Student Visas

All you need to know and more !!!

The Student Visa process can be confusing and time consuming (especially for first time travellers). The most important thing to realize is that if you are going to Australia for a semester or longer....

YOU NEED A STUDENT VISA

You cannot travel to Australia as a tourist and expect to study as a full time student, as that is considered a violation of a "tourist" visa. Nor does being a student in the US mean you automatically receive a "student visa".

In order to be eligible for a student visa you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a "Confirmation of Enrollment (COE)" or "Acceptance Advise Form (AAF)". These forms are issued by the Australian Institution on behalf of the Department of Education. !! As of July 1, 2000 these forms are issued to the student via electronic format. Students need to print out the email attachment and send it in with their application.

Conditions of the Student Visa

• you must take a full study load
• you must take out the compulsory Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC)
• you must maintain good standing at the Australian institution.

Quick List

• students must have a valid passport
• students must have proof of official documentation from the Australian school

For US citizens wanting to travel and stay up to three months, Australia joined the U.S. Visa Waver Pilot Program in July 1996. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is a form of electronic tourist visa that can be issued through travel agents or through the airline directly. This option can be used for family and friends wanting to visit a student in Australia. In some cases, usually time constraint cases, ETA's can be issued to students with the mandate of changing that visa to a student visa while in Australia.

US citizens can contact the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles, the Embassy in Washington DC or the AEO for application forms or check with their home institution or program sponsor. Canadian students must contact the Australian High Commission in Ottawa for more details.

I'm a student going to Australia for less than one calendar year.

I'm a student going to Australia for more than 12 months.

Which Assessment Level Am I ?? If you are a US citizen you are Assessment Level 1 or 2. If you are a citizen of another country and currently in the US on a valid residency/student visa please click here to download a PDF file of Assessment levels.

I need other help... contact the AEO.

The OHSC is an Overseas Student Health Coverage that is mandated by the Australian government for international students. OHSC helps pay for medical and hospital care that students may need while in Australia. It functions in addition to any medical coverage you may currently have in the States.

Payment is usually arranged by the International Office in Australia and semester costs are usually about $150US for single coverage. Hospital visits, pathology services, X-rays, Emergency Ambulance Transport, pharmaceuticals are covered. Pre-existing conditions, dental services, physiotheraphy, pregancy servies are usually not covered. If you have questions about obtaining OHSC or coverage, please contact the International Office at the Australian institution you are enrolled in. There are three companies in Australia coordinating the coverage and details vary.

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