The Ultimate Checklist for Your Australian Student Visa Application

Gather the necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process for your Australian student visa. As advised by the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship, start collecting them at least 90 days before submitting your application. This will provide ample time to acquire everything required.

Here’s the document checklist for Australian student visa:

Personal Identification:

• Valid Passport: To be accepted for entry, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended time in Australia. Authorities use previous visas to confirm your identity and nationality when travelling internationally, aiding in understanding your past travel experiences in other countries.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs (51mm x 51mm) meet the specified requirements.

Proof of Enrolment in an Australian University:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): The official document issued by your university confirming your enrolment in the specific course.
• Registration Letter:  The registration letter you received from the Australian university you applied to.

Academic Background:

• Academic Transcripts: Photocopies of all your academic diplomas, bachelors degree, certificates, and other credentials relevant to your intended studies in Australia, including your degree certificate.

Financial Capability:

Proof of Funds: You must display the total amount in your account for the first year’s tuition fees and living costs for one year at the university to which you have been selected.

• As of May 2024, to study in Australia, you must demonstrate a bank balance of AUD 29,710 (INR 16 Lakh) for living expenses for one year.
• Minimum 3-month-old bank balance certificate and statements with evidence of income.
• Documents that verify income sources for the student and the sponsor (if any).
• Copy of scholarship letter.

Acceptable Evidence of Funds:

To be granted a student visa, you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia. Here’s what you can provide as evidence:

• Money Deposits: Bank statements showing funds in a reputable financial institution are acceptable. Term deposits may also be considered if you have unrestricted access to the funds during your visa period.
• Loans: A legally binding loan from a recognised financial institution is acceptable. This includes lines of credit and credit cards with a pre-approved limit.
• Government Loans or Scholarships: Official documentation confirming financial support from a government agency, educational institution, or international organisation is required.

Unacceptable Evidence:

• The value of property you own cannot be used as evidence.
• Funds held in non-approved financial institutions, such as post office accounts, are not acceptable unless transferred to a recognised institution.

Financial Institutions:

• The financial institution must be:
  • Licensed by the country’s central bank.
  • Implement sound credit risk management practices.
  • Hold a high credit rating from an independent body.
  • Have a history of providing legitimate financial evidence to Australian immigration.

Family Members:

• If family members are joining you, they must demonstrate their own financial capacity to meet living expenses.

Secondary Exchange Students:

• The AASES form issued by your exchange program is sufficient proof of financial capacity.

Requesting Additional Evidence:

Immigration may request further financial documentation in limited circumstances, such as:

• If there are concerns about your ability to support yourself financially.
• If you have a history of visa applications where financial resources were an issue.

Affidavit of Financial Support:

If relying on a sponsor’s funds, they will need to provide an affidavit declaring the available funds cover your tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and return airfare.

Health Insurance:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): A valid OSHC receipt confirming your health insurance coverage is a minimum AUD 478 for 1 year for your stay in Australia.

Travel Information:

• Airline Ticket: If your study program in Australia exceeds six months, a copy of your one-way airline ticket might be requested.

Character Requirements:

• Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate of no criminal history obtained from your country.

Visa Application Materials:

• Visa Application Form (Subclass 500): This is a long-stay application form for over 90 days. It is the completed online application form for a Subclass 500 visa.
• Application Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the mandatory student visa application fee (AUD 710).

English Language Proficiency :

• English Language Test Scorecard: A copy of your IELTS (minimum 6.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 46), or PTE (minimum 42) scorecard if you are from a non-English speaking nation.

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

The Australian government has introduced the Genuine Student (GS) requirement to streamline the student visa application process and enhance its effectiveness. As of March 2024, GS has also replaced GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant). Here’s why GS requirements have replaced GTE:

• Improved Clarity: The GS requirement offers clear guidelines on how visa applications are evaluated. This transparency ensures a consistent assessment process for all applicants.
• Managing Migration Aspirations: Previously, expressing a desire to migrate to Australia after studies could raise questions about an applicant’s genuine intention to return home. The GS requirement removes this ambiguity, allowing applicants to focus on their academic goals while acknowledging potential future aspirations.
• Identifying Non-Genuine Students: The new format, with its targeted questions, empowers the Department of Home Affairs to identify better applicants whose primary purpose may not be genuine academic pursuits.
• Promoting a Thriving Education Sector: By ensuring a student body with a genuine commitment to studying in Australia, the GS requirement fosters a high-quality international education sector. This benefits not only legitimate students but also reputable education providers, agents, and employers seeking talented graduates.

The Australian student visa application process now incorporates the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, replacing the previous 300-word statement. This streamlined approach involves a series of targeted questions designed to assess your genuine intention to study in Australia.

What Information Does the GS Requirement Gather?

The GS questions delve into various aspects of your background and study plans:

• Current Circumstances: You’ll provide details about your current situation, including family ties, community involvement, employment status, and financial circumstances. These details establish your connection to your home country.
• Course and Destination Choice: Explain your rationale for choosing your specific course and why Australia is your preferred study destination.
• Anticipated Benefits: Outline how studying your chosen course will benefit you academically and professionally.
• Prior Study Experience in Australia: If you have any previous study experience in Australia, provide details about it.
• Visa Type Change: If you currently hold a visa other than a student visa, explain your reasons for applying for a student visa.
• Additional Information: You have the opportunity to share any further relevant information that strengthens your application.

Student Visa Declaration:

The student visa declaration has also changed. By signing the statement, you confirm that:

• You understand the meaning of being a genuine student.
• You have read, comprehended, and agreed to abide by all student visa conditions and notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in your circumstances.
• You are aware that while pathways to permanent residency exist after your studies, only a limited number of graduates qualify.