How to Study in Australia

The mistakes you make in a student visa application may result in having your application refused. It is, therefore, important, that you know the application procedure, and how to study in Australia. This post is the second in a series of articles for international students from the Philippines who want to study in Australia.

What you are entitled to with an Australian student visa

The Australian student visa will allow you to:

• Remain in Australia for up to five years while studying full time in an eligible study program
• Travel in and out of Australia for the validity of the visa while you are studying
• Work up to 20 hours every week once your program begins
• Include family members when you file your visa application.

Learn how to study in Australia

If you are applying outside Australia, you must apply well before your intake date. If you are living in Australia, you must apply before your current visa expires.

Use the following procedure if you will apply online and have all the documentary requirements.

1. Create an ImmiAccount
2. Attach the documents
3. Pay the visa application charge
4. Pay the application charge

You must be careful NOT to provide misleading information in your application. Then, prepare copies of the documents listed in the next sections. Once you have them, attach those to your application. Remember to present all the documents required of you.

Evidence of your identity and proof of intended study

To prove your identity, present the following credentials:

• Passport
• A certified copy of your birth certificate
• Driver’s license
• PRC license

To demonstrate that you intend to study in a particular program, you must submit the following documents:

• Confirmation of Enrolment, or CoE, for all intended courses if you are applying from outside Australia.
• If the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Australian Department of Defence sponsors your application, request a Letter of Support.
• An Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student Form if you are a secondary exchange student.

To prove your intention to study in Australia and enroll in a specific program, you must submit the following documents:

1. Confirmation of Enrolment, or CoE, for all intended courses if you are applying from outside Australia.
2. If either the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Australian Department of Defence, ask for a letter of support.
3. An Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student Form if you are a secondary exchange student.

English language requirement

To study in Australia, you will have to brush up on your English language skills. In fact, many schools need you to demonstrate at least adequate English language skills. Remember, schools use English to teach classes.

• You should have taken the English exam in the two years before your student visa application.
• The English language test providers are:
  • International English Language Testing System, or IELTS
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test, or TOEFL iBT
  • Pearson Test of English Academic, or PTE
  • Occupational English Test, or OET

Documents for applicants who are under 18

The following are documents for applicants who are younger than 18 but wish to study in Australia. This list applies to both primary applicants and dependents.

• Proof that you made arrangements for accommodation and welfare in Australia. You could use:
  • Form 157N – Nomination of a student guardian in Australia.
  • Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare letter from the student’s education provider.
  • Proof you enrolled your child in an Australian school if she or he is between five to 17 years of age.
• If your spouse is not applying for an Australian visa, both of you have to complete and sign the Form 1229. This is a consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under 18.
• Court order if you have sole custody of your child or children

Other miscellaneous requirements to study in Australia from the Philippines

You will also need the following to study in Australia:

• Health insurance with Overseas Student Health Cover or OSHC. Having OSHC coverage is a condition of your visa.
• Evidence you have the financial ​capacity to cover your travel costs and tuition.
• Migration agent – Form 956​ Advice by a migration agent/exempt person if the form is in the list of required documents at the end of your application form.
• Proof you meet Genuine Temporary Entrant or GTE Requirements.
• Documents to support your statement of purpose.
• To confirm you intend to respect the Australian way of life and obey the country’s laws, you must sign an Australian Values Statement.

If you put off an application to study in Australia, remember, the requirements change twice a year, on March 31 and September 30. Remember to review what you have versus the latest list of documents.