Student Visas
Australia offers world class education standards and internationally recognised qualifications and applicants with Australian qualifications have a greater chance of employment in Australia.
Australia has become extremely popular for students to experience their study options in one of the worlds most enviable locations embracing a magnificent climate, pristine beaches and a safe relaxed lifestyle.
Students can apply under a number of different visa sub-classes depending on the course of study proposed but this fact sheet focuses primarily on students who have chosen to study in Australia with a view to applying for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa for Australia once they have successfully completed their studies.
Vocational Education & Training Sector Temporary visa subclass 572
This visa is designed for international students applying to study in Australia and whose main course of study is:
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A certificate I, II, III and IV (except Elicos)
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A diploma
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An advanced diploma
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A vocational graduate certificate
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A vocational graduate diploma
Vocational Education & Training Sector Temporary visa subclass 573
This visa is designed for international students applying to study in Australia and whose main course of study is a:
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Bachelor degree
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Associate degree
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Graduate certificate
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Graduate diploma
Important factors to consider
Applicants enrolling on a course of study in Australia with the objective of applying for a GSM visa need to consider and understand a number of important factors:
- The course of study should be conducted in English and be closely related to the occupation you subsequently nominate for skills assessment on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).
- You may wish to consider choosing a course of study in an occupation which features on the Migration Occupations Demand List (MODL). Note: The MODL is subject to change and therefore no guarantee can be given that your nominated occupation will continue to remain on the MODL.
- You should be mindful that 15/20 points for MODL can only be awarded if you can evidence 12 months relevant work experience in the 48 months before you apply for a GSM visa.
- You will need to have successfully completed your course and applied for a GSM visa before your 45th birthday in order to be eligible.
Two year study requirement
Applicants wishing to apply for an onshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa or a Skilled Graduate visa must meet the two year study requirement and have completed a Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) course at an Australian education institution in Australia leading to the award of a degree, diploma or trade qualification.
You must apply for a GSM visa within 6 months of completing your course and not the date of conferral of your award of study. To meet this requirement the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will use the CRICOS to determine the standard duration of the course. A course that has a registered duration of 92 weeks is considered to be a 2 year course and therefore will meet the 2 year study requirement
Visa options available in Australia on completion of study
Skilled Graduate (temporary) visa subclass 485
This visa is not points tested and is ideal for students who require additional time to meet the passmark for a permanent General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa. The visa is valid for 18 months and has unrestricted work and study rights. As a holder of this visa, you may apply for a permanent onshore GSM residence visa at any time providing you are able to meet the passmark on the GSM points test.
Skilled Independent (Residence) visa subclass 885
This visa class does not require sponsorship but you will be assessed against a points test and will need to reach the current passmark of 120 points in order to be granted a visa.
Skilled Sponsored (Residence) visa subclass 886
This visa class requires sponsorship from an eligible relative living in Australia or a nomination from a participating State or Territory. This visa category is also points tested and the current passmark is 100
Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa subclass 487
This visa class requires sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or a nomination from a participating State or Territory. This visa category is also points tested and the current passmark is 100. The provisional visa is granted for 3 years and offers the opportunity to be granted permanent residence after you have lived for 2 years and worked for 1 year in a specified regional area of Australia
Concept Australia
You are advised to maintain contact with Concept Australia who will be pleased to assist you with further visa requirements once you have completed your course of study.
How are points awarded?
All applicants will be entitled to receive points for the following 4 factors:
The skill (depending on the nominated occupation) 60/50
Age (you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application) 15/30
English language ability 15/25
Successful completion of an Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification 05
Other points can be awarded for:
12 months employment in your nominated occupation 10
The completion of a professional year in your skilled occupation 10
Study for 2 academic years in a regional or low growth metropolitan area 05
Sponsorship by a State or Territory 10
Sponsorship from a relative residing in a designated area of Australia 25
12 months employment in nominated occupation on the MODL 15
12 months employment and a job offer in nominated occupation on the MODL 20
Sponsorship criteria
Sponsorship by family
If you are applying for a Skilled Sponsored (Residence) visa subclass 886 the following relatives can act as a sponsor:
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A non-dependent child (a natural, adopted or step-child)
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A parent
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A brother or sister (including an adopted or step-sibling)
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A niece or nephew (including adopted or step-niece or nephew)
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An aunt or uncle (including adopted or step-aunt or uncle)
If you are applying for Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa subclass 487 the following relatives can act as a sponsor
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A non-dependent child (a natural, adopted or step-child)
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A parent
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A brother or sister (including an adopted or step-sibling)
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A niece or nephew (including adopted or step-niece or nephew)
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An aunt or uncle (including adopted or step-aunt or uncle)
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1st cousin
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a grandparent
Sponsorship by a State or Territory
If you are sponsored by a participating State or Territory you must have a nominated occupation that is in demand and on their own skills list plus a commitment to work and reside in that state or territory
How can I enroll in a course of study and apply for a student visa?
Concept Australia has an arrangement with one of the UKs leading Australian education placement specialists and will arrange enrolment on your behalf on a recognised course best suited for your future and long term planning needs and objectives.
Concept Australia is the UKs most experienced migration consultancy and has been helping people migrate to Australia since 1991 and can offer a unique understanding and knowledge of the migration industry. The company is overseen by Grahame Igglesden who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA 99010124). Further information on the code of conduct expected of a MARA agent can be found at www.themara.com.au
Planning your future in Australia is a complex process and to be granted a visa you must satisfy the lawful requirements of the Department of Immigration & citizenship (DIAC). If you do decide to appoint a migration agent to represent you, DIAC strongly advise you appoint a registered migration Agent. Appointing Concept Australia will give you peace of mind that you are being represented by a company who will apply a professional code of conduct and experience that you can rely on at all times.
For further information, please contact your nearest Concept Australia office.
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