Visa Applications
For all courses that take place for a duration of more than three months, a student visa is required. Visas are granted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC will only grant you a student visa if your course is registered, or if it is part of a registered course, on a full-time basis. A registered course is one offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian government to offer courses to overseas students. Visit the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS) website for more information.
To apply for a student visa in Brunei, contact:
Cost of Living – Migration regulations
Migration regulations in Australia require international students to show evidence that they can contribute to the cost of living and studying in Australia. Students must demonstrate that the funds required will be genuinely available to them during their stay in Australia. This helps to ensure students are better able to make the most of their studies and have a safe and enjoyable experience in Australia.
While international students are able to supplement their income with money earned through part-time work in Australia, the “living costs” requirement helps to support the success of students in their studies by ensuring that they don’t have to rely on such work to meet all their expenses.
Starting from 1 January 2010, the basic rate of living costs under the migration regulations has changed. Prospective student visa applicants and their families must have access to the following funds to meet the living costs requirements:
- A$18,000 (about B$21,790) a year for the main student
- A$6,300 (about B$7,630) a year for the student’s partner
- A$3,600 (about B$4,350) a year for the student’s first child
- A$2,700 (about B$3,270) a year for every other child and where required
These figures are indicative only. Remember, costs can vary significantly depending on where you live and on your individual lifestyle. You should be prepared in case your living costs are greater than the indicated figures.
Click here to access a currency converter to get a free and efficient estimate of your living costs.
For more information visit www.immi.gov.au
Overseas student health cover
Australia has a special system of health coverage for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You will need to buy OSHC before you come to Australia to cover you from the time you arrive. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires you to maintain OSHC for the duration of your time on a student visa in Australia.
Your OSHC will help you pay for any medical or hospital care you may need while you’re studying in Australia. It will also contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicines and an ambulance in an emergency.
You can choose to take out OSHC with a specific OSHC provider that your institution has an agreement with, or you can go with any Australian OSHC provider of your choice. As at July 2008, there are five providers of OSHC in Australia. Visit these websites to find detailed information on what they cover and to decide which provider is right for you.
Australian Health Management OSHC www.ahm.com.au/7323/OSHC
BUPA Australia www.overseasstudenthealth.com
Medibank Private www.medibank.com.au/Client/StaticPages/OSHCHome.aspx
OSHC Worldcare www.oshcworldcare.com.au
NIB OSHC www.nib.com.au/home/newtonib/overseasstudent