Visa applications
You need a visa to study in Australia. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is responsible for visas. A student visa is not granted automatically. You have to meet strict criteria, so take the time to read the application processes and requirements below.
To be certain you understand the rules completely, and for answers to other questions, you can refer to the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
To find out more about Victoria University's standards of practice and obligations to international students refer to the ESOS framework – Information for international students.
On this page
How to apply for a student visa
You can apply online or in person.
Apply online
DIAC offers online visa applications to students from over 40 countries. Your qualification for online application or an 'eVisa' is based on your assessment level (1,2,3,4 or 5). DIAC determines your assessment level by the country nominated on your passport and the level of study on your application.
There are five study levels for international students at Victoria University:
- English language
- Vocational Education Training (TAFE)
- higher education
- research
- non-award (Exchange and Study Abroad)
First check your assessment level to see whether you qualify for an eVisa. You automatically qualify for an eVisa if you are from any assessment level 1 country.
All students on an AusAID or Defence sponsored student visa are Assessment Level 2.
Apply in person
If you do not qualify for an eVisa application, contact DIAC or the embassy nominated on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
Confirmation of Enrolment
You need an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) before you can apply for a student visa or an extension to your student visa.
Visa document checklist
To complete your application without delay, remember to include:
- your Victoria University electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
- your Victoria University Offer Letter
- other documents listed on the DIAC visa checklist relevant to you.
DIAC will guide you through the rest of the application process.
You must have a valid student visa before you attend enrolment.
Meeting your visa conditions
If you hold a student visa, you must:
- be enrolled full-time in a course approved by the Australian Government
- work no more than 40 hours per fortnight (40 hours every two weeks) during the semester, unless otherwise specified
- study with the educational provider (for example, Victoria University) where you initially enrolled for the first six months of your principal course
- update your address
- maintain valid overseas student health cover
- maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance
- maintain adequate schooling arrangements for any school-age dependants who join you in Australia on a student dependant visa for more than three months
- if you are under 18 years of age, maintain accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements approved by Victoria University International, unless you are staying in Australia with a DIAC-approved relative or custodian. You must not change those arrangements without the written approval of Victoria University International.
Visa alert
Except in extremely limited circumstances, you must not remain in Australia beyond the date authorised on your visa.
Changing address
You must tell Victoria University where you are living within seven days of arriving in Australia. If you change your address, update your details in the MyVU portal within seven days.
Visa alert
If you have condition 8506 attached to your visa, you must notify Victoria University and DIAC at least two working days before you move to your new address.
If you do not tell us about a change of address, your visa may be cancelled.
Work rights
You have automatic work rights if your student visa was granted after 26 April 2008. If you were granted a student visa on or before 26 April 2008, you can apply to DIAC for permission to work.
Work rights allow you to work only:
- for the duration of your visa
- once you have started your course
- for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight (40 hours per two weeks) while your course is in session
- any number of hours during the summer or winter non-teaching periods.
English language requirements
If your student visa application is classified as Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5, you will be required to take an IELTS test. See the DIAC website to determine your assessment level.
ELICOS visas
If you are studying an ELICOS program of no longer than 10 weeks you can apply to travel to Australia on a tourist or visitor visa.
Student visas can only be granted for courses that are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Permanent residency
If you qualify for permanent residency, the university needs to record any changes to your visa status. Visit Victoria University International with your passport and proof of your new visa status.
Visa alert
If you withdraw from your course, the University will notify DIAC that you are no longer a student of Victoria University by cancelling your eCoE. As a result, your student visa will be cancelled. In this situation, you should contact DIAC as soon as possible.
Students under 18
If you are under 18, your parents must nominate a guardian for you before DIAC will consider your student visa application.
Your guardian needs to be:
- over 21 years old
- a relative
- a resident in Australia
- of good character.
DIAC approved relatives are:
- spouse
- child
- adopted child
- parent
- brother or sister
- step-child
- step-parent
- step-brother or step-sister
- grandparent
- grandchild
- aunt or uncle
- niece or nephew
- step-grandparent
- step-grandchild
- step-aunt or step-uncle
- step-niece or step-nephew.
If you do not have a relative in Australia, your parents will need to speak with your recruitment officer to discuss options which may be available to you.
Tourist and Temporary Visas
Contact DIAC to read more about:
- tourist visas
- temporary visas.