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Frequently Asked Question
Consultation / Gather Documents 1 ~ 2 Weeks
School Application 2 ~ 6 Weeks
Visa Application 3 ~ 7 Weeks
Study FAQ
School Terms
Australian universities generally follow a semester system, with two main intakes each year—late February and late July.
In addition, there are Special Teaching Periods:Due to the nature of certain programs, some courses may not follow the traditional semester structure and instead adopt continuous teaching, clinical placements, or short-term sessions.
Australian primary and secondary schools have four terms per year:- Term 1: Late January- Term 2: Late April- Term 3: Mid-July- Term 4: Mid-October
Required Documents
You are usually required to provide a copy of your passport, academic qualifications, proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores), proof of financial resources, and a personal statement or résumé.
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to submit Form 1229 (a consent form signed by your parents or guardians) and Form 157N (if your parents are not accompanying you, you must nominate a guardian in Australia).
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to submit Form 1229 (a consent form signed by your parents or guardians) and Form 157N (if your parents are not accompanying you, you must nominate a guardian in Australia).
Processing Time
School Application Timeline:It is recommended to start preparing your application materials 6 to 12 months before your intended start date to allow enough time to handle any issues during the application process. Once the school receives your application, the processing time is approximately 2 to 6 weeks.
Visa Application Timeline:After receiving your letter of admission, preparing your student visa application usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Therefore, it is advised to submit your visa application at least 3 months before the course begins to allow sufficient time for the Department of Home Affairs to process it.
Visa Application Timeline:After receiving your letter of admission, preparing your student visa application usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Therefore, it is advised to submit your visa application at least 3 months before the course begins to allow sufficient time for the Department of Home Affairs to process it.
English Language Course (ELICOS)
When can you apply?If your IELTS/PTE score is close to the English requirement for your main course under the student visa, but you are short by up to 0.5 to 1.0 points, you can apply for a packaged course that includes an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program along with your main course.
Generally, for each 0.5 point shortfall (overall or in a specific band), about 10 weeks of ELICOS is required.
When to apply for the English course:It’s best to apply 3 months in advance, though 1–2 months is also acceptable depending on visa processing times.
What is taught in the English course:English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – helps students adapt to the academic environment in higher education and develop skills in research and teamwork.
Generally, for each 0.5 point shortfall (overall or in a specific band), about 10 weeks of ELICOS is required.
When to apply for the English course:It’s best to apply 3 months in advance, though 1–2 months is also acceptable depending on visa processing times.
What is taught in the English course:English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – helps students adapt to the academic environment in higher education and develop skills in research and teamwork.
Financial Capacity
The financial requirements recommended by the Australian Department of Home Affairs are calculated as follows:- Living expenses: AUD 29,710 per year- One year of tuition fees: Based on the amount listed in your offer letter or on the institution's official website- Return airfare: Approximately AUD 2,000 per person
If you have additional applicants (dependents), you must also include their living expenses:- AUD 10,394 for a partner- AUD 4,449 for each child (calculated individually per child)
If you have additional applicants (dependents), you must also include their living expenses:- AUD 10,394 for a partner- AUD 4,449 for each child (calculated individually per child)
Pathways to Enter Australian Universities:
- High school graduates progressing directly to undergraduate programa
- Pathway from vocational education (VET) or diploma to a bachelor's degree
- Bachelor’s degree holders progressing to a master’s program
- Diploma to master's via a Master Qualifying Program (MQP) or Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP)
- Other pathways: Work Experience Entry – Some master’s programs accept several years of relevant work experience in place of formal academic qualifications.
How to Choose a Course:
Consider Your Personal Interests:If you have a strong passion for a hobby—such as photography, cooking, or graphic design—choosing a related course can help you improve your skills and turn your interest into a career.
For those who already have work experience and plan to pursue further studies, it is recommended to choose a course related to your academic background or professional experience, as this can help enhance your expertise and increase your career competitiveness.
Consider Visa Risk:When applying for a student visa, it’s important to clearly demonstrate the connection between your chosen course, your background, and your career goals. Explaining to the visa officer how the course aligns with your education or work experience—and how it will help you achieve your career objectives—can strengthen the credibility and persuasiveness of your visa application.
Consider Visa Risk:When applying for a student visa, it’s important to clearly demonstrate the connection between your chosen course, your background, and your career goals. Explaining to the visa officer how the course aligns with your education or work experience—and how it will help you achieve your career objectives—can strengthen the credibility and persuasiveness of your visa application.
