The Australian Government operates an overseas student program (OSP) that allows people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents to study in Australia. Anyone who is not an Australian resident may apply to study in Australia under the OSP.
Student visa
Non-Australian residents wanting to study in Australia for over three months must apply for a student (temporary) visa. This visa can only be granted if the student is enrolled in a full-time course with a registered training organisation (RTO) registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
To be granted a student visa, applicants need to:
Visa requirements
Student visa requirements include conditions for attendance and academic performance which come into effect after the student has entered Australia. For more information on visa requirements see the Study in Australia website
Visa application and supporting documents
A completed visa application form (pdf -36K) from the Department of Immigration must be lodged with a letter of offer or an electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) from the RTO. Only CRICOS registered RTOs can generate an eCoE using the CRICOS software.
Depending on the country of nationality and principal course of study, a pre-visa assessment (PVA) may be necessary before an eCoE can be issued by the RTO.
The Department of Immigration also requires other supporting documents to be lodged with the visa application form. For more information see the Departments’ checklist Visa Application Document Checklists. For accurate and up-to-date information on student visas, visa requirements and application charges, please check the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs website
Electronic visa application
The Department of Immigration now offers online visa application submissions. Currently these are limited to a small number of temporary entry and permanent entry visas and business sponsorships, and nominations. Over time, additional visa types and other services will be added to provide a comprehensive online visa delivery service.
Visa extensions
A new visa application must be lodged if the student wants to extend their study period in Australia.
Student employment
International students on student visas are permitted to work up to 20 hours each week during semester, and full-time during vacation periods. Most RTOs have employment services that help international students find work.
