Understanding the Australian student visa

The Australian student visa (Subclass 500) is a crucial document that allows international students to pursue their education in one of the world’s most renowned study destinations. Although the process to obtain it involves several steps, they’re straightforward and easy to follow. Applicants must ensure that they meet the necessary criteria and follow immigration regulations.

Australian student visa processing steps

1. Choose an institution and program

To initiate the Australian student visa application process, prospective students must first select an institution and program that aligns with their educational goals. It’s essential to ensure that their chosen institution is registered with the Australian government.

2. Wait for the Letter of Offer

If their application is successful, students will receive a Letter of Offer from their education provider, which contains their course details, enrolment conditions and fees they will need to pay if they accept the offer.

3. Wait for the Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)

After accepting the Letter of Offer and paying the deposit, students will receive a CoE from their education provider. This document verifies their enrolment in a specific course and is a crucial prerequisite when applying for an Australian student visa, as it signifies that the student is officially registered in their declared course.

4. Write the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

The GTE statement is a statement that addresses a student’s personal circumstances for undertaking their proposed study in Australia. As part of the Australian student visa application, students need to submit a 300-word English GTE statement outlining their intention to study in Australia and return to their home country upon completing their studies.

5. Prepare proof of financial capacity

Australian immigration authorities require evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel to prove that students have sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their stay. This includes bank statements, financial sponsorship letters, or any other relevant financial documentation. As of October 2023, the Australian government requires applicants to show evidence of $24,505 in savings.

6. Secure the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The OSHC is the health insurance coverage for international students in Australia. The compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan will usually cover visits to the general practitioner (GP), some hospital treatments, an ambulance and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).

7. Lodge the visa application

The actual visa application can be submitted online or on paper. Those who prefer to apply online must do so through the official immigration portal and create an ImmiAccount.

Processing time for Australian student visa

After submitting their application, students must now wait for the results. During this time, they should regularly log into their ImmiAccounts to check for messages from the Department and respond promptly.

The processing time for Australian student visa can vary based on factors such as the type of course, nationality of the applicant, and the completeness of the application. Students can use this guide to calculate the expected processing time for their Australian student visa application.

Tips for processing an Australian student visa

Now that we’ve gone through the process, here are some tips on how to facilitate a smooth and successful application:

Organise complete and accurate documentation

Applicants should make sure that all required documents are properly organised and complete. They should provide accurate information to avoid delays or complications in their visa application.

Prioritise financial preparedness

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs during their stay in Australia. They should prepare evidence of financial capacity, through bank statements and other considered documents, per the visa requirements.

Stay informed and updated

Applicants should be aware of any changes in visa policies or procedures by regularly checking with their education provider for updates. After submitting their applications, they should also check their emails regularly for updates or requests from the Department.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information and guidelines. Seeking assistance from qualified organisations such as upGrad GSP can also help streamline the process. Connect with one of our business development experts today and get a better understanding on how to help students navigate their journey seamlessly, turning their educational dreams in Australia into reality.

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What are the intakes for Australia?

In Australian education, an intake typically refers to the specific period or session during which educational institutions admit or take in new students. A question often asked regarding this is: “How many intakes for Australia are available within a school year?” Australian universities and colleges often have multiple intakes throughout the year. This allows prospective students to apply and enrol in courses at different times. Generally, there are two main Australian intakes for international students:

1. February Intake: This is the primary intake for most courses and is considered the main academic year start.
2. July Intake: Some universities and institutions have a mid-year intake in July, offering another opportunity for students to start their studies.

Some institutions may have a smaller intake in November, but this is less common.

Australia intakes for masters

Prospective graduate school students may wonder: “How many intakes are there in Australia for masters?” Australia intakes for masters follow this same semestral schedule. This is because most universities offer the same intake windows for both undergraduate and post-graduate programs. Either way, all international students looking to study in Australia must inform themselves of the differences between the intakes. Their choice ultimately gives a specific range of academic opportunities and serves as the starting point of their journey.

Being the primary intake, the February intake in Australia offers all academic programs. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, vocational education and training, and English language courses. Students who apply during this period have a higher chance of getting accepted. This is because institutions receive and process the greatest number of applications. Additionally, the academic calendar aligns with the Northern Hemisphere. It’s convenient for foreign students to plan their studies and return home during breaks. Additionally, it provides students with more time to make the move and settle in, immerse themselves in their new environment and connect with peers before beginning their studies. This is why February is the preferred intake period for masters in Australia.

On the other hand, the July intake in Australia is the secondary intake which offers all major programs. Compared to the February intake, the July intake usually has a lower volume of applications. There are also fewer scholarships and financial aid available.

Choosing your intake for post-graduate studies

The differences between the two intakes don’t make the July intake in Australia the lesser option. It will always boil down to a student’s desired university, course and subjective study goals. It’s essential to check the intake dates of the specific program and institution they are interested in, as different courses and levels of study may have different intake periods. For this reason, staying informed about each intake’s offerings is necessary to prepare and choose well.

