Applying for a student visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you obtain and maintain a valid passport and student visa to enter Australia for study purposes.
If La Trobe University makes you an offer of a place and you accept it, you will be issued with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) form which you can then use to apply for a student visa at your nearest Australian diplomatic mission. A comprehensive list of diplomatic missions is available from the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
You will be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
As of 1 July 2001, the Australian government has assigned countries into Assessment Levels (1-4). Each level has particular visa criteria that must be met in order to receive a student visa. There may also be different criteria according to the level and type of study you intend to undertake in Australia.
Student visas are issued by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Visit the DIAC website for information on any recent changes to the student visa program.
You can get assistance with visa applications from La Trobe University's Overseas Representatives.
Please note that once you have your student visa there are certain conditions that you must abide by.
Applying online for an Australian student visa
Assessment Level 1 students who are applying for certain visa sub-classes can apply online via the DIAC website. It is important that you first refer to the Country Assessment Level information on the DIAC website to determine if your country level and subclass are categorised as Assessment Level 1. For further information please email DIAC: eVisa.Students.Helpdesk@immi.gov.au
Pre-visa assessment (PVA)
Please refer to the DIAC website for detailed information about your country assessment level and visa criteria.
Country assessment levels 1 and 2
Students from assessment levels 1 and 2 do not need to provide the University with a PVA. Upon acceptance of your offer, you will receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) which you lodge with the nearest Australian diplomatic post.
Country assessment levels 3 and 4
Students from assessment levels 3 and 4 must apply for a PVA by lodging your formal letter of offer with your nearest Australian diplomatic post. The PVA process normally takes 6-16 weeks. When the unconditional PVA is approved, you are then able to formally accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). You then lodge your eCOE with the nearest Australian diplomatic post.
Please note: we are unable to issue you with an eCOE until your PVA is received.
