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Step 4 - Applying for a visa
Previous step
Before you can apply for a visa, you must receive a letter of offer from the institution you applied for. See admission applications for more information.
International students must have a valid student visa for the duration of their studies in Australia.
You should check with the Australian Embassy in your country to see if you are eligible to apply for a student visa before obtaining official confirmation of your enrolment and paying tuition fees. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) also has offices in many countries.
To ensure the standard of all Australian education institutions, student visas for study in Australia are only granted if you seek to undertake a full-time course that is accredited and registered by the Australian Government's Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Where can I get the visa application forms?
The student visa application forms are designed so that you can complete them with minimal, if any, help. Students can apply for their student visa online or download printable forms from the DIAC website. These forms are also available in some other languages.
For application forms in host-country languages contact your nearest Australian Embassy or DIAC office.
Where can I get help with filling out a visa application?
If you wish to seek help in obtaining a visa you are advised to use a registered migration agent. Contact the nearest Australian Embassy or DIAC Office for a list is available of registered migration agents.
You will be asked to have a medical examination as part of the visa process. You will be given a list of approved doctors and special forms for the doctor to complete.
Where do I submit the visa application?
Unless applying online, you should send your visa application form (together with the correct visa charge and all necessary documents) to the nearest Australian Embassy or DIAC Office.
Obtaining medical insurance
All students must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued. In many cases you can pay the compulsory medical insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC for short) premium to the education institution which will pay the health insurer on your behalf.
Receiving your visa
You can only be granted a student visa if you intend to study a registered course on a full-time basis. If your application is successful you will be issued with a Multiple Entry Visa allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which the visa has been granted. That period will depend on the course for which you have been accepted. Your visa can be cancelled if you discontinue your studies or fail to meet the conditions of your visa.
What if my student visa application is not successful?
If your application is not successful you will be told the reasons in writing. The decision not to grant you a student visa cannot be reviewed if you applied from outside Australia. Before re-applying for a student visa, you should carefully consider what evidence you can provide to satisfy the decision maker that you meet all the requirements for a student visa.
If you apply in Australia and are refused a student visa then you may apply for a review of the decision. You will be notified of your review rights in writing and the time limits for lodging such an appeal.
Next step
Now that your visa application is granted you can start preparing for your departure.