Spectrum Overseas

Why Study in Australia?

  • Top Universities: Australia has some of the highest ranked universities in the world like the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the University of Sydney which are all respected globally.
  • Scholarships and Study Loans: The Australian government and educational institutions provide numerous grants and scholarships to attract international talent. International students in Australia can access private loans and scholarships to help cover tuition and living expenses. Some banks and financial institutions offer specific loan products for international students, often requiring a guarantor.
  • For more info about Student Loans and Scholarships, Apply now 
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  • Part-Time Work: Students can work part-time while studying, helping to manage living expenses and gain work experience.
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  • Post-Study Work Visa: Australia offers post-study work visas, allowing graduates to stay and work in the country for a period after completing their studies.
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  • Spouse Visa: International students in Australia can apply for a spouse visa (Subclass 500) to bring their partners to Australia during their study period. The spouse can also work without any restrictions while the student is studying and on full-time during vacation periods.

Recent Rule Changes

• TOEFL iBT: From May 6, 2024, TOEFL iBT is now valid for student visa purposes and is accepted by all Australian universities. Get more infomantion.

As of July 1, 2024, the Graduate Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. The maximum eligible age for Post-Vocational Education Work stream applicants will reduce to 35 years of age or under. Applicants may continue to stay for up to 18 months. Get more infomation

The Post-Study Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream and applicants will continue be eligible if they are under 35 years of age. Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates are still eligible if they are under 50 years of age. This change came into effect from  July 1, 2024. Stay periods for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), remain as:

   • Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years

  • Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years

   Masters (coursework, extended and research) – up to 3 years

   • Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years. Get more information.

As of March 23, 2024, the minimum required score in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been raised from 5.5 to 6.0. For those opting for an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before their main course, the required IELTS score has increased from 4.5 to 5.0. Get more information.

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  • As of July 1, 2024, holders of Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia. This is to stop visa hopping, where people extend their stay in Australia by switching to a different visa. Get more information. 
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Enquiry Form

Recent Updates

Financial requirement

As of 10 May, 2024, the financial threshold for student visa applicants has increased from $24,505 to $29,710 for individual students. This applies to any visas lodged on or after May 10, 2024. The change aims to reduce the risk of international students facing financial difficulties when they arrive in Australia. Applicants should ensure they have enough money to cover their travel, tuition, and living costs. For more information, click here

  • •  The New Genuine Student Requirement
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  • Starting on March 23, 2024, The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced with the Genuine Student requirement for student visa applications  Australia’s student visa assessment process will now include its new Genuine Student requirement (GS). This means applicants no longer need to provide a 300-word statement. Instead, the application process will involve responding to targeted questions. For more information, click here
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  • •  International student application fee increased

As of 1 July 2024, the fee for international student visas will increase from  AUD 710 to AUD 1,600.

Date: 15/10/24
Australia Lottery Visa – MATES
https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/MattThistlethwaite/Pages/mobility-arrangement-talented-early-professionals-scheme-launching-for-india.aspx

Date: 09/11/24
New Passport? Let’s Know
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1260

Date: 14/11/24
Australia MATES

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-403/mates

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Australia is a renowned destination for international students, offering a vibrant student life, excellent universities, and internationally recognized qualifications. If you’re dreaming of studying in Australia, you’ll need a student visa (Subclass 500).

With this visa you can

   • Stay in Australia up to 5 years and in line with your enrolment.

   • work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session.

   • travel in and out of Australia

Requirements to apply Student Visa are:

 • Offer & Confirmation: Secure a place in your desired course and obtain an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) from the educational institution.

 • English Proficiency: Demonstrate your English language skills by taking tests like IELTS or PTE.

Financial Capacity: Show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare. The current minimum financial requirement is AUD $29,710 (subject to change).

 • Health Insurance: Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

 • Age Limit: 6 years and older

 • Additional Documents: Prepare your passport, academic transcripts, work experience documents (if applicable), visa application fee, and passport-sized photographs.

 • GS (Genuine Student requirement): Prepare a compelling statement outlining your genuine intention to study and return to your home country after completing your program.

