Author: UCAS
Manufacturer: University & College Admissions Service (UCAS)

A pocket-size guide for those who are thinking about university or college, make informed choices about applying and to help through the process of getting there. It helps to answer key questions, such as: what course should I do? Where and when shall I apply? How much does it cost? It also includes many helpful tips and references.

Price: $23.00 USD

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Higher Education Sector (subclass 573) visa

Source: http://www.immi.gov.au/

This visa is for international students applying to study in Australia and whose main course of study is one of the following:

• bachelor degree
• associate degree
• graduate certificate
• graduate diploma
• masters by coursework.

This visa is also used:

• to renew your current student visa
• to apply for a family member to join you in Australia.

You must have:

• been accepted to study full-time in a registered course at an educational institution in Australia
• enough money to pay for travel, tuition and living expenses for yourself, your spouse and your dependent children (whether or not they are accompanying you to Australia) for the duration of your stay in Australia. 

More information about eligibility

Application forms and booklets

• Form 157A  Application For A Student Visa (156KB PDF file).
• Application checklist Higher Education Sector visa (subclass 573) – Assessment level 3 (95KB PDF).

What to do before you apply

Please make sure you have read all the relevant information before lodging an application.

More information about the Higher Education visa

Location

Applicant must not arrive in Australia before the grant of the student visa application.
You must apply for a visa at the Australian Embassy in your Country (Find your local Embassy)

Visa application charge

• $450

The visa application charge must be paid as part of the visa application process and is generally not refundable. There may also be additional costs, such as medical examinations (if required). Visa application charges are subject to adjustment on 1 July each year.

The visa application charge can also be paid in Australia for an applicant outside Australia.
More information about fees, charges and methods of payment

Length of stay

• If your course is 10 months or less: one month longer than the end date of your course.
• If your course is 10 months or more and ends at the end of the standard academic year: your visa will be granted until 15th March of the following year.
• If your course is 10 months or more and does not end at the end of the standard academic year: two months longer than the end date of your course.

Work rights

Visa granted on or after 26 April 2008:

You will already have permission to work. You:

• can work up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session
• must not start work until you have commenced your course in Australia.

 Your family members:

• can work up to 20 hours per week at all times
• must not start work until you have commenced your course in Australia
• have unlimited work rights if you have commenced a course towards a masters or doctorate degree.

More information about obligations

Bringing family

Eligible dependant family members can accompany you to Australia.

More information about family eligibility

Pathways to permanent residency

You may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration once you complete your studies.

More information about General Skilled Migration

Skill requirements

No, however you must have been accepted to study in a full-time registered course.

More information about the Higher Education visa