Complete applications

When you lodge your application, it is important that you include all the required documents with your application. Lodging a complete application assists case officers to quickly process your application.

If you cannot provide all the supporting documentation when you lodge your visa application, tell the department which documents are missing and when you expect to be able to provide them. Incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused.

Passport details

Your visa will be linked to the passport number you used in your application. You must use the same passport to travel to and from Australia. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the time you lodge the application.

Important: To avoid significant delays at your departure point for Australia, you must advise the department of new passport details before you travel to Australia.

Application charge

You must pay a non-refundable charge when you lodge your application.

Other costs

There may also be other costs associated with the application, such as translating documents into English. You will also need to pay for any medical examinations.

If required, you may also need to provide a police check. Charges for obtaining police checks vary in each country. When required to obtain your own police checks, you are personally responsible for all arrangements and charges.

How to apply

You can apply by mail or in person. You may be able to apply online.

Outside Australia

• To apply for your first student visa:
• you and your family members can apply by post or in person
• you and your family members can apply online through a migration agent if you are a citizen of:

o   India

o   Indonesia

o   Thailand

o   The People’s Republic of China.

To renew your or your family members’ current student visa:

• You can apply online, by post or in person
• You cannot apply to renew online more than 124 days (4 months) before your course starts
• A family member cannot apply online separately from the student. They can apply separately by post or in person.

In Australia

To apply for your first student visa:

you must have exceptional reasons why the visa should be granted

• To renew your or your family members' current student visa:
• You can apply online, by post or in person
• You cannot apply to renew online more than 93 days (3 months) before your course starts

There are no time restrictions for students applying for a further Student visa in Australia by post or in person, however applications made more than 93 days in advance of the course commencement date will be carefully assessed and may be refused if a decision-maker considers the applicant is unlikely to be a genuine student

A family member cannot apply online separately from the student. They can apply separately by post or in person.

Students under 18 years applying in Australia

You can only apply online for a student visa in Australia if your education provider has undertaken to approve your welfare arrangements. If your parent, legal custodian or suitable relative is providing welfare arrangements you will need to lodge a paper application with the department.

After you lodge your application

Processing times for student visa applications is usually three months.

Your application will be assessed and you will be advised of any other steps that may need to be completed prior to consideration of the visa decision.

Important: Processing of your application will not continue until all outstanding documentation has been received.

Additional information can be provided in writing at any time until a decision is made on your application. All relevant information is taken into account.

If you are invited to comment on or give additional information, you will be given a date by which to do so. After that date, the department can continue processing your application whether you provide the information or not. You cannot delay a decision by saying that you might give more information later.

If you are invited to attend an interview, you must attend on the date and time agreed with the department. If you do not, the department can make a decision based on the information you have already provided in your application.

If your child is born after you lodge your application but before a decision has been made, you must inform the department in writing of the details of the newborn child. You must include a certified copy of the child's full birth certificate.

If you get married or enter a de facto relationship, you must inform the department in writing of your partner’s details.

Any family members added to your application must also meet the eligibility requirements.

Application Forms:

Download & Prient this Application Form