Document Checklist for Student Visa

While applying for a Student Visa for study in Australia, make sure of having the following in your document file:

Visa application form

Visa application fees

  • Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (once your consultant has applied to institutions)
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  • Language Proficiency Test Results
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  • Prior academic study documents
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  • Any prior work experience
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  • Statement of purpose
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  • Evidence of financial ability

Types of Australia Study Visa

  • Student visa (subclass 500): This is the most common visa for international students enrolling in full-time studies at a registered education provider in Australia. It is a multiple entry visa and student can stay upto 5 years and in their enrolment. It allows you to work part-time while studying and potentially after graduation (with a Temporary Graduate visa).
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  • Student Guardian visa (subclass 590): This visa is for guardians accompanying a student under 18 years old who holds a student visa (subclass 500).
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  • Training visa (subclass 407): This visa is for those undertaking vocational training in specific fields, often associated with a specific employer. It may have limitations on work rights compared to the student visa.

Proficiency Test Requirements for Study Visa (Subclass 500)

Some courses and universities may have higher English Proficiency requirements for admissions than mentioned below:
  • Tests

    Requirements

    IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic

    Minimum band score of 6.0 in each of all four skills

    PTE (Pearson Test of English)

    At least 50 in each module

    TOEFL (Test Of English as a  Foreign Language) iBT

    At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking

    OET (Occupational English Test)

    At least B for each of the 4 components

    CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)

    At least 169 in each of the 4 components

    For more information on proficiency tests, click here

Top 10 Universities in Australia

Australia
Rank 2024
World University Rank 2024World University Rank 2023UniversityProvinceCity
12727University of MelbourneMelbourneParkville
22828University of SydneyNew South WalesSydney
33636University of QueenslandQueenslandBrisbane
43737Monash
University
VictoriaClayton
43737University of New South Wales SydneyNew South WalesKensington
66262Australian National UniversityCanberraCanberra
77474University of AdelaideSouth AustraliaAdelaide
88383University of Western AustraliaWestern AustraliaCrawley
9112112University of Technology SydneyNew South WalesUltimo
10160160Curtin
University
Western AustraliaBentley

Group of Eight (Go8)

The Group of Eight universities are some of the largest and the oldest universities in Australia and are consistently the highest ranked of all Australian universities. The  Go8 comprises Australia’s most research intensive universities. All Go8 Universities are in the QS top 100 for Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences and Management. The Go8 receives 71 per cent of Australian Competitive Grant (Category 1) funding and had the largest proportion of research fields rated at 4 or 5, with 99 per cent of Go8 research being world class or above. Seven of the Go8 members are ranked in the world’s top 100 universities and all Go8 members are ranked in the world’s top 150 universities. Here is the list of the members of Go8:

University of Adelaide
Australian National University
University of Melbourne
Monash University
UNSW Sydney
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
University of Western Australia

Medical Exam

If you plan to stay in Australia for more than 6 months then you need a Medical Exam. You must go for medical exam before you apply for Student Visa.


Panel Physicians:
There is a list of specific doctors called Panel Physicians who can do your medical exam. To find a doctor near you click here.  You must book an appointment with the doctor via contact details provided in the list. You have to pay non-refundable Medical Exam fee which is different in every doctor’s clinic.

Requirements: On the day of Medical Exam, some of the requirements are as under:

  •  • Passport
  •  • Any Eye glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
  •  • Any medical reports for any previous or existing medical conditions
  •  • A list of your current medications
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After Medical Exam, Physician sends the results to Australian Department of Home and will give you a document to confirm that your medical exam is done.

If you want a copy of your medical exam results, you can get it from the physician. Your medical exam results are valid for 12 months only.

*For more information about medical requirements, click here

List Of Panel Physicians in Punjab

  1. SPS Hospital (Ludhiana)

Address: Sherpur Chowk GT Road, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141003

Link: spshospitals.com/visa-medical/ 

Phn. No.: +91 1615037777

  1. Bagga’s Private Clinic (Ludhiana)

Address: B18/3791/3A/1, Jagjit Nagar Pkhowal Road, Ludhiana , Punjab, 141001

Link: N/A

Phn No.: +91 9814001200

  1. Max MedCentre (Mohali)

Address: Plot No – A-19, Industrial Area Phase 6 Mohali, 160055 

Link: www.maxhealthcare.in 

Phn No.: +91 172 5212000

  1. Kansal Clinic (Mohali)

Address: Kothi No: 04, Phase 02, SAS Nagar (Mohali) , Punjab 160054

Link: kansalclinicmohali.com 

Phn No.: +91 1724664663

  1. National Medical and Dialysis Centre (Chandigarh)

Address: No. 516, opp. Hotel Mountview, 10D, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011

Link: N/A

Phn No.: +91 172 507 4333

  1. Ivy Hospital (Amritsar)

Address: Raja Sansi Rd, DR Enclave, Bal Schander, Amritsar, Kanboh, Punjab 143101

Link: ivyhospital.com

Phn No.: +91 9780011234

For the whole list of Panel Physicians in India , click here

OSHC (Health Insurance)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for international students and their dependents (including spouses and children under 18) in Australia. You are required to have OSHC for the entire duration of your study in Australia.

