Student Visa for Australia
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Are Aussie sunsets calling your name? Are you preparing for days lounging on the beach and weekends hiking in the Blue Mountains? Your chance to study abroad in Australia is right around the corner! Before you can embrace all that Australia has to offer, let's make sure you have the proper documentation to enter the country.
Never applied for a student visa before? No need to worry. We've outlined the basics below and our visa specialists are here to support you along the way. Let's get started!
Australia visa processes and requirements are determined by the Australian government, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on Australian government and consulate websites. This page was last updated October 4, 2019.
What is an Australian student visa?
As a student or intern in Australia, you will need a visa that is electronically linked to your passport. This visa serves as an approval from the Australian government to remain in the country for the duration of your program.
As a student on a semester study abroad program, you will need a Student Visa (subclass 500). If you are a full-time intern, you will need a Work & Holiday Visa. On a summer study abroad program, you will need an Electronic Travel Authority.
Do You Need a Visa for Australia?
Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in Australia. We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your visa requirements
If you are a U.S. citizen...
...on a semester or calendar year study abroad program, you will need to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
...on a full-time internship program, you will need to apply for a Work & Holiday Visa.
...on a summer study abroad program, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
...on a Customized & Faculty-Led Program — you may need a student visa depending on the length and nature of your program. Learn more in your myIESabroad account.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen...
Refer to the Australian consulate that serves your country of citizenship to determine which visa you will need.
Applying for a Student Visa for Australia
Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a Australia student visa in your myIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the visa application process will look like as a U.S. citizen.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, refer to the Australian consulate that serves your country of citizenship to determine your visa application process. Contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
HOW
You will apply for your visa online through the Australian immigration website. To apply, you will need to provide a copy of your passport along with other supplemental documents and fees.
If you are going on a semester program, you will have to wait until you are issued an electronic Certificate of Enrollment (eCoE) from your host university before you can apply online. To receive your eCoE, fill out the appropriate forms in your myIESabroad account.
More information about eCoEs and other supplemental documents can be found in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to your program.
You will receive online confirmation when your visa is approved.
WHEN
After gathering and submitting your application materials online, you can expect to receive your visa in 1-21 business days depending on the type of visa you applied for.
If you are going on a semester study abroad program, you should submit your online application as soon as you receive your eCoE.
COST
When you apply online you will have to pay a fee to Australian Immigration. The current fees are:
- Student Visa - AUD 575
- Work & Holiday Visa - AUD 485
- Electronic Travel Authority - AUD 20
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