Before deciding on which intake would suit you best, here are some important questions students should be able to answer first:

• “Which program do I want to study?”
• “Which universities are ideal for my chosen course?”
• “What are the requirements for a master’s in Australia?”
• “How long will it take me to complete all the requirements?”
• “How much time am I willing to allot to complete this course and which options are available to me?”

Knowing their answers to these questions will ultimately help aspiring graduate students understand which intake would work best for them. Planning well and creating a timeline to follow is also something that will ease the burden when applying for a masters in Australia.

GSP’s business development experts are more than happy and capable to help you further understand the major terms and themes around an Australian education, such as specific details regarding an intake for masters in Australia, as well as what are the requirements for a master’s in Australia so that you are equipped and ready to guide your students with their dreams to study in Australia.

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What is considered in the GTE?

The GTE considers multiple factors that demonstrate a student’s genuine intention to stay in Australia to gain an education. These include:

• personal circumstances in one’s home country
• potential circumstances in Australia
• immigration history
• value of the desired education in one’s future
• other matters relevant to an intention to remain in Australia temporarily.

For students below 18 years old, the intentions of their parent, legal guardian or spouse are also assessed.

How to comply with the GTE requirement

To comply with the GTE requirement, students must submit a personal statement addressing their intention to enter Australia temporarily as a student. This should be written in English, typically in 300 words and with a 2,000-character limit. It must address one’s purpose and circumstances for undertaking their proposed study in Australia. In addition to this, applicants may also be required to attach supporting documents to back up claims declared in their personal statement.

What to include in a GTE personal statement

The Australian government encourages internal students to include the following evidence and information in their GTE personal statement:

Previous study

The student must talk about their previous education, ideally highlighting academic achievements that could qualify their pursuit for further education in Australia. They should include names of past education providers and periods of study. They may also submit academic transcripts and certificates of attainment.

If there were gaps in previous studies (e.g., the student took a break in between semesters), they must also address this, providing valid reasons for not maintaining enrolment.

Current employment

Employed students need to provide information on their current employer, such as the nature of their work, period of employment, company address and references.

Ties to country of residence

To prove that they’re returning to their country of residence after completing their studies, applicants must submit evidence of financial, family or social ties. These may include ongoing employment, presence of close family members in the home country and property or other significant assets that show significant incentives to go back.

Financial capacity

The Australian government wants to ensure that international students can afford the cost of education and day-to-day living in the country as they study. Applicants must exhibit their economic situation. They can do this by providing documents showing employment or business activities for the past year, potential employment offers and income tax returns or bank statements.

Supporting evidence

Students may be required to supply supporting evidence to back up claims made in their personal statements. These may include official government or financial documents, as well as other articles that may complement relevant declarations. For example, if a student is taking up a course that enhances their job prospects for an industry that needs more staff, they can provide evidence of employment advertisements from the country to show it.

Tips for writing a GTE personal statement

Writing a GTE personal statement might get intimidating since the burden of proof lies with the student. But with clear intentions, it’s easy to comply with GTE requirements. It’s best to be honest and straightforward with one’s declarations, avoiding any misleading information. Applicants must be consistent in their claims and provide clear and accurate documentation for all requirements.

Before writing a GTE personal statement, it’s recommended that students do some research about their chosen course, institution and the Australian education system as a whole. They should also read up on the GTE itself to better understand how it’s assessed so that they can provide adequate details.

The GTE interview

After submitting the required documents, applicants will have to attend a GTE interview with a case officer to further verify their personal statement and documentation. The officer will likely ask questions about the details already declared previously.

GTE interviews can be done at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or online by visa conference call.

To prepare for the interview, a student should review their application and study the details in their GTE personal statement. That way, they’ll be ready to provide more information when asked. Applicants should also read up on their institution and course, as well as the general Australian educational landscape. That way, they can exhibit their readiness to pursue their studies in the country.

Students must be as honest and straightforward in their GTE interview as they were in writing their GTE letter. It’s best to provide facts and provide evidence to prove one’s true intentions for studying in Australia.

How long is GTE approval?

Once the GTE requirement is submitted, it typically takes between four to six weeks to process. This may vary on a case-by-case basis and depending on the country where the application is being processed.

While it may not guarantee faster turnarounds, providing complete and substantial information and documents may push faster and more favourable results.

Why is the GTE requirement important?

Australia is a top study-abroad destination that openly welcomes international students to its shores. But in doing so, its government wants to make sure that these entrants are purposefully entering the country to study and have the intention to return home after graduating. The GTE requirements are a measure to prevent the misuse of student visas.

If the Australian Immigration Office deems a student’s GTE requirement inadequate—that is, if they see that a student has no honest intention to remain only temporarily in the country—they may be denied a student visa. Therefore, properly complying with GTE requirements is a crucial step in an international learner’s application to study in Australia.

Learn more about study requirements in Australia

The GTE is but one of the many requirements to study in Australia. To help students achieve their dream of pursuing education in the country, we must help them navigate the different application processes involved with the move. Speak to one of our Global Study Partners (GSP) business development experts to learn more about study requirements in Australia!

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