Australian Student Visas

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Introduction

To study in Australia you must first be accepted for enrollment into an approved course, and be granted a student visa. Courses and the institutions that provide them must be registered by the Australian Government for the purpose of providing courses to international students. Courses must be full-time. Student visas relate to different educational sectors such as primary school, secondary school, and university.

Australia has a 5-level assessment system where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest. Students are assessed depending on which passport they hold. Each country is given an assessment level; the higher the level the more evidence must be shown to prove they are a genuine student. This evidence covers English language ability, financial capacity and other matters such as academic ability and age. For example: Canada is a level 1 assessment country; Zimbabwe is level 3. There are no level 5 countries.

Student Visas

  • 570 - Independent ELICOS: This visa is for students wishing to study English as a stand-alone course, and not as preparation for another course (such as a degree).
  • 571 - Schools sector visa: This visa is for students who will be studying at school such as primary and secondary (high school).
  • 572 - Vocational education and training sector: This visa is for those who want to undertake study and training leading to a vocational qualification (such as a Chef or Carpenter).
  • 573 - Higher Education Sector: This visa is for those undertaking tertiary study, such as undergraduate degree courses; Graduate Certificate, and Graduate Diploma.
  • 574 - Postgraduate research sector: For students undertaking  postgraduate level degrees. This also covers Masters Degree and Doctoral Degree.
  • 575 - Non-award sector visa: This is for students doing courses known as non-award; for example the course doesn't lead to being awarded a diploma. Students can also do other full time courses or parts of other courses.
  • 576 - Aus-Aid defence sector.