Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Student Visas
Student Eligibility
1. Does the 16 month minimum course duration for secondary school include time spent doing English training prior to starting school?
No. The Letter of Offer and Confirmation or Enrolment from the secondary school must be for a total period of at least 16 months (inclusive of school holidays). You cannot enrol only in Year 12.
2. I am under 18 years of age. Do I need a relative or guardian to sponsor me to study in Australia?
If you are under 18 years of age, you must have acceptable arrangements for your accommodation, support and general welfare for the duration of your student visa or until you turn 18 (whichever happens first). You must show that you will either:
• live in Australia with your parent or legal custodian;
• live in Australia with a relative over 21 years of age who is nominated by your parent or legal custodian;
• live in Australia under a welfare arrangement that has been approved by your education provider.
3. Can I change my course during application processing?
Yes. You can change your course at any time up until a decision is made. If you:
• change your course after the pre-visa assessment (PVA) stage; and
• your new course length is longer than your initial course; then your application will undergo PVA again. The new PVA assesses your financial ability to meet the funds required to do the new course.
The application would retain its place in the processing queue.
4. Can I extend my student visa in Australia if I enrol in another course after completing my initial courses?
You cannot extend your visa if it carries Condition 8534 (this condition generally applies to visas with a stay period of 10 months or less). Otherwise, you can apply for another student visa whilst in Australia. To do this, you need to lodge a new student visa application on Form 157A Student Visa Application and meet all the same requirements as if you were applying from overseas. You should contact the DIAC office in Australia about the supporting documents required. Evidence of funds in an Australian financial institution account is acceptable.
5. Can I apply for a student visa again if I have had an application refused before?
Yes, you can reapply at any time. You should address the issues that caused your first application to be refused.
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