Visas for Study Abroad and Exchange students
- How do I apply?
- What subclass am I?
- What assessment level am I?
- How long does it take?
- What are the fees?
- Was my application successful?
- More information for Canadian and USA students
How do I apply?
To study at an Australian university, you need a student visa.
You can apply for a student visa on the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs website.
Depending on your assessment level (see below) you may be able to apply for your student visa online.
If you are applying online please ensure that you print your email approval receipt to provide evidence of your Student Visa so that you can gain entry to Australia and finalise your enrolment.
If you have any questions or problems completing the online form you can email the eVisa Helpdesk (eVisa.Students.Helpdesk@immi.gov.au) for advice. The Helpdesk service is only provided during Australian Eastern Standard Time business hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If the Helpdesk needs to contact you they will use the e-mail or postal address that you provided in your application.
Student visa application forms can also be obtained from your nearest Australian diplomatic mission.
What subclass am I?
Study Abroad and Exchange students should apply for a student visa under Subclass 575 Non Award.
What assessment level am I?
Under each subclass, there are assessment levels from 1 to 5.
To find out which assessment level you are see: Assessment levels for Student visas
- Assessment Level 1 or 2: You can submit an application for a student visa when you have received your electromic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) from the University.
- Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5: You must provide evidence of a successful Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) outcome before accepting your offer to study at the University of Melbourne. Contact your nearest Australian diplomatic mission as soon as you have received your offer letter to organise you PVA.The University of Melbourne cannot issue an electromic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) until it receives written confirmation from the appropriate Australian diplomatic mission indicating that you have had a successful PVA outcome. A fax or email from the Australian diplomatic mission is sufficient evidence. If you have received your PVA you can accept your offer.
How long does it take?
- Assessment Level 1 or 2: four to eight weeks
- Assessment Level 3,4 or 5 : up to three months
What are the fees?
There is a fee involved in applying for a student visa and you are also
usually required to undergo a medical examination. Please contact your
nearest Australian
diplomatic mission for details.
Was my application successful?
The Australian diplomatic mission will contact you regarding the status of your visa application.
More information for Canadian and USA citizens
If you are a citizen of the USA or Canada and experience problems during the visa application process, the Australian Government has an extensive network of offices and services in your county that may be able to assist you. Please visit the Study in Australia website.
US citizens will find that the website of the Australian Embassy in Washington is another useful resource.