Visa eligibility

Find out if you’re eligible for a student visa.

The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs is responsible for issuing student visas. In order to get a student visa, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements.

You can find an overview of eligibility requirements below. For comprehensive information about eligibility requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Student Visa fee waiver eligibility (Form 1545)

The Department of Home Affairs may waive the visa application fee if you held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and were not able to complete your course within the original visa dates due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Before you apply

Before you apply for your visa, you’ll need to:

  • have been accepted to study full-time at an Australian education institution.
  • hold a passport that has been valid for at least six months.
  • have organised appropriate welfare arrangements for your time in Australia if you’re under 18.
  • have valid Health insurance for the entire duration of your studies.
  • have a valid visa if you are onshore at the time of application

How your application is assessed

When you apply for a student visa, the Department of Home Affairs will consider whether:

  • you are enrolled in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
  • you are a genuine temporary entrant (GTE), meaning you genuinely intend to stay in Australia for a temporary period
  • you can access enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living and travel costs for you and your family while you’re in Australia
  • your English skills match the Department’s minimum standards
  • you pass a health examination
  • you are a person of good character and meet character requirements.