You’ll need to factor in the cost of OSHC when budgeting for your studies.

By using these resources and considering the additional costs, you can create a more accurate budget for studying in Australia as an international student.

To Calculate OSHC, click here

Companies that provide OSHC;

  •  • CBHS
  •  • Medibank and  
  •  • AHM
  •  • Bupa
  •  • NIB
  •  • Allianz
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  • For more information about OSHC, click here

AUSTRALIA STUDENT VISA STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

Spouse Visa with Study Visa

You can include family members when you lodge your student visa application, including:   

 •
your partner (spouse, de facto or same-sex partner) 

  •  •  your dependent child/children under 18 years of age and, or 
  •  •  your partner’s dependent child/children under 18 years of age.  

You must provide evidence showing your relationship with your dependent family members. This may include marriage certificates and birth certificates.   

Your family members will also need to provide evidence that they meet specific health and character requirements. This may include medical examinations and police clearance certificates. 

You will also need to prove that you can financially support your family when you are in Australia.  

For more information on how to include your family in your student visa application, Get more information.

Regional Areas in Australia

Regional areas in Australia are designated to foster population growth and economic development beyond the major cities. These areas provide additional advantages for visa holders, such as extra points for skilled migration and eligibility for specific visa pathways, including the Second Post-Study Work Stream.

Australia is home to 51 regional capital cities. Here are some of the Cities and Major Regional Centers:

  •  Perth

  •  Adelaide

  •  Gold Coast

  •  Sunshine Coast

  •  Canberra

  •  Newcastle/Lake Macquarie

  •  Wollongong/Illawarra

  •  Geelong

  •  Hobart

For a list of all Designated Regional Areas 

Benefits of Living and Working in Regional Areas

  •   •  Additional Visa Points: Gain extra points for skilled migration by studying or working in regional Australia.
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  •   •  Visa Incentives: Access to the Second Post-Study Work Stream and other regional-specific visas.
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  •   •  Pathway to Permanent Residency: Enjoy simpler pathways and additional points towards permanent residency.
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  •   •  Job Opportunities: Explore potential job opportunities in industries experiencing skill shortages.
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  •   •  Quality of Life: Benefit from a lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle compared to major cities.
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These classifications and benefits are designed to promote migration to areas that need population and economic boosts, ensuring a more balanced distribution of migrants across the country.

For more information about Regional Areas

Work Rights for International Students

  • From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight (24 hours a week) while studying. Student visa holders have no work restrictions when their course of study or training is not in session. Students cannot work before their course starts.

  • For more information

  • Here are some helpful resources for further information:

    • • Australian Government Department of Education: [rights of international students at work ON Australian Government]
    • • Fair Work Ombudsman: [know your Australian work rights a guide for international students ON Study NSW]
    • • Immigration and Citizenship (Australian Government): [work restrictions for student visa holders ON Department of Home Affairs
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Post-Vocational Education Work stream & Post-Higher study Work stream

  • The Graduate Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

    The Post-Study Work stream has been renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

      •  Post-Vocational Education Work stream:

        • For international students with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

  •        •  Valid for up to 18 months
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  •   •  Post-Higher Education Work stream:
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  •        •  For international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.
  •        •  Valid for 2 to 4 years depending on the qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree).
  •        •  Only available to students who applied for and were granted their first student visa on or after 5 November 2011.
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  • The Second Post-Study Work Stream is an extension of the Post-Higher Education Work stream under the Subclass 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream visa. It allows holders of the first Post-Higher Education Work stream to extend their stay in Australia for an additional period. Here are the key details:

    Eligibility Requirements:

    •   •  You must hold a first Post-Vocational Education Work stream visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
    •   •  You must have lived, worked, or studied in a regional area of Australia for at least two years during your first Post-Higher Education Work stream.
    •    •  You must meet health and character requirements.   
    •    • You must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
  • For more info, click here

Path to Permanent Residency in Australia

Australia offers a pathway to permanent residency (PR) for international students who graduate and gain work experience with a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa (post-study work visa). Here’s a breakdown of the general process:

