Studying in Australia

There are various visas that you can apply for to study in Australia which depend on the type of study you choose to undertake.


Higher Education

If you would like to study in Australia at a university or tertiary level then you may be eligible for the Higher Education Sector Visa or Postgraduate Research Sector Visa.

If your intention is to study a non-award foundation studies course or components of a course (other than English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) that does not lead to an award then the Non Award Sector Visa may suit your needs.


For those who intend to travel to Australia to undertake English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) the Independent ELICOS Sector Visa provides this option.


Higher Education Sector visa (subclass 573)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia to study a full-time higher education course.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are enrolled as a student in a registered course for the award of:

• a bachelor or associate degree
• a graduate certificate or graduate diploma
• a masters degree by coursework
• a higher education diploma or advanced diploma.

Postgraduate Research Sector visa (subclass 574)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia to do postgraduate research.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are enrolled as a student in a registered course for the award of:

• a masters degree by research
• a doctoral degree.

Non Award Sector visa (subclass 575)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia to study a full-time:

• non-award foundation studies course
• course or components of a course (other than ELICOS) that does not lead to an award.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are enrolled as a student in a registered course that does not lead to an award.


Independent ELICOS Sector visa (subclass 570)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia to study a full-time English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are enrolled as a student in a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).



Primary and Secondary School

For visas that allow students to enrol in primary or secondary school, or for participation in school exchange programmes the School Sector visa may be suitable.

Guardians of an international student younger than 18 years of age can apply for the Student Guardian Visa in order to stay with the student in the country.


Schools Sector visa (subclass 571)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia to study a full-time school course.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are:

• enrolled as a student at a primary or secondary school
• participating in a secondary school exchange program.

Guardian visa (subclass 580)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia:

• as the guardian of an international student younger than 18 years of age studying in Australia on a student visa
• in exceptional circumstances, as the guardian of an international student over 18 years of age studying in Australia on a student visa.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you:

• are a parent or person who has legal custody of the student, or a relative who is nominated by a parent or custodian of the student
• are at least 21 years of age
• have no family members younger than 6 years of age, except under certain circumstances
• are able to provide accommodation, general welfare and other support to the student.

Education, Training and Sponsorship for Study

International students that are interested in vocational education and training courses can apply for the Vocational Education and Training Sector visa.

For training and research opportunities which allow you to take part in structured workplace-based training, you may be eligible for the Training and Research visa.

In some cases the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence will sponsor students to study in Australia. Students participating in this arrangement may be eligible for the Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector visa.


Vocational Education and Training Sector visa (subclass 572)
​This visa allows you to stay in Australia to study a full-time vocational education and training course.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are:

• enrolled as a student in a registered vocational education and training course
• enrolled as a student in a registered course for the award of advanced diploma.

Training and Research visa (subclass 402)
​​​This visa allows you to:

• take part in structured workplace-based training to enhance your skills in your current occupation, area of tertiary study, or field of expertise (Occupational Trainee stream)
• participate in a professional development training program in Australia after being invited to do so Professional Development stream
• observe or participate in an Australian research project after being invited to do so (Research stream).

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are one of the following:

• an occupational trainee (Occupational Trainee stream)
• a professional, manager or government official (Professional Development stream)
• a professional academic (Research stream)

You must meet the requirements of the stream in which you apply.​


Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector visa (subclass 576)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia to study full time.​

Requirements
You might be able to get this visa if you are an international student sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence.