Australian Student visa Subclass 500 — a temporary visa under the Australian Student visa program, allowing for studying English language in language schools in Australia, attending primary and high schools in Australia, vocational education and training (VET) sector, and universities in Australia, including postgraduate research.
Australia is a leader in education. The country’s universities are ranked among the best educational institutions in the world, and its diplomas are highly valued. Education quality is monitored by the government. Each educational institution undergoes accreditation, thereby demonstrating compliance of its programs with accepted standards.
The academic year consists of two semesters and lasts from February to late November. Holidays are in December and January, during Australia’s “summer”. Students create their own study plans, including on average 4-8 subjects, which should occupy at least 40 hours per week. Performance is assessed by percentages, depending on successful completion of exams. Education in Australia is fee-paying. The cost depends on the type of institution, duration of study, and the program itself. If performance during studies is high, scholarships can be obtained. There is also a grant system that can cover tuition fees.
Advantages of studying in Australia:
- World-class education;
- No entrance exams, only English language proficiency tests;
- Lower cost of education compared to the UK and USA;
- Opportunity to work legally during free time from studies, providing for oneself;
- High level of safety and quality of life;
- Possibility for parents to obtain a visa to visit children studying in Australia;
- Possibility of subsequent obtaining of a work visa, employment, and immigration.
Higher education programs
To obtain higher education in Australia, one can apply to either a university or a TAFE (Technical and Further Education) college (mostly technical specialties).
Higher education consists of the following levels:
- Bachelor’s degree – basic higher education. The minimum duration of study at a university or college is 3 years. Bachelor with Honours is four years.
- Master’s degree – additional education for 1-2 years and project defense. With this degree, one can teach and expect higher-paying jobs.
- Doctorate – postgraduate education of at least three years and mandatory dissertation defense. This degree can only be obtained at a university.
The duration of study varies depending on the chosen specialty.
Admission requirements to an Australian university
One of the important requirements for admission is proficiency in the English language. It is confirmed by certificates of testing in IELTS and TOEFL. When filling out an application for enrollment in a course, it will be necessary to attach documents about education and test results. All documents must be translated into English and notarized.
After school, you cannot directly enroll in an Australian university; you will have to take additional preparatory courses. For students who have studied for at least one year, transferring to an Australian higher education institution is possible. With a diploma already obtained, you can try to apply for a master’s degree in Australia. Each case is considered individually.
In case of approval, it is necessary to apply for a student visa. In addition to standard documents – passports, education certificates, international certificates confirming English language proficiency, proof of sufficient finances, etc., a motivational letter explaining why you chose this particular university will also be required. The visa takes about 2-3 months to process. It is worth noting that if you plan to work in Australia in the future and obtain permanent residency, the chosen specialty must be in the list of demanded professions.
Even if you do not plan to immigrate to Australia, the experience of living in this country, practical application of the English language, and the diploma obtained will help you qualify for well-paid jobs in other countries. Studying in Australia is an excellent option for those planning their future.
Student Visa Program
The Australian Student visa program is designed to provide individuals from the international community with the opportunity to study in Australia at all levels of education, including primary and secondary education, higher education, vocational education and training (VET), postgraduate research, and courses without formal assessment of completion. On average, Australia issues over 250,000 student visas per year, confirming the high standards of education in Australia.
When applying for a visa under the Student Visa Program, regardless of whether the visa application is lodged in Australia or outside its borders, it is necessary to fully comply with all requirements of the student visa subclass determined by the educational course you plan to undertake in Australia. These requirements include:
- Providing all necessary documents in support of the visa application;
- Documentary evidence of financial capacity to support study and living expenses in Australia;
- Proficiency in the English language at a level required for study;
- Substantiated need for education specifically in Australia;
- Mandatory health insurance for the entire period of study and a number of other criteria.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Includes:
- Schools Sector — for study in primary or secondary school, including junior and senior secondary schools, or an approved high school exchange program (high school) from 6 to 19 years of age;
- ELICOS Sector — for students wishing to undertake English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). A standalone course, not a preparatory program for another course (e.g., a degree course);
- Vocational Education and Training Sector — for students wishing to obtain vocational education and training (VET): includes Certificate I, II, III, and IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma;
- Higher Education Sector — for students wishing to obtain higher education: second degree, bachelor’s degree, applied (non-research) master’s degree;
- Postgraduate Research Sector — for students wishing to obtain a master’s degree (coursework or research) and a doctoral degree;
- Non-Award Sector — for students who wish to undertake a non-degree course without graduation or another full course (or part of a course) that does not result in an Australian qualification;
- AusAID or Defense Sponsored Sector — for students sponsored by AusAID or Defense to undertake any full course of study in Australia.
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Intended for parents or guardians accompanying school-age children or student children until they reach the age of 18.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Intended for undertaking training or occupational training.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Intended for those wishing to undertake skilled temporary work in Australia after completing their studies to apply their acquired knowledge in practice.
Professional Assistance with Student Visas
Within the scope of one article, it is impossible to describe the full process of admission to an Australian university. Moreover, everyone has their own situation, which needs to be carefully considered and acted upon based on specific circumstances.
I would be happy to answer your questions regarding student visas within the framework of a paid consultation for visa acquisition. Within this consultation, I will also verify compliance with the criteria for the appropriate visa in your case.
Additionally, I can assist you in selecting an educational institution, negotiate with the educational institution, help with submitting an enrollment application on your behalf, and obtaining a letter of offer required for the student visa application.
After you obtain the visa, I will help you coordinate with the educational institution regarding your airport pickup upon arrival in Australia and your accommodation with a family (English language study), which includes professionals in the field of your interest (doctors, engineers, accountants, and others).
Services for processing student visas are paid and guarantee my professional assistance in all aspects of visa processing.
Service Package Includes:
- Planning and support of the immigration process, taking into account all client circumstances;
- Extended consultation for the client on all aspects of their immigration case;
- Assistance with preparation of supporting documents (motivated justification for studying in Australia, etc.);
- Notarization of document copies, provided that originals of copies are provided;
- Preparation of the applicant for the interview;
- Submission of the visa application to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), representation of the client’s interests, and support of the immigration process until the Delegate’s decision on visa issuance (contact with the Delegate considering the application, regular notification of the client about the progress of application processing, etc.);
- Payment of fees and charges on behalf of the client.
Respectfully,
Australian Registered Migration Agent
Viktor Ovcharenko
MARN 0964258