The purpose of this visa is to allow international students to undertake full-time study and training in Australia. This visa enables a student to stay in Australia for the duration of the course. The student must enrol with an Australian education provider before lodging a visa application.

All of the following types of study are included on this visa.

• independent ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
• schools (primary and secondary)
• secondary school exchange program
• vocational education and training (VET)
• higher education
• postgraduate research
• non-award courses
• international students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs or Defence.

Requirements

 As the visa applicant, you must:

•  enrol with an Australian education provider as a full-time student and obtain the CoE  confirmation of this enrolment (predominantly on-line courses are not eligible)
• the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement All applicants must show they are coming to Australia temporarily to gain a quality education. 
• have the required level of English language proficiency unless exempt
• have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia
• have access to sufficient funds to cover your return airfares, tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia for one year, as well as costs required for any dependents included in your application. The exact amount of funds a student requires is set by Department of Home Affairs, and is determined by your chosen education provider, your course of study and other personal circumstances.

The exact requirements for this visa will depend upon the level of risk assigned to your application (the ‘Immigration Risk’), which is a combined immigration risk assessment determined by the risk rating of the education provider and your passport nationality