Types of Student Visas for Australia: Visa Subclass, Eligibility, Work Permit
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If you are going to apply to Australia soon for higher education, you should know which student visa type you should apply for. This article will throw light on the different types of student visas in Australia and their corresponding details like visa fees, processing timelines, visa duration and other details.
When planning to study in Australia, a lot of research goes into finding the right college and course because it is a daunting task. Most importantly understanding the visa processes in Australia is equally important. What’s more, the different types of visas leave a student rightfully confused as to which visa s/he should apply for. At times, it would even be wiser to understand the kind of visa a course would make you eligible for so that a student can accordingly decide on the course. Here’s a look at the different types of student visas for Australia.
Types of Student Visas in Australia
There are different types of student visas in Australia which vary on the basis of study, post-study work permit, living in Australia and working in Australia. There are two broad visas which are applicable for international students based on the aforementioned areas. These are
- Visa (subclass 500): This visa is for international undergraduate applicants applying for a full-time course of study in Australia. The Subclass 500 Visa is for new and international applicants, coming to study in Australia.
- Temporary (subclass 485) Visa: This visa is for international applicants continuing their education in Australia after pursuing an undergrad course from any Australian university. This temporary (subclass 485) visa is also applicable to new international students applying for postgraduate admissions in Australian universities.
Difference Between Subclass 500 & Subclass 485 Visa in Australia
The table below lists what the different visas mean for international students. Including the eligibility criteria associated with different visa subclasses and which courses you must enrol on for that visa. As working both while studying and after studying is also an important aspect of a student’s decision, we have also included the same.
| Categories of differentiation |
Visa (Subclass 485) |
Visa (Subclass 500) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for |
Postgraduate applicants |
Undergraduate applicants |
| Staying in Australia |
Graduate Work Stream: 18 months Post Study Work Stream: 2 - 4 years Second Post Study Work Stream: 1 - 2 years *Replacement Stream: 18 months - 5 years |
5 years depending upon the student's enrollment |
| Cost of Visa |
AUD 1,945 |
AUD 1,600 |
| Visa Processing Time |
|
|
| Holding this visa - |
International students who have recently graduated are allowed to live, study and work in Australia temporarily. Also, applicants are allowed to bring their family members. |
|
| Visa Expiry |
18 months to a maximum of 4 years |
5 years |
| Work Permissions while studying |
Visas granted under this category after April 2008 automatically make you eligible to work |
|
| Work Permit after completing education |
English Language Proficiency courses cannot be used to fulfil the Australian Study Requirement and hence are not eligible for a Post Study Work Permit under sub-clause 485 |
Students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post-study Work Permit under the Post Study Work Stream. |
| Exceptions/ Important to note |
In case a student has been asked to take the English course as a precursor to his/her admission to a regular degree/diploma program, the student should apply for a student visa eligible for the main course |
In case your course duration does not match the Australian Study Requirement, you can undertake two or more programs which would be added to check your eligibility for a Post Study Work Permit. |
Just a word to sum up, the important point for any visa is that you must be enrolled in a registered study program. We highly recommend students check whether the Australian University offers that particular course/program students have applied for is registered with CRICOS. This information is readily available and should be enquired about before a student commits to the institute/ university. Once you know the kind of visa, you can start the process.
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Also, international students must note that Visa subclass (570, 572, 573 and 574) are no more applicable. Hence applicants applying for a study visa in Australia must make sure that they apply for the above-given visas only.
Related Links
| How to Apply for Student Visa in Australia? | Why Study in Australia? |
| Cost of Living in Australia | Cost of Studying in Australia |
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