Scholarship
Many educational institutions in Australia offer competitive scholarships each year to outstanding applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
No separate application is required—once the school receives all of the student’s application materials, they will automatically assess eligibility for scholarships. Eligible students may receive either an offer letter that includes the scholarship or a separate scholarship notification letter.
No separate application is required—once the school receives all of the student’s application materials, they will automatically assess eligibility for scholarships. Eligible students may receive either an offer letter that includes the scholarship or a separate scholarship notification letter.
Accomdation
- On-campus housing: Approximately AUD 350–600 per week- Shared or private rental: Around AUD 200–500 per week- Homestay: AUD 350–550 per week, including meals
For students under 18 years old, a local guardian is required, and homestay is often one of the recommended options. *All homestay providers in Australia must be formally registered and go through strict screening by local authorities to ensure a safe and secure living environment for students.
For students under 18 years old, a local guardian is required, and homestay is often one of the recommended options. *All homestay providers in Australia must be formally registered and go through strict screening by local authorities to ensure a safe and secure living environment for students.
Graduate Requirement
Australia adopts a flexible and diverse assessment approach. Most courses do not rely heavily on final exams, but instead focus on ongoing performance, assignments, projects, and practical skills.
The system emphasizes skills development and independent learning, with course formats that include class discussions, teamwork, case studies, and presentations.
In addition, formal thesis presentations are uncommon in Australia. Instead, learning outcomes are usually assessed through continuous assignments and project work.
The system emphasizes skills development and independent learning, with course formats that include class discussions, teamwork, case studies, and presentations.
In addition, formal thesis presentations are uncommon in Australia. Instead, learning outcomes are usually assessed through continuous assignments and project work.
Relevant Fees
Tuition Fees:Tuition fees vary depending on the course. Most universities charge around AUD 25,000–55,000 per year.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):According to Australian immigration regulations, international students must hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of their stay in Australia. The cost is approximately AUD 800 per year, and this fee must be paid before applying for the student visa.
Australian Student Visa Application Fee (2025):The application fee is AUD 1,600, and after applying, you must undergo a medical examination at an immigration-approved medical center. The basic medical tests cost about AUD 300.
Living Expenses:- Accommodation: Approximately AUD 200–400 per week, depending on personal circumstances.-Food: Around AUD 150–300 per week. Cooking your own meals is significantly cheaper than eating out.-Transportation: About AUD 15 per week (students get discounts on transport cards; if living on campus, you may walk to classes).-Other expenses (such as personal items, phone bills, clothes, entertainment, etc.) vary depending on individual preferences.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):According to Australian immigration regulations, international students must hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of their stay in Australia. The cost is approximately AUD 800 per year, and this fee must be paid before applying for the student visa.
Australian Student Visa Application Fee (2025):The application fee is AUD 1,600, and after applying, you must undergo a medical examination at an immigration-approved medical center. The basic medical tests cost about AUD 300.
Living Expenses:- Accommodation: Approximately AUD 200–400 per week, depending on personal circumstances.-Food: Around AUD 150–300 per week. Cooking your own meals is significantly cheaper than eating out.-Transportation: About AUD 15 per week (students get discounts on transport cards; if living on campus, you may walk to classes).-Other expenses (such as personal items, phone bills, clothes, entertainment, etc.) vary depending on individual preferences.
Process FAQ
Application Process
1. Prepare materials, confirm eligibility and timeline for application.2. Obtain English language test scores and prepare study funds, then submit your school application.3. Receive a Full or Conditional Offer. - Submit or provide additional materials to meet the conditions.- Once the school confirms the conditions are met, you can accept the offer.4. Pay tuition fees, purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and start preparing materials for your Australian student visa application.5. The school issues the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).6. Apply for a student visa.7. Successfully obtain the visa and travel to Australia.
Can you apply for a student visa if your English doesn't meet the requirements?
No.
If English is a requirement for the course you're applying to, you must first meet the language requirement before the school can issue the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), without the CoE the student visa cannot bu launch.
(Alternatively, if the gap in scores is not too large, you can apply to the university for a English Bridging Course).
At the same time, after applying for a visa, there is a possibility that the Australian Department of Home Affairs may randomly check your English test scores.
At the same time, after applying for a visa, there is a possibility that the Australian Department of Home Affairs may randomly check your English test scores.
Student Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an Australian student visa (subclass 500) typically ranges from 3 to 7 months, but the exact duration may vary depending on individual circumstances, the completeness of the application, and peak application periods.
The processing time for student visa applications made within Australia is generally longer.
The processing time for student visa applications made within Australia is generally longer.
