10 Steps To Nail Your Student Visa Application

Are you interested in studying in Australia? 

Whether you’ve found your dream course or you’re just looking to try something new, the next step is the application of your student visa.

While this may sound simple, there are a few things to consider when applying for a student visa. For instance, you need to choose the right health institution, provide proof of finance and other character requirements. 

But don’t feel overwhelmed. With the following 10 steps, your student visa application process will be a walk in the park.

Step #1 – Understand the requirements

Before you start applying for your student visa, you need to make sure you can actually study in Australia. There are a few requirements you need to meet and they include the following: 

• Financial stability: Finance experts explain that you need to prove to the Australian government that you are financially stable to stay in Australia. Therefore, you need to check the financial requirements before making your student visa application. 

• Competency in English: You need to be competent in both written and spoken English before you can apply for a visa to study in Australia. You need to prove your competency for the same before your visa is approved. 

• Academic requirements: You need to achieve certain grades or academic achievements before you can do any course in Australia. Different institutions will have their own grade requirements so you need to do your research and identify the required grades. 

Step #2 – Choose your institution 

The institution where you plan on studying in Australia needs to be CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions And Courses For Overseas Students) registered. 

This is a body with a list of approved Australian institutions that recruit, enrol and educate foreign students. If your Australian institution of choice is registered by CRICOS, you can rest assured that it’s a legitimate place of study. 

Step #3 – Your chosen course must fit the requirements

To qualify for a student visa in Australia, you should enrol for a course that takes at least 3 months. You must also enrol for one of the following levels of education. 

• Primary school 
• High school 
• Short course 
• Intensive English Language course
• Vocational education and training course
• Higher education tertiary course
• Postgraduate research 

Step #4 – Research The Student Visa Application Process 

Different institutions have their own requirements when it comes to apply for student visas. For instance, you might be required to apply for a visa through a qualified agent. 

In that case, you need to contact the institution for the relevant information before you start the student visa application. That way, you can rest assured that you have followed the right steps. 

Step #5 – Wait for COE before applying for a visa 

Before applying for a student visa, you need to have a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). Make sure you provide it during the visa application process so it’s ideal to have it ready before you start. 

Step #6 – Complete a health examination

In order to apply for a student visa, you need to do a health examination. Lismore physiotherapist Verona Chadwick says you should “make sure you do this exam early enough to avoid any hassles that might slow down the whole process.” 

You don’t want your student visa application derailed because you didn’t take into account the health requirements.

Look through the official Australian Government website for more information on how to proceed with your health examination. 

Step #7 – Apply for health insurance 

For the duration of your course, you need to have health insurance. It will cover any medical expenses incurred during the stay or hospital issues. Your chosen institution should be able to arrange the best health insurance cover for you. 

Alternatively, you can choose your own provider. Of course, you need to check with the institution before you apply for your own cover. 

Step #8 – Prepare necessary documents 

You need to start preparing the necessary documents early. Visit the official government website to find the necessary documents you need for the application. 

These include: 

• financial records
• English language requirements
• proof of health insurance

If you have these documents ready before you start the application process it will be smooth enough for you. 

Step #9 – Always revise 

Once you have submitted your student visa application, you need to go through it to see if there are any errors. It’s devastating if your student visa application is rejected because of simple errors.

Step #10 – Prepare for the interview 

Just like you would prepare for a job interview, you need to do the same for your student visa application. Here are a few tips to help you with this preparation process. 

• You should know every detail of your student visa application such as the statement of purpose. 

• You need to do more research about the type of questions you might be asked, says confidence trainer and anxiety experts Act Now Hypnosis. They say this confidence will help you overcome nerves and answer questions like “why you are looking to study in Australia, how you are planning to remain financially stable and what you hope to do once your studies are completed. Answering these confidently will go a long way to a successful application.” 

• You should do a practice interview with a friend or family member so you can familiarise yourself with the answers early enough.

• Make sure you are confident enough during the interview. That’s because the immigration official will be on the lookout on whether or not you can handle your studies or your stay in Australia. 

Use these tips when applying for an Australian student visa to avoid any costly errors or mistakes and you’ll be touching down on your new life in Australia in no time!

Looking to nail your student visa application and need a little helping hand? Speak to the expert team from 101 Migration to find out more!