The GTE requirement applies to all student visa applicants. The officer assessing the visa will and considers whether the individual circumstances of the student indicate that their intention is for a temporary stay in Australia. You must satisfy us that you have a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily.

The student visa is for people who wish to undertake an academic program in Australia. The requirements for a student visa vary depending on the type of program you wish to do. There are different types of courses you can undertake. For ELICOS Courses, you don’t need to necessarily show previous English proficiency, however for VET Courses and Higher Education you need to show proficiency prior to applying. The requirements to apply for a student visa change depending on the institution, the program you wish you study, your country of origin and your situation.

Before you apply for this visa, you must have:

• been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia
• organised appropriate welfare arrangements for the duration of your intended stay in Australia if you are under 18 years of age

The minimum period of time you can apply for a student visa is 3 moths, since this is the requirement from the Department of Immigration of Australia. You can extend your student visa onshore, by choosing a specific study program and meeting the requirement of being a genuine student.

A student visa allows you to work 20 hours per fortnight during your studies and full time during your holidays.