Can the Australian student visa application be expedited ?
There is no expedited service for processing Australian student visas.
If the delay in submitting your visa application is due to not meeting the conditions stated in the offer letter, and this causes you to miss the course start date, you may request for a deferral with the University.
If the delay in submitting your visa application is due to not meeting the conditions stated in the offer letter, and this causes you to miss the course start date, you may request for a deferral with the University.
What is "downgrading" ?
"Downgrading" refers to the act of applying for a lower-level course when the applicant already having a higher qualification level (such as an undergraduate degree holder, applying for a course in Cert III).
Can you apply for a student visa if you're engaging in downgrading?- It is not recommended. When processing student visas, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will assess whether the chosen course is reasonable and beneficial for the applicant’s career development. If there is a large downgrading in the qualification levels (for example, moving from a master's degree to a Cert III), it will be difficult to convince the immigration visa officer that you are genuinely pursuing education for academic purposes. This may lead to suspicion that you are a "non-genuine student", which increases the risk that leads to a visa rejection.
Can you apply for a student visa if you're engaging in downgrading?- It is not recommended. When processing student visas, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will assess whether the chosen course is reasonable and beneficial for the applicant’s career development. If there is a large downgrading in the qualification levels (for example, moving from a master's degree to a Cert III), it will be difficult to convince the immigration visa officer that you are genuinely pursuing education for academic purposes. This may lead to suspicion that you are a "non-genuine student", which increases the risk that leads to a visa rejection.
Graduate FAQ
485 Temporary Graduate Visa
This visa is for students who have completed an Australian qualification and provides temporary work rights for 1.5 to 5 years.
It is divided into two streams:- Graduate Work Stream: Suitable for graduates from vocational courses (skilled trades).- Post-Study Work Stream: Suitable for graduates from higher education courses (such as undergraduate and master's degrees).
Age Requirement-Age limit: The main applicant must be under 35 years old (as of July 2024). However, the following exceptions apply:-Holders of Hong Kong or BNO passports have an age limit of 50 years.- Research-based master's or PhD graduates also have an age limit of 50 years.
English Language RequirementsMinimum score: IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no band lower than 5.5 (or equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, etc.).Validity: English test results must be obtained within one year prior to application (previously three years).
Study RequirementsCourse registration: Must complete at least two years (92 weeks) of full-time CRICOS-registered study, with at least 16 months of actual study in Australia.
Application timing: The visa application must be lodged within 6 months of course completion.
Please refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
Age Requirement-Age limit: The main applicant must be under 35 years old (as of July 2024). However, the following exceptions apply:-Holders of Hong Kong or BNO passports have an age limit of 50 years.- Research-based master's or PhD graduates also have an age limit of 50 years.
English Language RequirementsMinimum score: IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no band lower than 5.5 (or equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, etc.).Validity: English test results must be obtained within one year prior to application (previously three years).
Study RequirementsCourse registration: Must complete at least two years (92 weeks) of full-time CRICOS-registered study, with at least 16 months of actual study in Australia.
Application timing: The visa application must be lodged within 6 months of course completion.
Please refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
PR Pathway (189/190/491)
Many international students, after completing a qualifying course, will consider for Australian's permanent residency through skilled migration, employer-sponsored migration, or other pathways.
Common pathway:First, graduate, then apply for the 485 visa. This provides ample time to prepare for the relevant skills assessment or wait for an EOI (Expression of Interest) invitation. The waiting time will vary depending on the relevant skills assessment authority and the priority ranking of the occupation.
What is an "EOI"?EOI stands for Expression of Interest. It is a points-based system that scores applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English proficiency. Applicants with higher scores are more likely to be invited by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to apply for a visa.
What is a "skills assessment"?For skilled migration, a relevant agency must assess your occupation to confirm that your qualifications and skills meet Australian standards. For example, chefs are assessed by TRA, while engineers are assessed by EA.
Common pathway:First, graduate, then apply for the 485 visa. This provides ample time to prepare for the relevant skills assessment or wait for an EOI (Expression of Interest) invitation. The waiting time will vary depending on the relevant skills assessment authority and the priority ranking of the occupation.
What is an "EOI"?EOI stands for Expression of Interest. It is a points-based system that scores applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English proficiency. Applicants with higher scores are more likely to be invited by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to apply for a visa.
What is a "skills assessment"?For skilled migration, a relevant agency must assess your occupation to confirm that your qualifications and skills meet Australian standards. For example, chefs are assessed by TRA, while engineers are assessed by EA.
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