  1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria:
  •   • You’ll need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This verifies your skills meet Australian standards.
  •   • You must score enough points on a points test based on factors like age, English language proficiency, qualifications, and work experience.
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  1. SkillSelect – Express of Interest (EOI):
  •   • SkillSelect is the Australian government’s online portal for skilled migration applications.
  •   • You’ll create an EOI that details your skills, experience, qualifications, and English language test scores.
  •   • Immigration officials invite candidates with the highest point scores to apply for a PR visa.
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  1. Applying for a PR Visa:
  •   • If invited through SkillSelect, you can submit a formal application for a specific PR visa subclass (e.g., Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)).
  •   • This application process involves more detailed documentation and may require police checks, medical examinations, and visa fees.
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Additional Considerations:

  •   • Employer Sponsorship: If your occupation is on a skilled occupation list but you don’t meet all the points independently, an employer may be able to sponsor your PR application (Subclass 186).
  •   • State Nominations: Some Australian states offer additional points or nomination pathways for PR through skilled migration programs.

Australia offers a range of visitor visas for individuals who wish to travel to the country for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process, requirements, and types of visitor visas available for Australia.

Australia Visitor Visa(Subclass 600)

  •   • Purpose: For tourism, visiting family or friends, or business purposes.
  •   • Duration: Typically up to 12 months.
  •   • Eligibility: Open to applicants outside Australia, as well as those already in Australia who wish to extend their stay.
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  •   Streams:
  •   • Tourist Stream: For tourists visiting Australia for leisure or to visit family/friends.
  •   • Business Visitor Stream: For business-related visits such as attending conferences or meetings.
  •   • Sponsored Family Stream: For individuals sponsored by a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  •   • Approved Destination Status Stream: For citizens of certain countries visiting Australia in organized tours.

For more info on Visitor Visa (Subclass 600),  click here

Eligibility Criteria

  •   • Genuine Intention: Applicants must genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for the purpose stated in their application.
  •   • Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia.
  •   • Health Requirements: Meet the health standards set by the Australian government.
  •   • Character Requirements: Meet character requirements, including providing a police certificate if required.
  •   • Insurance: It is recommended to have health insurance to cover any medical expenses during your stay.


Required Documents

  •   • Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Australia.
  •   • Visa Application Form: Complete the appropriate form for the type of visa you are applying for.
  •   • Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.
  •   • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, payslips, or other evidence of financial capacity.
  •   • Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including flight bookings and accommodation reservations.
  •   • Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage (Not mendatory).
  •   • Character Documents: Police certificates, if applicable.
  •   • Invitation Letter: If visiting family or friends, an invitation letter from your host.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can apply if you’re enrolled in a registered course at an Australian university, college, or vocational education provider and meet character and health requirements.

  • You’ll need to pass an approved English language test like IELTS or PTE with scores meeting the specific course entry requirements.

Currently, you need to demonstrate access to at least AUD$24,505 per year to cover living expenses. This amount may vary depending on your location.

No, unlike some countries, Australia doesn’t require a GIC for student visas. You can show funds through savings, scholarships, or sponsorship.

Yes, an SOP is mandatory. It explains your academic background, program choice, and future goals, convincing immigration of your genuine study intentions.

Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (roughly 3 days a week) during your studies and full-time during breaks.

  1. You might be eligible for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa allowing you to work in Australia for 2-4 years after graduation, depending on your qualification.

Yes, there’s a pathway to PR for graduates with relevant work experience. This involves skills assessment, a points test, and applying through SkillSelect.

Processing times can vary, but generally take 4-6 weeks. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended study commencement date.

You’ll need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay. This is a government-regulated health insurance plan specifically for international students in Australia.

There are limited options for student visa holders to bring family members. You may be eligible for a dependent visa for your spouse and children, but this depends on meeting specific criteria.

You’ll generally need to notify the Department of Home Affairs within 7 days of any changes to your enrollment. In some cases, you may need to apply for a new visa depending on the program changes.

  • Yes, you can travel outside of Australia on your student visa, but you’ll need to meet specific conditions. Make sure you have a valid visa and re-entry permission before departing Australia.

  1. You have the same basic workplace rights and protections as any Australian worker. This includes minimum wages, fair working conditions, and entitlements like breaks and leave.

In addition to the Department of Home Affairs website, there are resources available from the Australian Trade Commission (ustrade.gov.au [invalid URL removed]) and state government education departments.

Many Australian universities and organizations offer scholarships to international students. Research scholarships relevant to your field of study for financial assistance options.

Tuition fees vary depending on the university, course, and level of study. You can find cost estimates on university websites. Living expenses will also factor in, so budgeting is crucial.

Consider factors like the university options, living costs, job opportunities, climate, and overall lifestyle when choosing a city for your studies in Australia.

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