD $29,710 annually to cover living expenses, in addition to tuition and health insurance costs. Other visas might not have specified minimum financial requirements but necessitate proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.

Is bank statement requirement waived off for Scholarship Winners to apply for Australian Study VISA?

Yes, scholarship winners can have the standard financial bank statement requirements waived when applying for an Australian student visa. Instead, they need to submit a scholarship support form, award letter, or sponsorship letter that details their financial support. These documents must clearly indicate the scholarship’s coverage of tuition, living expenses, and any other benefits to meet visa requirements.

While the scholarship documentation is primary, students might still need to provide additional evidence to cover aspects not included in their scholarship, such as:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Proof that they have the required health insurance for the duration of their visa.
• Return Airfare: Documentation showing that they can afford travel costs back to their home country after their studies are completed, unless covered by the scholarship.
• Supplementary Living Costs: If the scholarship does not fully cover living expenses, students might need to provide evidence of additional funds to meet the required financial threshold.

Australian Study Visa Application Process and Document Checklist

Following is the step by step process with documents checklist to help you out in submitting your application with complete documents for Australia student visa in 2024:

1. Accept Your Offer: Obtain your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from the Australian institution after accepting their offer.
2. Create an ImmiAccount: Register an account on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to lodge and manage your visa application.
3. Gather Required Documents: Compile all necessary documents as per the study visa subclass you are applying for.
4. Complete the Visa Application: Fill out the visa application form online through your ImmiAccount (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online), attaching all required documents.
5. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Submit the application fee of AUD$710 (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500), which can be exempted in some cases.
6. Submit Your Application: Review all information, submit your application, and wait for a decision.
7. Track and Manage Your Application: Use your ImmiAccount to track the status of your application and respond to any additional requests for information.

Document Checklist for Australian Study Visa (Subclass 500) and others:

• Completed Australian study Visa Application Form (157A) (https://www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/Pakistan/pdf/157a.pdf)
• Valid Passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by your Australian educational institution.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement: A personal statement addressing the GTE requirement.
• Financial Evidence: Scholarship letters or bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Proof of health insurance valid for the duration of your visa.
• English Proficiency Test Results: If required by your institution or visa type.
• Academic and Work Experience Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, CV, and work references.
• Character and Health Assessments: Police certificates and medical examinations as required.
• Scholarship offer letter or bank statement with required threshold limit.

This streamlined process and comprehensive checklist should help ensure that you are well-prepared when applying for your Australian study visa